Madanapalle is a rich repository of British-era edifices and monumental buildings, thanks to its rich theosophical and Christian background.
With the passage of time, many buildings have turned ramshackle, while some are retained and refurbished to be used as government offices. Here is a brush and palette-wielding artist who has drawn eye-catching paintings of these imposing structures to make them stay in public memory forever.
A. Jayapaul, a retired English lecturer and principal of Besant Theosophical (BT) College, Madanapalle, is also an artist, who has trained several art aspirants in the nuances of painting. A native of Kavali (Nellore district) and a product of Sri Venkateswara University, his stint at BT College from 1981 till his superannuation in November 2018 made him eat, sleep and breathe every inch of Madanapalle.
He used to watch with awe the impeccable architectural style of construction behind the British era buildings in the town. Linking up this admiration with his passion for art, he gave shape to the important buildings such as BT College, Sub-Collector’s Office, MRO’s Office, CSI school, ZP High School, and DSP bungalow, all of which are 70-130 years old.
His paintings
Interestingly, the paintings include Tagore Cottage, the famous hut where Rabindranath Tagore stayed in February 1919 when the tune for ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was set. Another attraction is the painting of ‘Olcott Bungalow’ on BT College campus named after Henry Steel Olcott, a senior colleague of Annie Besant in the Theosophical Movement.
“I casually started painting these buildings and soon realised it grow into a passion. My idea is to preserve the beauty of such buildings and pass it on to posterity,” Dr. Jayapaul told The Hindu. He perfected the art from ‘Padma Sri’ awardee P. Sripathi and calligraphy from Dr. Henry, in spite of his busy schedule as an academician.
Dr. Jayapaul is getting ready to hold an exhibition of his paintings in June, where he will also conduct demonstration for the benefit of students.