RK Narayan's house declared as heritage building

The house owned by renowned English writer late RK Narayan in Mysore has been declared a heritage building by Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).

The ceiling of the house in Yadavagiri, built by Narayan in the early 50s when he wanted to move away from his residence at Laxmipuram, purchased by a realtor, was partially demolished recently to make way for a multi-storeyed apartment.

However, in the wake of public outcry, MUDA had last week halted demolition of the residence where he penned his masterpieces, conjuring up the fictional town of Malgudi.

Narayan, regarded as one of the greatest Indian English novelists, had lived in this 100 x 120 foot structure from 1950 till he moved to Chennai in 1990s due to ill health.

The writer penned his masterpieces from the oval-shaped 'bay-room' with massive windows that gave a full view to the inspiring greenery outside.

A group of writers, who had visited the house during a seminar held on his birth centenary in October 2006, suggested it be converted to a museum.

MUDA Tuesday said in a statement that it has declared the house as a "heritage building".