M. S. Nagappa
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Rao Bahadur M. S. Nagappa | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1890 |
| Died | 12 January 1942 (age 51) |
| Occupation | Sculptor |
| Known for | sculpting a statue of George V on the silver jubilee of his reign |
| Children | 5, including Mani Nagappa |
Rao Bahadur M. S. Nagappa (c. 1890 – 12 January 1942[1]) was an Indian sculptor who designed statues and monuments in British India. In 1935, Nagappa was appointed official sculptor to the British Crown by George V.[2]
Nagappa was born in a family of traditional sthapathis or sculptors.[3] Sculpting was the main occupation of his ancestors for five generations before him.[2] Nagappa wanted to join the Madras School of Arts but could not.[3] However, impressed with his abilities, Hadaway, the Principal employed Nagappa as his assistant.[3]
Career
When there was a plague epidemic in the Madras Presidency, the government requested Hadaway to prepare a painting of a victim so as to study the plague in detail. Nagappa prepared the painting with the help of a mould of the victim and was acknowledged and awarded for his work.[3] Following this success, Nagappa set up a studio at Narasingapuram (now part of Ritchie Street), Madras.[3]
In 1935, Nagappa prepared a bronze statue of George V and presented it to the monarch during his silver jubilee celebrations on behalf of Lodd Govindoss Chathurbhujadoss, a popular businessman and philanthropist of Madras.[2][3] Nagappa was awarded a "Rao Bahadur" medal for his work.[2][3] George V also appointed him official sculptor to the British Crown and presented him with a coat of arms.[2]
In 1936, Nagappa sculpted a statue of the Maharaja of Travancore.[4]