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Feb 2025
45m 17s

228. The Man Who Lived A Thousand Lives:...

Goalhanger
About this episode

Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel transformed India’s landscapes but faced immense personal struggles. Despite rising to prominence as the Maharaja of Mysore’s trusted landscape architect, Krumbiegel suffered greatly during the first and second world wars, enduring hardship and isolation in British-run camps.


Krumbiegel’s resilience shone through even in adversity. His expertise was so revered that, after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, the newly independent India entrusted him with landscaping the Raj Ghat memorial in Delhi, a sacred space visited by dignitaries from around the world to this day.


Listen as William and Anita delve into Krumbiegel’s legacy - a tale of brilliance, resilience, and deep-rooted love for India. Despite facing internment, political shifts, and personal loss, his vision shaped not just gardens but the very essence of India’s urban and cultural landscapes. This is the story of a man who, though German by birth, left an indelible mark on India’s heart and soil.


Many thanks to Vinay Parameswarappa for introducing us to the fascinating story of Gustav Krumbeigel.


Twitter: @Empirepoduk


Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com


Goalhangerpodcasts.com


Assistant Producer: Becki Hills


Producer: Anouska Lewis


Senior Producer: Callum Hill


Exec Producer: Neil Fearn

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