Empire Podcast Episode 227 Summary: "The Man Who Lived A Thousand Lives: Taming Nature (Ep 1)"

Release Date: February 6, 2025
Hosts: William Durrimple and Anita Anand
Title: The Man Who Lived A Thousand Lives: Taming Nature (Ep 1)

Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 227 of Empire, hosts William Durrimple and Anita Anand delve into the captivating story of Gustav Hermann Krumbagel, a largely unknown yet profoundly influential figure in the history of Indian horticulture and urban planning. This episode, titled "The Man Who Lived A Thousand Lives: Taming Nature (Ep 1)," explores Krumbagel's extraordinary journey from a impoverished German boy to the Maharaja of Baroda’s chief gardener, highlighting his monumental contributions to India's botanical landscape.

Unveiling Gustav Hermann Krumbagel

Anita Anand introduces Gustav Hermann Krumbagel as a Renaissance man whose impact on India remains underappreciated:

“He will transform Bangalore. He will leave his stamp on Mysore. He will create one of the greatest tourist sites in India today, the Brindavan Gardens in Karnataka, which has 2 million visitors every year.”
— [Anita Anand, 01:56]

Krumbagel's multifaceted role encompassed architecture, civic planning, agriculture, and horticulture. Despite his significant contributions, his life story is marked by adversity, including internment during both World Wars due to his German nationality and dying in poverty.

Krumbagel’s Early Life and Journey to Kew Gardens

Born in 1865 in Lohman, near Dresden, Krumbagel faced economic hardship from a young age. Forced to leave school at 14, he pursued horticulture through apprenticeships in Pilnitz, Mecklenburg, and Hamburg. His relentless ambition led him to Kew Gardens in London, the epicenter of botanical research and imperial botanical networks.

Anita Anand describes Krumbagel's perseverance:

“He uses that time at Hyde Park to learn English... He applies to Kew Gardens three times. They keep telling him, go away. But maybe eventually... they give him a job.”
— [Anita Anand, 14:24]

William Durrimple adds context to Kew Gardens’ significance:

“It was the great center of British attempts to collect the plants of the world... a scholarly center that can unite the world, but particularly the British Empire in a whole sort of botanical network.”
— [William Durrimple, 14:24]

Krumbagel’s dedication saw him thrive at Kew, where he fell in love with the English rose and built personal and professional relationships that would shape his future.

Marriage and Mentorship at Kew

Krumbagel’s personal life took a pivotal turn when he married Katie Clara, a local woman from the area surrounding Kew Gardens. This union not only anchored him emotionally but also propelled his professional growth, thanks to mentorship from William Goldring, a senior figure at Kew.

Anita Anand highlights this mentorship:

“William Goldring notices this kid and... he be the bridge.”
— [Anita Anand, 17:00]

William Durrimple humorously compares Goldring’s appearance:

“He looks like something out of one of those early Sherlock Holmes... Inspector Lestrade.”
— [William Durrimple, 17:12]

Goldring’s introduction of Krumbagel to the Maharaja of Baroda marked the beginning of a transformative partnership.

The Maharaja of Baroda and the Defiant Durbar

Anita Anand narrates the Maharaja Sayadji Rao Gaikwad III of Baroda’s audacious act of defiance at the Delhi Durbar:

“He comes, he bows once, only a bit, and then he turns around and he walks away, turning his back on the King Emperor.”
— [Anita Anand, 22:56]

This act, deemed unforgivable by the British, led to his temporary fall from grace and a tarnished reputation. However, his rebellious spirit resonated with Krumbagel’s own defiance against conventional paths, forging a strong bond between the two.

Krumbagel’s Innovations in Baroda

Upon arriving in Baroda, Krumbagel introduced groundbreaking agricultural and horticultural practices:

1. Tree Census and Mapping:
   Krumbagel initiated India's first comprehensive tree census, meticulously mapping existing trees and planning the planting of hundreds of thousands more. This systematic approach was revolutionary in India, emphasizing the importance of urban forestry and ecological planning.

   “He creates something called a tree census... mapping where the existing ones are. And this is revolutionary in India.”
   — [Anita Anand, 28:55]

2. Population-Linked Tree Planting:
   Implementing a policy where the birth of a boy warranted the planting of 15 trees and a girl 10 trees, Krumbagel linked population growth with environmental sustainability.

3. Establishment of Plant Nurseries:
   Under his guidance, India saw the creation of its first major plant nursery, facilitating the propagation and distribution of diverse plant species.

4. Water Management for Monsoons:
   Addressing the agrarian challenges of Baroda, Krumbagel constructed lined ditches across 8,000 villages to capture monsoon rains, ensuring water availability during dry seasons. Additionally, he introduced fish into water reservoirs, developing a thriving fishery economy.

   “He decides that maybe we should link tree planting to population... He sets up India's first great plant nursery.”
   — [Anita Anand, 28:55]

These initiatives not only enhanced Baroda’s green cover but also bolstered its agricultural resilience against monsoon failures.

Legacy and Impact

Krumbagel’s collaboration with the Maharaja of Baroda spanned 14 years, during which he managed 64 gardens and orchestrated the landscaping of numerous palaces and public spaces. His ability to seamlessly integrate gardens with the surrounding countryside created enduring green spaces that continue to attract millions of visitors.

However, despite his remarkable achievements, Krumbagel's story is one of paradox—celebrated in Baroda yet forgotten in broader historical narratives. Anita Anand poignantly reflects on his obscurity:

“It is rather nuts that no one knows his name.”
— [Anita Anand, 27:15]

Teasing Future Challenges

The episode concludes with a hint of the challenges Krumbagel would face, setting the stage for subsequent episodes to explore the darker turns in his life, including his internment during the world wars and his eventual decline.

“But all of this, being as brilliant as it is, will not be the pinnacle of his success... more crumb bagel content.”
— [Anita Anand, 32:57]

Conclusion

Episode 227 of Empire masterfully chronicles the life of Gustav Hermann Krumbagel, shedding light on a figure whose contributions to India’s botanical and urban landscapes are monumental yet underrecognized. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions, William Durrimple and Anita Anand invite listeners to appreciate the intricate ties between empire, nature, and the individuals who shape them.

Notable Quotes:

• “He is just this Renaissance man with an extraordinary impact on India.”
  — Anita Anand, 01:56

• “He uses that time at Hyde Park to learn English... he applies to Kew Gardens three times.”
  — Anita Anand, 14:24

• “He creates something called a tree census... this is revolutionary in India.”
  — Anita Anand, 28:55

• “It is rather nuts that no one knows his name.”
  — Anita Anand, 27:15

Timestamp Overview:

• 01:09 - 03:27: Introduction and discovery of Krumbagel
• 03:27 - 07:53: Krumbagel’s work reverse to plant extraction from India
• 07:53 - 10:14: Deccan vs. Mughal gardening traditions
• 10:14 - 17:00: Krumbagel’s early life and journey to Kew Gardens
• 17:00 - 25:13: Mentorship under William Goldring and connection to Maharaja of Baroda
• 25:13 - 33:25: Krumbagel’s innovations in Baroda and promise of future challenges

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 227, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the key themes, discussions, and insights shared by the hosts, while highlighting the profound yet overlooked legacy of Gustav Hermann Krumbagel.