Bengaluru Then and Now
Bengaluru Then
Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka state in southern India, has a rich history and significant cultural importance.
Originally known as Bangalore, the city’s name is derived from “Bengalūru,” a Kannada word referring to a village near Kodigehalli, which was used by Kempe Gowda when founding the city in 1537.
The anglicized version of “Bangalore” became widely recognized during British colonial rule. In 2005, a proposal led by renowned writer U. R. Ananthamurthy advocated for the city’s name to revert to its Kannada roots.
This proposal was officially accepted by the Government of Karnataka in 2006, and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) passed a resolution to change the name.
After gaining approval from the Union government in 2014, the name change to “Bengaluru” was implemented on November 1, 2014.
The renaming of Bangalore to Bengaluru reflects a movement towards preserving local cultural heritage and restoring the city’s original identity.
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Bengaluru History
Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years, shaped by various dynasties, rulers, and cultural influences.
The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region dates back to around 4000 BCE, as discovered through Stone Age artifacts found during the 2001 Census of India.
These artifacts were found in areas like Jalahalli, Sidhapura, and Jadigenahalli, on the outskirts of modern Bengaluru.
The region was later involved in trade with ancient civilizations, evidenced by the discovery of Roman coins at Yeswanthpur and HAL Airport, suggesting that Bengaluru was part of trans-oceanic trade routes as early as 27 BCE.
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The area that now constitutes Bengaluru was ruled by various South Indian kingdoms through the centuries.
Between the 4th and 10th centuries, the Western Ganga dynasty exerted control over the region, establishing it as a significant political and cultural center.
This was followed by the Chola dynasty, which conquered Bengaluru around 1004 CE, bringing with it an influx of Tamil and Kannada-speaking settlers.
The city flourished under the Cholas, who built temples like the Choleshwara Temple at Begur and the Someshwara Temple at Ulsoor, which remain prominent landmarks to this day.
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In the 12th century, the Hoysala dynasty took over Bengaluru, and the region became an important part of their empire.
The city’s significance continued to grow under the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries, particularly under the Tuluva dynasty.
During this time, Bengaluru’s infrastructure was further developed, with the construction of water management systems like the Shivasamudra Dam, which remains a source of the city’s water supply.
The city’s modern foundation was laid in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I, a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, who built a mud-brick fort and divided the city into smaller divisions known as pētē (neighborhoods).
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The city was known by various names, including “Devarāyanagara” and “Kalyānapura” during this time.
Bengaluru’s history took a significant turn in the 17th century when the city was handed over to the Adil Shahi Bijapur Sultanate and later sold to the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore in 1687.
Under Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the city developed into an important military and commercial center.
The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens were created under their rule, and several other city-wide projects were undertaken.
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However, after Tipu Sultan’s death in 1799, the British East India Company took control of the region, and Bengaluru became part of the Princely State of Mysore under British rule.
In the 19th century, the British introduced several modern developments to Bengaluru, including the establishment of the cantonment, which grew into a twin city with the old pētē.
The city became a hub for British military and administrative activities, and with the introduction of new infrastructure like railways and telecommunication, Bengaluru began to emerge as an urban center.
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By the early 20th century, the city had seen significant development, including the establishment of educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Science in 1909.
The city also became a hub for scientific research and industry.
Bengaluru continued to grow through the 20th century, with the establishment of industries like MICO (Motor Industries Company) and the rapid expansion of its real estate sector.
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By the 1980s, the city had emerged as India’s technology hub, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” with multinational corporations such as Texas Instruments setting up operations in the city.
This period marked Bengaluru’s transformation into a major global city.
Today, Bengaluru is one of the fastest-growing cities in India, known for its technological innovations, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history.
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However, it also faces modern challenges such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure demands, and security concerns, as evidenced by several terrorist attacks in the 21st century.
Despite these challenges, Bengaluru continues to be a city that balances its historical heritage with modern growth, making it one of the most dynamic urban centers in India.
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Bengaluru Now
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is the largest city in southern India, with a population exceeding 8 million and a metropolitan population nearing 15 million.
It ranks as India’s third most populous city and is the fourth-largest urban agglomeration in the country.
Additionally, Bengaluru is the 27th largest city globally. Situated on the Deccan Plateau, at an elevation of over 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, the city boasts a moderate climate throughout the year, which has earned it the moniker “Garden City” due to its extensive parks and green spaces.
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This elevation also makes Bengaluru the highest of India’s major cities.
Bengaluru is recognized as one of the fastest-growing metropolises worldwide and plays a pivotal role in India’s economy.
The city is a hub for high-tech industries, housing numerous multinational corporations, particularly in the fields of information technology (IT) and semiconductors.
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Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” it leads the nation in software exports and is home to many renowned engineering and research institutions.
In addition to its IT dominance, Bengaluru is also a significant center for aerospace and defense industries, with several government-owned organizations based there.
The city’s rich sporting culture, supported by numerous world-class sports arenas, further enhances its standing as a key destination for sports in India.
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Bengaluru’s unique position atop the Karnataka Plateau places it at a cultural crossroads, where Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil-speaking communities converge.
The city’s growth and diversity are reflected in its expanding population, which has surged from 4.3 million in 2001 to over 8.4 million by 2011, with its urban agglomeration reaching more than 8.5 million during the same period.
As a dynamic metropolis, Bengaluru continues to thrive, blending technological innovation, cultural richness, and a high quality of life, making it a leading global city.
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FAQs
Bangalore, now officially known as Bengaluru, is famous for its thriving IT industry, earning it the nickname “Silicon Valley of India.”
It is also known for its pleasant climate, green spaces, vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and educational and research institutions.
Yes, Bangalore and Bengaluru refer to the same city. “Bangalore” is the anglicized version of the name, while “Bengaluru” is the official Kannada version, used since 2006.
Bangalore was renamed Bengaluru in 2006 to reflect its original Kannada pronunciation and to preserve its cultural and linguistic identity.
The change was part of a broader movement to restore local names to Indian cities.
Yes, Bengaluru is worth visiting for its rich blend of modernity and tradition. The city offers attractions like historical sites, lush parks, vibrant markets, and a thriving culinary scene. It’s also a hub for technology and innovation.