Bengaluru history

The history of Bengaluru, one of modern India's key metropolises, is rooted in the deep past, although its contemporary appearance began to take shape in the 16th century. The city has come a long way from a small fortress to the country's technological capital, and each stage has left its mark on its culture and architecture.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although legends link the name "Bengaluru" to the "village of boiled beans" (Bendha KaaLu ooru), historical evidence points to more ancient origins. The earliest known mention dates back to the 9th century: a stone inscription found in the village of Begur describes a battle in a place called "Bengaluru" in 890 AD. This proves that the settlement existed long before its official foundation.

The modern phase of the city's history began in 1537. The local ruler Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire, built a mud fort which became the nucleus of the future city. He laid the foundations of urban planning by creating commercial districts ("petes"), streets, and temples.

Key Development Factors

The development of Bengaluru was determined by several key factors:

• Political Influence: After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the city passed under the control of various dynasties, including the Sultans of Bijapur, the Mughals, and the Maharajas of Mysore. A significant impetus for development was provided by the British period: in 1809, a military garrison (cantonment) was established here, transforming Bengaluru into an important administrative and military centre in southern India.
• Geographical Location: Its location on the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of about 920 metres above sea level ensured the city a mild and pleasant climate, which attracted settlers, especially during the colonial era.
• Trade and Economy: Initially, the city developed as a trading hub with artisan quarters. Under the British, thanks to the construction of the railway connecting it to Madras (modern Chennai), its economic role increased significantly.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages, Bengaluru was a typical fortified city. Its founder, Kempe Gowda I, proved himself a visionary urban planner by dividing the city into specialised market zones for different goods and crafts. In 1761, the mud fort was rebuilt in stone, strengthening its defensive significance. With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, the city effectively divided into two parts: the old city ("pete") with a predominantly local population, and the new cantonment with European architecture, wide streets, and parks, for which Bengaluru later earned the nickname "Garden City".

Key Dates in the History of Bengaluru

The history of Bengaluru is a journey from a small fortress to one of the world's leading technological and scientific centres. Below are the main milestones of this journey.

• c. 890 AD — The first written mention of the name "Bengaluru" is found on a stone slab in the village of Begur, describing a battle that took place there.
• 1537 — Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, founds modern Bengaluru by building a mud fort and laying the foundations for urban planning.
• 1638 — The city comes under the control of the Bijapur Sultanate, marking the beginning of a period of influence by Muslim dynasties.
• 1687 — The Mughal Empire captures Bengaluru and soon sells it to the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore.
• 1809 — The British move their military garrison to Bengaluru, turning the city into a vital administrative and military centre in South India.
• 1862 — Construction begins on the Bangalore Palace, designed after Windsor Castle in England.
• 1906 — Bengaluru becomes one of the first cities in India to receive electric lighting from a hydroelectric power plant.
• 1947 — Following India's independence, Bengaluru becomes the capital of Mysore State.
• 1973 — Mysore State is renamed Karnataka, and Bengaluru officially becomes the capital of the state of Karnataka.
• 1980s — IT companies begin to actively develop in the city; notably, Texas Instruments opens a branch here, laying the groundwork for the future "Silicon Valley of India".
• 2006 — The city is officially renamed from the anglicised "Bangalore" to its original name in the Kannada language — "Bengaluru".

Key Stages in the History of Bengaluru

The history of Bengaluru is a journey from a small fortress to one of the most important technological and economic centres in the world. The city's development was defined by changing dynasties, colonial influence, and rapid growth in the digital age.

• 1537 — Foundation of the City: The modern history of the city began when the ruler Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, laid the foundation for a mud fort. He created the basis for urban planning with trading streets and temples, which initiated Bengaluru's development as an important regional centre.
• 19th Century — British Period: In 1806, the British established a large military garrison (cantonment) here, which effectively divided the city into two parts: the old Indian section and the new European section. This facilitated the appearance of modern infrastructure — a railway connecting the city with Madras, the telegraph, as well as administrative buildings in the European style.
• Early 20th Century — Scientific Foundation: In 1906, Bengaluru became one of the first cities in India with electric lighting. The establishment of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science in 1909 laid a solid foundation for the city's future reputation as the country's leading scientific and educational hub.
• 1947 — State Capital: After India gained independence, Bengaluru was proclaimed the capital of Mysore State (later renamed Karnataka in 1973). This significantly strengthened its administrative and political importance in the region.
• 1980-1990s — IT Revolution: This period became a turning point in the city's economic history. The arrival of major international and local technology companies, such as Infosys and Wipro, initiated the IT boom. Bengaluru earned the world-famous nickname "Silicon Valley of India", which radically changed its economy and urban landscape.
• 2000s to Present — Growth of a Metropolis: In 2006, the anglicised name "Bangalore" was officially changed to the historical "Bengaluru". The city continues to grow rapidly: the launch of the "Namma Metro" system helps cope with transport challenges, while a booming startup ecosystem and the construction of modern business and residential complexes cement its status as a global metropolis.

The architectural landscape of Bengaluru is a living chronicle of its rapid transformation from a garrison town to a global technology hub. Here, traditional Dravidian temples, majestic colonial structures, monumental buildings of independent India, and ultra-modern glass skyscrapers coexist in harmony.

Pre-Colonial and Indo-Islamic Architecture

The early architectural landscape of the city was defined by traditional South Indian styles. Although many ancient structures have not survived, a vivid example of that era is Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, completed in 1791. This elegant two-storey building, constructed entirely of teak wood, represents a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is distinguished by graceful columns, arches, and balconies adorned with intricate carving and painting.

Colonial Era: Neoclassicism and Indo-Saracenic Style

With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, Bengaluru's architecture underwent radical changes. The city was divided into the old part and the new cantonment, where buildings were erected in European styles.

• Neoclassicism: The Attara Kacheri (High Court of Karnataka), built in 1868, is an outstanding example of the Neoclassical style. It is distinguished by a strict portico with Corinthian columns and a vibrant red colour, contrasting with the surrounding greenery of Cubbon Park.
• Tudor and Neo-Gothic Style: Bangalore Palace (1887) is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city. Modelled after Windsor Castle in England, it combines elements of the English Tudor style and Neo-Gothic architecture: towers, battlements, and Gothic windows.

Post-Independence Architecture: Neo-Dravidian Style

After 1947, Bengaluru's architecture showed a desire to create a new national style that would combine modern needs with traditional heritage. The brightest symbol of this era became the Vidhana Soudha (1956), which houses the Karnataka State Legislature. This monumental granite structure is executed in the so-called Neo-Dravidian style, which creatively reinterprets elements of ancient Indian temple architecture.

Contemporary and Postmodern Architecture

Since the beginning of the IT boom in the 1980s and up to the present day, Bengaluru's appearance has been shaped by modern architectural trends. The city has become a platform for bold experiments with forms and materials.

• Modernism and Brutalism: Examples of modernist architecture focused on functionality can be found in the city, as well as buildings in the Brutalist style, such as the Bangalore International Centre.
• High-Tech and Postmodernism: The modern skyline of the city is defined by high-rise buildings made of glass and steel. Complexes such as UB City and numerous offices in "Electronic City" are symbols of Bengaluru's status as the "Silicon Valley of India". These buildings reflect the global character of the city and its aspiration towards the future.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Bengaluru

Bengaluru, being a scientific, cultural, and technological centre, has become the home and workplace for many distinguished personalities of India. From the city's founder to the pioneers of the IT industry, here are just a few names that have left a significant mark on history.

• Kempe Gowda I (c. 1510–1569): The founder of modern Bengaluru. In 1537, this ruler, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, built a mud fortress and laid out a thoughtful city plan, creating trading streets and quarters that defined its commercial character.
• Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962): An eminent engineer, scholar, and Diwan (Prime Minister) of the princely state of Mysore. He made a huge contribution to the development of the region's infrastructure, including the founding of the Engineering College (now UVCE) in Bengaluru in 1917. His birthday is celebrated in India as Engineer's Day.
• Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888–1970): A world-renowned physicist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for the discovery of the Raman Effect. He became the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and founded the Raman Research Institute here.
• Shakuntala Devi (1929–2013): A native of Bengaluru, known worldwide as the "Human Computer" for her phenomenal mental calculation abilities. She entered the Guinness Book of World Records by multiplying two 13-digit numbers in her head. Despite a lack of formal education, she demonstrated unique mathematical talents from childhood.
• Girish Karnad (1938–2019): One of the most significant playwrights, actors, and directors of modern India. Living in Bengaluru, he created plays in the Kannada language, using mythology and history to make sense of contemporary issues. He was a recipient of India's highest literary honour, the Jnanpith Award.
• N. R. Narayana Murthy (b. 1946): One of the founders of the IT giant Infosys, headquartered in Bengaluru. He played a key role in transforming the city into the "Silicon Valley of India" by implementing the concept of a global delivery model for IT services.
• Rahul Dravid (b. 1973): A legendary cricket player and former captain of the Indian national team, known by the nickname "The Wall" for his reliable technique. Although born in another city, Dravid grew up in Bengaluru and is considered one of its most famous residents.