Bangalore also known as Bengaluru, is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city[1] and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration.
Though historical references to the city predate 900 CE, a modern written history of continuous settlement exists only from 1537, when Kempe Gowda I, who many regard as the architect of modern Bangalore, built a mud-brick fort at the site and established it as a province of the imperial Vijayanagara Empire. During the British Raj, it became a centre of colonial rule in South India. The establishment of the Bangalore Cantonment brought in large numbers of migrants from other parts of the country.
Today, as a large and growing metropolis, Bangalore is home to some of the most well-recognized colleges and research institutions in India. Numerous public sector heavy industries, software companies, aerospace, telecommunications, and defence organisations are located in the city. Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its position as the nation's leading IT exporter.A demographically diverse city, Bangalore is a major economic hub and the fastest growing major metropolis in India.
History:
After centuries of the rule of the Western Gangas, Bangalore was captured by the Cholas in 1024 CE which later passed on to the Chalukya-cholas in 1070. In 1116 the Hoysala Empire, overthrew the Cholas and extended its rule over Bangalore. Modern Bangalore was founded by a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda I, who built a mud-brick fort and a Nandi Temple in the proximity of modern Bangalore in 1537. Kempe Gowda referred to the new town as his "gandubhūmi" or "Land of Heroes".
Within Bangalore Fort, the town was divided into smaller divisions – each called a "pete". The town had two main streets – Chikkapete Street, which ran east-west, and Doddapete Street, which ran north-south. Their intersection formed the Doddapete Square — the heart of Bangalore. Kempe Gowda's successor, Kempe Gowda II, built four famous towers that marked Bangalore's boundary.During the Vijayanagara rule, Bangalore was also referred to as "Devarāyanagara" and "Kalyānapura" ("Auspicious City").
After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, Bangalore's rule changed hands several times. In 1638, a large Bijapur army led by Ranadulla Khan and accompanied by Shahji Bhonsle defeated Kempe Gowda III and Bangalore was given to Shahaji as a jagir. In 1687, the Mughal general Kasim Khan defeated Ekoji I/Venkoji, son of Shahaji, and then sold Bangalore to Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar (1673–1704) of Mysore for 300,000 rupees.After the death of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II in 1759, Hyder Ali, Commander-in-Chief of the Mysore Army, proclaimed himself the de facto ruler of Mysore. The kingdom later passed to Hyder Ali's son Tippu Sultan, known as the Tiger of Mysore. Bangalore was eventually incorporated into the British Indian Empire after Tippu Sultan was defeated and killed in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799). The British returned administrative control of the Bangalore "pētē" to the Maharaja of Mysore, choosing only to retain the Cantonment under their jurisdiction. The 'Residency' of Mysore State was first established at Mysore in 1799 and later shifted to Bangalore in the year 1804. It was abolished in the year 1843 only to be revived in 1881 at Bangalore and to be closed down permanently in 1947, with Indian independence. The British, found it easier to recruit employees in the Madras Presidency and relocate them to cantonment area during this period. The Kingdom of Mysore relocated its capital from Mysore city to Bangalore in 1831.Two important developments during this period contributed to the rapid growth of the city: the introduction of telegraph connections and a rail connection to Madras in 1864.
Bangalere city map, circa 1924 from "Murray's 1924 Handbook".
In the 19th century, Bangalore essentially became a twin city, with the "pētē", whose residents were predominantly Kannadigas, and the "cantonment" created by the British, whose residents were predominantly Tamils.Bangalore was hit by a plague epidemic in 1898 that dramatically reduced its population. New extensions in Malleshwara and Basavanagudi were developed in the north and south of the pētē. Telephone lines were laid to help co-ordinate anti-plague operations, and a health officer was appointed to the city in 1898. In 1906, Bangalore became the first city in India to have electricity, powered by the hydroelectric plant situated in Shivanasamudra. Bangalore's reputation as the Garden City of India began in 1927 with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Several projects such as the construction of parks, public buildings and hospitals were instituted to beautify the city. After Indian independence in August 1947, Bangalore remained in the new Mysore State of which the Maharaja of Mysore was the Rajapramukh. Public sector employment and education provided opportunities for Kannadigas from the rest of the state to migrate to the city. Bangalore experienced rapid growth in the decades 1941–51 and 1971–81 , which saw the arrival of many immigrants from northern Karnataka. By 1961, Bangalore had become the sixth largest city in India, with a population of 1,207,000. In the decades that followed, Bangalore's manufacturing base continued to expand with the establishment of private companies such as Motor Industries Company (MICO; a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH), which set up its manufacturing plant in the city. Bangalore experienced a growth in its real estate market in the 1980s and 1990s, spurred by capital investors from other parts of the country who converted Bangalore's large plots and colonial bungalows into multi-storied apartments.In 1985, Texas Instruments became the first multinational to set up base in Bangalore. Other Information Technology companies followed suit and by the end of the 20th century, Bangalore had firmly established itself as the Silicon Valley of India.
One of the biggest cities of India, Bangalore experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. Neither is it very hot in summers, nor is it very cold in winters. In the following lines, we will provide you with an answer to the question, "when to visit Bengalooru, India".
As far as the weather conditions are concerned, the best time to visit Bangalore is in the winters. Although the city experiences pleasant climate throughout the year, the winter season is the perfect time for visiting. The peak season for Bangalore travel starts somewhere around October and the tourist traffic starts lessening after February. So, if you are planning to visit the happening city of Bangalore, be there between October and February and it is a guarantee that you will enjoy yourself to the hilt.
Reaching Bengaluru By Air
You can access Bangalore (Bengaluru) 24x7 by air, rail, and road. From the city centre, the airport is just 13 Kms and has flight connections to all major Indian cities/towns.
Several international flights to the Far East, Europe, and the U.S. fly out of the airport as well. Bangalore (Bengaluru) has a new international airports at Devanahalli and many more flights connecting international destinations are to be added.
The new Devanahalli Airport will itself will be state-of-art structure with modern amenities and shopping malls. To get to your hotel from the airport, it's best to use a taxi from the prepaid taxi service counter.
You can hire ‘pre-paid’ taxis, take an auto or take the bus services provided by the city. The bus stand is right outside the airport terminal and there are buses which ply to various destinations in Bangalore every half hour.
How to reach Bangalore by Train
The three major railway stations/terminals which connect the city is the Bangalore (Bengaluru) City station, Krishnarajapuram (K R Puram) and Yeswanthpur. One more major rail head is being planned at Byappana Halli towards the east of Bangalore (Bengaluru).
Bangalore is a major transport hub and therefore is reached by a large number of rail connections. Journeys from North Indian cities, however, are slightly time-consuming. The fastest connection with Delhi takes 35 hours, while Mumbai is 24 hours away. From Chennai (Tamil Nadu), take the 5-hour Shatabdi Express.
To get to Mysore, catch the 2-hour Shatabdi Express (departs Wed-Mon at 11am). For Hyderabad, catch the comfortable overnight Rajdhani Express (departs four times a week at 6:45pm). Indian railways offer online bookings for all train routes within India.
Reaching Bangalore By Road
The inter-state public bus terminus is just across the City Railway Station. Another one is on the Mysore Road. Bus connections are there to any part of the state.
Inter-state services between Maharastra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondichery, Kerala and Karnataka are efficient and many of these depart from Bangalore (Bengaluru).
Private tour operators also do brisk business and are located around the same place and in Kalasipalayam bus station located near the K.R.If you prefer greater freedom, then it is advisable to rent a car particularly if you plan to get off the beaten track.
The Bus stand in Bangalore is called ‘Kempe Gowda Bus stand’ which is named after the founder of the city. It is adjacent to the local city bus-stand which operates buses within Bangalore. It is also right opposite to the railway station of Bangalore.
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