The History of Bengaluru
Bengaluru's story is one of constant evolution. From a small mud fort in the 16th century to a global technology hub in the 21st century, the city has witnessed empires rise and fall, yet retained its unique charm.
The "Bengaluru" Inscription
The earliest reference to the name "Bengaluru" was found in a 9th-century Western Ganga Dynasty stone inscription in Begur, referring to a battle fought in a place called "Bengaluru".
Kempe Gowda I establishes the city
Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire, built a mud fort and established the modern city of Bengaluru. He designed it with designated areas (petes) for different trades.
Shifting Control
The city was captured by the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, then granted to Shahji Bhonsle (father of Shivaji). Later, it was captured by the Mughals, who eventually sold it to Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar of Mysore for 300,000 rupees.
Development of Gardens
Under the rule of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the city's greenery expanded significantly, most notably with the creation of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The mud fort was rebuilt in stone.
The Cantonment Era
The British moved their cantonment from Srirangapatna to Bengaluru. This led to the creation of a distinct "Cantonment" town (characterized by wide roads and European architecture) alongside the traditional "Pete" (the old city).
Electrification and Modernization
Bengaluru became the first city in India to get electricity, powered by the hydroelectric plant at Shivanasamudra. The city became a hub for science and industry, seeing the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
The Public Sector Hub
After Independence, the Government of India established major public sector heavy industries in the city, including HAL, BHEL, BEL, and ISRO, transforming it into an industrial and aerospace hub.
The Silicon Valley of India
With economic liberalization and the establishment of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) in Electronic City, Bengaluru witnessed an explosive IT boom, becoming one of the world's fastest-growing tech and startup ecosystems.