Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley and the country's pub capital, along with aerospace research, biotechnology and dozens of premier education institutions attract people from all over India and from abroad to look for endless opportunities in business and higher education making it cosmopolitan in nature. But very few actually know much about the fascinating history of this pleasant and beautiful city.
Bangalore is situated in the southeast of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is located in the heart of the Mysore Plateau at an average elevation of 920 m. It is positioned at 12.97° N 77.56° E and covers an area of 2,190 sq km.
History of Bangalore
The historical figure instrumental in shaping the city of Bangalore was a feudal lord Kempe Gowda who served under the Vijayanagara Kings. Hunting seemed to be a favourite past time in those days. The story goes that during one of his hunting bouts, Kempe Gowda was surprised to see a hare chase his dog. Either his dog was chicken hearted or the hare was lion-hearted one does not know, but the episode surely made an impression on the feudal lord. He told himself this is a place surely for heroes and heroics, and he referred to Bangalore from then onwards as "gandu bhoomi" (heroic place). Kempe Gowda I, who was in charge of Yelahanka, built a mud fort in 1537. His son Kempe Gowda II built the famous towers at the four corners of the old city that are traceable even today as they stand almost in the heart of the present city. A hundred years later the Vijayanagara Empire fell, and in 1638, Mohammed Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, conquered it and ruled for next 50 years.
After independence, Bangalore's choice as a state capital was only logical. Mysore had too many associations with the royal family to be the capital of a new state with an elected Chief Minister and a nominated Governor. Finally, for an enlarged Karnataka, Bangalore was more central and better linked with the major cities of the country. From then on the city has grown in magnitudes, emerging into what you see it and know it. The city has slowly found a place in the country's history and off recently a place on the world map.
Culture of Bangalore
Bangalore's rich cultural heritage combined with its technological and industrial achievements has made it one of India's most happening cities.Culture of Bangalore
Culturally also Bangalore is witnessing the revival of traditional art in the form of dance, drama and art. Almost every aspect of painting, pottery, weaving or theatre has been restored and exists for us to enjoy creating an incredible fusion of the old and the new. The IT boom and intense corporate activity has attracted people from all over as bees to the honeycomb.
It has become a melting pot for many cultures giving it a rich cosmopolitan character. The city offers something for every one-recreation areas, pubs and magical nightlife, quick getaways and big shopping malls, thriving arts and entertainment scene. It has become the style capital of the country in a true sense. Bangalore's fancy restaurants dish out everything from Mexican to Polynesian fare with cool and sunny skyline playing perfect host.
Information About Bangalore
Population: 6.52 million
State: Karnataka
Area: 2190 sq.km.
Geographical Location
Latitudinal parallels: 12 degree 8' N
Longitudinal meridians: 77 degree 37' E
Climate
March to May (Warmest months)
December to January (Coldest months)
June to September (Rainy - Southwest Monsoon)
November to December (Rainy - Northeast Monsoon)
Temperature:20°C-35°C (Summers), 14°C - 28°C (Winters)
Rainfall: 86 cms
Altitude: 920 mts
Regional Language
Kannada, English, Hindi
Tamil and Telugu is widely spoken and understood.
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