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History

Bengaluru, now the capital of Karnataka and India's premier technology hub, was founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda I as a mud-fort settlement. Over nearly five centuries, it evolved through Vijayanagara rule, Mughal and Maratha contests, the rise of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, British colonial administration, and post-independence growth as a public-sector and then IT powerhouse. Known as the 'Garden City' for its parks and tree-lined avenues, it blends historic temples, colonial-era palaces, and modern glass towers.

Overview

Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore) is situated on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of about 900 meters (3,000 feet), giving it a moderate climate. It is the administrative capital of Karnataka and the heart of India's information technology industry, hosting major tech parks such as Electronic City and Whitefield. The city's history is marked by successive rulers—the Vijayanagara Empire, the Adil Shahi Bijapur sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, and the British—each leaving architectural and cultural imprints. Today, Bengaluru is a cosmopolitan city with a population exceeding 12 million, yet it retains green spaces like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, and heritage structures like Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace.

Historical Timeline

1537

Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded the town of Bengaluru by building a mud fort and establishing a settlement.

This marks the founding of the city; the fort's layout and the Bull Temple date to this period.

1638

The Bijapur Sultanate conquered Bengaluru, ending the Kempe Gowda rule.

The city changed hands among regional powers, leading to a period of political instability.

1759

Hyder Ali, the commander of the Mysore army, took control of Bengaluru Fort and made it a major military stronghold.

This initiated the rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who expanded the fort and built the Summer Palace.

1791

British East India Company forces captured Bengaluru from Tipu Sultan during the Third Anglo-Mysore War.

The British used Bengaluru as a base, and after the war, they established the Bangalore Cantonment.

1870

Cubbon Park was laid out in the heart of the city.

It became a central green space, reinforcing Bengaluru's reputation as the 'Garden City.'

1956

Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature building, was completed.

It became an iconic landmark and symbol of Karnataka's governance.

1985

Texas Instruments established a facility in Bengaluru, one of the first multinational tech companies in India.

This is often cited as the beginning of Bengaluru's IT boom, leading to its 'Silicon Valley' status.

Historical Sites

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

A 240-acre garden founded in the 1760s by Hyder Ali and expanded by Tipu Sultan. It features a glasshouse modeled on London's Crystal Palace and hosts an annual flower show. The garden has a rich collection of tropical plants and a 1,000-year-old granite rock formation.

Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace

An Indo-Islamic wooden palace built in the 1780s-90s, originally part of the Bangalore Fort complex. It features ornate arches, balconies, and floral motifs, and now serves as a museum.

Bangalore Palace

A Tudor-style palace built in the 1870s-1880s for the Wadiyar royal family, inspired by Windsor Castle. The palace is known for its fortified towers, Gothic windows, and lavish interiors, and is open to the public.

Vidhana Soudha

A Neo-Dravidian granite building completed in 1956, housing the Karnataka state legislature. It is an imposing structure with intricate carvings, and is best viewed from outside as casual entry is restricted.

Cubbon Park

A 300-acre park laid out in 1870, adjoining the High Court and Vidhana Soudha. It is a green oasis with statues, fountains, and a library, popular for morning walks.

Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)

A 16th-century Dravidian-style temple built by Kempe Gowda I, housing a monolithic granite Nandi statue. It remains an active pilgrimage site.

Notable Figures

Kempe Gowda I

Founder of Bengaluru in 1537, under the Vijayanagara Empire. He built the mud fort, the Bull Temple, and established the town's original layout. His legacy is honored with a statue and a major city avenue.

Hyder Ali

Ruler of Mysore who captured Bengaluru in 1759 and initiated the construction of Lalbagh Botanical Garden. He strengthened the fort and made the city a military hub.

Tipu Sultan

Son of Hyder Ali, known as the 'Tiger of Mysore.' He expanded Lalbagh and built the Summer Palace. He defended Bengaluru against British attacks but lost the city in 1791.

Kempe Gowda II

Son of Kempe Gowda I, who expanded the town and is credited with building four watchtowers marking the city's boundaries. He ruled independently for a time after the Vijayanagara Empire's decline.

M. Visvesvaraya

A prominent engineer and statesman, born in Karnataka, who contributed to Bengaluru's modern infrastructure, including the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam and the Bangalore Water Supply scheme. He served as Diwan of Mysore from 1912-1918.

Pilgrimage History

Bengaluru's pilgrimage heritage is rooted in its Hindu temples, many of which predate the British era. The Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, is one of the oldest, built by Kempe Gowda I in the 16th century. The Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, also from that period, is known for its cave shrine and annual Makar Sankranti festival when sunlight falls on the linga. The ISKCON Temple in Rajajinagar, established in the 1990s, is a major modern pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from across the world. Other significant temples include the Someshwara Temple in Halasuru (a Hoysala-era structure) and the Venkataramana Temple in the old city area. The city also has historic mosques, churches, and Jain temples, reflecting its multicultural history. For pilgrims, Bengaluru serves as a gateway to other Karnataka sites like Tirupati (though outside the state) and local shrines, but the city itself offers a rich tapestry of devotional spaces.