Bangalore

Karnataka > Bangalore

Bangalore or Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka from 1956 and it took the status of a capital in modern times from 1831 when the British Commissioners took over the administration of Mysore State from the Mysore Prince. The place name is found mentioned in a 9th century record of Begur as 'Benguluru' 'Bengu' meaning a Shrub colloquially called Rakta Honne (Benga trees) . Kempegowda II gave the same name to the new town, he founded i.e., the present Mega City. Earlier, it was the headquarters of the Yelahanka Nadaprabhus who ruled under Vijayanagara Empire and built the new town with the fort. Kempegowda II is believed to have raised the fort in 1537 as per the orders of Emperor Achutharaya of Vijayanagara. The old Gavipura natural cave shrine of Gangadhara built during the Ganga period came to be expanded during the Vijayanagara period and the monolithic Basava in Basavanagudi was got engraved by this family. The family also built the most beautiful Someshwara Temple at Ulsoor.

Glass House in Lalbagh

The dynasty also created many tanks which include the Ulsoor tank, Dharmambudhi tank (present Bus Stand), Chennamba tank (now called Chennamma tank) near BSK II stage and Kempambudhi tank. In 1637 Bijapur Army conquered Bangalore and granted it as Jagir to Shahji, Shivaji's father. Shahji and his son Ekoji had Bangalore under their control till 1687 when it was conquered by the Mughul army and the city was given on lease to Chikkadevaraya of Mysore. He built the Venkataramana temple and a new fort beside the existing old fort. Bangalore which had grown as an industrial and commercial centre under the Kempegowda family and the Marathas, was further developed by Chikkadevaraya as he invited weavers from Baramahal (Tamilnadu) area to come and settle down in Bangalore. Later Bangalore was granted as Jahgir to Haider and when he usurped power from the Wodeyars, he strengthened the new fort by using granite blocks.

He built a palace near the Venkataramana temple and started Lalbagh, the famous Botanical Garden of Bangalore. Later a beautiful Glass House was built in 1889 due to the efforts of the government modeled on the Crystal Palace of England. This imposing structure has been renovated with attractive imported coloured glasses. Bangalore was captured by the British in 1791 under the leadership of Lord Cornwallis and it was returned to Tipu after he signed a treaty with them. He dismantled the existing fort as it was found to be more useful to his enemies than to himself. Under Haider, Bangalore grew as a prosperous commercial city also catering to the needs of luxury of the Srirangapattana court. But under Tipu, its trade declined. The British who defeated Tipu in 1799 handed it over to the Mysore Hindu Prince. Diwan Purnaiah rebuilt the demolished fort. The British stationed their troops in 1809 at Ulsoor and a twin town, Bangalore Cantonment emerged helping introduction of European way of life and modern ideas to the old Bangalore town which became the capital in 1831.
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Climate of Bangalore

Bangalore's climate is cool in the rainy season avg rain falling in this city, and june to december its cool environment in the city, over 7,000,000 peoples in bangalore. january to february its too hot 30 to 40°C

• February to May (warmest months)
• June to August (Windy, Heavy rain - South-West Monsoon)
• September to Octover (Windy, Rain - Retreating monsoon)
• November to December (Light Rain - North-East monsoon)
• January to February (coldest months. Often showers of North-East monsoon in January as well)

Sports in Bangalore

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Bangalore. A significant number of national cricketers have come from Bangalore, including former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid, current test captain Anil Kumble and Robin Uthappa (others). Many children play gully cricket on the roads and in the city's many public fields. Bangalore's main international cricket stadium is the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 40,000 and has hosted matches during the 1987 Cricket World Cup and 1996 Cricket World Cup.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Bangalore Royal Challengers and the Premier Hockey League (PHL) franchise Bangalore Hi-fliers are based in the city. India's Davis Cup team members, Mahesh Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna also reside in Bangalore.

The city hosts the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Bangalore Open tournament annually. Beginning September, 2008, Bangalore will also host the Kingfisher Airlines Tennis Open ATP tournament annually.

Shopping in Bangalore

Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. You'll find some of the most exquisite silks here. You can also take home handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, available in state-owned emporia and private stores. For gold and jewellery, you can visit the quaint Jeweller's Street. Some of the favourite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street. Bargain hunters tend to favour K.G.Road, Malleswaram and Shivajinagar. The main shopping areas of Bangalore are:

• Brigade Road
• Commercial Street
• M.G. Road
• Residency Road

Some of the popular Shopping Centres at Bangalore are:

• M.G. Road: Public Utility Building, Shrungar Shopping Centre, Bombay Store
• J.C. Road: Unity Building
• Residency Road: Pinto Towers and lots of furniture shops
• Brigade Road: Curzon Complex, St.Patricks Complex, Mota Chambers & 5th Avenue.
• Infantry Road: Safia Plaza and Copper Arch
• St. Mark's Road: Sophia's Choice
• Shoppers Stop
• Lifestyle (near Football stadium)