Country | India |
Population | 8443675 |
Area | 741 km2 (286 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 12.97194, 77.59369 |
Highest elevation | 920 m (3,020 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. With a population exceeding 8 million within the city and around 15 million in the metropolitan area, it is India’s third most populous city and the fourth most populous urban agglomeration. This makes it the most populous city and largest urban agglomeration in South India and the 27th largest city in the world.
Situated on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of over 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, Bengaluru enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. The city’s parks and green spaces have earned it the nickname “Garden City of India.” Bengaluru’s elevation is the highest among major Indian cities, contributing to its temperate weather.
The city’s history dates back to around 890 AD, with the old Kannada stone inscription at the Nageshwara Temple in Begur, Bangalore, being a testament to its ancient origins. Modern Bengaluru was founded in 1537 by Kempe Gowda, a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire, who established a mud fort that laid the foundation for the city’s oldest areas, known as pétés.
After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda declared independence, but in 1638, Bangalore was captured by the Adil Shahi Bijapur army and later came under Shahaji Bhonsle as a jagir, becoming his capital. The city subsequently fell under Mughal rule and was sold to Maharaja Devaraja Wodeyar II of the Kingdom of Mysore. When Haider Ali seized control of Mysore, Bangalore’s administration passed into his hands.
The British East India Company captured Bangalore after their victory in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, returning administrative control to Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. The old city developed under the maharaja’s dominion, and in 1809, the British established a cantonment outside the old city, which grew into a town.
Post-independence, Bangalore became the capital of the Mysore State, which was later renamed Karnataka in 1973. The merging of the town and the cantonment into a single urban center in 1949 marked the city’s expansion. In 2006, the city’s official name was changed to Bengaluru, reflecting its Kannada origins.
Bengaluru is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its pivotal role in the nation’s information technology (IT) industry. The city is a major hub for IT companies, with numerous multinational corporations establishing their headquarters there. It is the leading software exporter in India and a significant semiconductor manufacturing hub. The city’s tech industry attracts talent from across the country and the world, contributing to its diverse and vibrant population.
The economy of Bengaluru is robust and diverse, encompassing IT, biotechnology, aerospace, manufacturing, and research. The presence of state-owned aerospace and defense organizations, alongside private enterprises, underscores the city’s industrial significance. Bengaluru is also home to several top-tier engineering and research institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).
Culturally, Bengaluru is a melting pot of traditions and modernity. The city hosts various cultural events, music festivals, and art exhibitions, reflecting its rich heritage and contemporary outlook. Notable landmarks include the Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and the Vidhana Soudha. The city’s vibrant nightlife, culinary diversity, and numerous shopping districts make it a dynamic urban center.
Bengaluru is also a prominent sporting hub, with facilities for cricket, football, and tennis. The city’s cricket team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is a significant venue for international cricket matches.
In summary, Bengaluru is a dynamic city that seamlessly blends its historical legacy with modern advancements. Its strategic location, economic vitality, rich cultural heritage, and educational institutions make it a vital and vibrant metropolis in India.
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