Bangalore

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:11:47 +0100

The fascinating history of Bangalore dates back to 11th century AD when the Cholas King Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau or the South of India. Once on a hunting trip to the forest, the king lost his way. Tired and hungry he encountered a poor, old lady in the forest who offered him shelter for the night and served him boiled beans for Dinner. To show his gratitude to this lady for having saved his life, the King constructed a town and named it as “Benda Kalooru” which means “city of boiled beans”. However, historical evidences show that Bengalooru was recorded much before king Ballalla’s time in a 9th century temple inscription in the village of Begur.

The city was under the control of Hoysalas until the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1336. In 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda designed this town and gave it its modern shape. After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, Bangalore changed hands several times. It was captured by the Maratha chief Shahaji Bhonsle, father of Shivaji, then working for the Adil Shahi sultans of Bijapur in 1638. During the siege of Bangalore, Shivaji's elder brother Shambaji was killed by Shahaji's rivals, led by the Ghorpade of Mudhol.

In 1759, Krishna raja Wodeyar II offered Bangalore to Hyder Ali as a jagir. Hyder Ali fortified the southern fort and made Bangalore an army town. When Tippu Sultan died in the 4th Mysore war in 1799, the British gave the kingdom, including Bangalore back to Krishna raja Wodeyar III. The British Resident stayed in Bangalore. In 1831, alleging misrule and inefficient administration by Krishna raja Wodeyar III, the British took over the administration of the Mysore Kingdom. During British era, Bangalore bloomed with modern facilities like the railways, telegraphs, postal and police departments. The British Empire appointed some of the commissioners like Lewis Benthom Bowring, Sir Mark Cubbon. These commissioners worked towards the development of Bangalore. Bowring was Chief Commissioner of Mysore from 1862 to 1870, during the British Raj, when Mysore was being administered by the Mysore Commission. During his last year of incumbency, he also served as the first Chief Commissioner of Coorg The Bowring Institute is named after him for his contribution to Bangalore. The other commissioner was Sir Mark Cubbon (August 23, 1775 – April 23, 1861) was a Empire army officer with the who became the British Commissioner of state after the defeat of Mysore Tiger . He retained this office until 1860. He moved the Karnataka capital from Mysore , helped reform the finances of Mysore, and created a peaceful and prosperous government. Cubbon Road in Bangalore are named after him. In 1827 Cubbon succeeded Sir William Morrison as Commissioner-General, and in 1831 served as Commissioner to inquire into the Mysore rebellion. He was appointed Colonel in the same year. In 1834 the Bentick, in pursuit of fiscal efficiency, appointed Cubbon as Commissioner of Mysore state. Cubbon restructured the government of Mysore, helped reform its finances, and created a peaceful and prosperous state. Cubbon is credited with the construction of over one thousand miles of roads, hundreds of dams, coffee production and improvements in the tax and revenue systems.

In 1859, when orders were issued to transfer the superintendence of Mysore affairs from the Governor-General to the government of Madras, Cubbon submitted his resignation, as he held it to be contrary to the declaration made by the Honorable Court of Directors in 1838.

In 1881, the British returned the city to the Wodeyars. Diwans like Sir.M. Vishweshwaraya and Mirza Ismail, and were the pioneers to help Bangalore attain its modern outlook. With the direct rule of the British Commissioners based in Bangalore, it became the State Administrative Headquarters. The destiny of Bangalore thus took a historic turn, making it eventually a major city of India and one of the fastest growing in the world. After independence, choosing Bangalore as the capital of Karnataka was very logical. It was also linked to major cities of the country. Today Bangalore is one of the fastest growing cities of the world with a base of 10,000 industries.

Bangalore is located in the south-eastern part of India at 12.97° N latitude and 77.56° E longitude. The city is in the heart of Mysore Plateau - a region of Deccan Plateau. Its average elevation from the sea level is 920 m with an uneven landscape of hills and valleys to the south and relatively more level plateau towards the north. The topology of Bangalore is flat except for a central ridge running south of the city. The highest point is Doddabettahalli, which is 962 m (3,156 ft) and lies on this ridge.

The Bangalore Urban district is divided into three taluks: Bangalore North, Bangalore South and Anekal. It covers a total geographical area of 2190 sq. km. Bangalore District is surrounded by Kolar District ton the northeast, Tumkur District on the northwest, Mandya District on the southwest, Chamarajanagar District on the south and neighboring state of Tamil Nadu on the southeast.

The various types of rock found in the area include granites, gneisses and migmatites. The soil types are red laterite and red, fine loamy and clayey soils. Vegetation in the city is primarily in the form of large deciduous canopy and minority Coconut trees. Bangalore has no major threat of an earthquake due to its location in a seismically stable zone (Zone II). Till date only mild tremors have been recorded in the city.

In a short span of time, Bangalore has emerged as the knowledge and technology capital of the country making rapid strides in the new economy as well. The city’s economy largely depends on trade and industries. The local economic structure is constituted by small and medium enterprises. The mid and peripheral zones concentrate 70 percent of the industries, almost all in smaller privately created industrial estates or in mixed use residential areas.

Bangalore's per capita income of US$ 6,460 is the highest for any Indian city. As of 2001 Bangalore's share of US$ 3.7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment was the 3rd highest for an Indian city. The Bangalore Stock Exchange is the largest in South India.

In the month of June 3rd and 4^th, 2010 Global Investment meeting was held Bangalore Palace Ground. BANGALORE: Karnataka got an investment promise of Rs 2.3 lakh crore on June 3, 2010 — Day 1 of the two-day Global Investors Meet (GIM). The investment has a potential of creating 2.25 lakh new jobs.

State chief minister B S Yeddyurappa signed over 41 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with investors, including some of the richest men in the world — L N Mittal, Azim Premji, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shashi Ruia, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Vijay Mallya, Venu Srinivasan, among others. The Global Investors’ Meet’s target is 400 MoUs, Rs 3.5 lakh crore investment and 6.5 lakhs new jobs.

Yeddyurappa said, ‘‘we want to make Karnataka a model state globally, known for its vibrant economy and investment potential. We want this investors’ meet to result in doubling the investments and employment opportunities in 2-3 years. These will, in turn, double the state’s revenues in 3-4 years.”

Arun Jaitley said, “States will get more revenues if more investments come. More revenues mean more money for social security schemes.”

Lakshmi N Mittal, the world’s fifth richest and the head of the world’s largest steel company, ArcelorMittal, said, “In 1990s, Karnataka is where the IT revolution began. Our project will take further the path of industrializations in this state. We hope to have a fruitful relationship with Karnataka with the mutual aim of safe, sustainable, prosperous growth.”

Industry chieftains who followed spoke in the same refrain with Kumar Mangalam Birla, who already has a huge presence in the state, saying, “We have invested and will stay invested in all our businesses in Karnataka.”

Wipro chairman Azim Premji said, “Karnataka needs to be more aggressive in attracting manufacturing industry like Tamil Nadu. It should go after large MNCs and become part of their global chain. Karnataka has a reputation of attracting services industry, but as TN has done with Nokia and Dell, it should chase large-volume, labor-intensive manufacturing.”

There were obviously more takers for Mannina Maga, Vijay Mallya —who got as enthusiastic a welcome from the crowd as L N Mittal — when he said Karnataka had much to sell. “We have a culture of knowledge. We have the human resources, excellent natural resources that are waiting to be exploited. Hence, people investing here will be as happy as I am.” He told prospective investors, “Welcome Home.”

Mittal, at a press conference later, said he has investment options in three states, whichever was speedier with clearances and land allotment would get going first. A sentiment that without doubt holds good for all the other investors who were so gung-ho about Karnataka today.

Against the magnificent background of the Bangalore Palace and in front of a giant backdrop of Vidhana Soudha and a life-size picture of himself in a natty suit, Yeddyurappa successfully sold the investment potential of the state and got investors to sign over 41 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) entailing an investment of Rs 3.29 lakh crore with potential to create 2.25 lakh new jobs on Day 1 of the two day event. GIM’s target is 400 MoUs, Rs 3.5 lakh crore investment and 6.5 lakh new jobs.

The GIM should herald a turning point in the BJP’s hitherto-fractured governance of Karnataka. With captains of Indian industry heaping praise on the proactive ness of his government, this affords a golden chance for Yeddyurappa to raise Karnataka’s investment profile. Personally, it should raise his standing within the BJP as a chief minister who can rival Gujarat’s Narendra Modi in wooing industry into his state.

Biotechnology is another rapidly expanding field in the city. The city accounts for 47% or 127 of the approximately 265 biotechnology companies in India. Biocon, the country’s leading Biotechnology Company and ranked 16th in the world, is located in the city.

Bangalore enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year due to its elevation. The mean highest temperature recorded in the city is 39°C (102°F) and the lowest is 11°C (52°F). Summer temperature rarely exceeds 38°C and winter temperature hardly falls below 12°C.

The city experiences southwestern monsoon from June to August during which heavy rains lash the city. This is the season when the city gets most of its annual rainfall. Frequent thunderstorms and occasional squalls cause power outages and flooding in parts of the city. Most of the rainfall occurs in the late afternoon, evening or night. The heaviest rainfall recorded in the city was 180 mm (7 in) on 1 October 1997. Although the climate of Bangalore is pleasant throughout the year, still the best time to visit the city is during winters (between October and February). Bangaloreans prefer to wear clothes according to the tropical climate of the city. Visitors should carry light clothing; business visitors may need to wear a light business suit for meetings with the corporate sector. Light cotton clothing is suitable for summers, while light woolen garments are ideal for winters.

There are no major rivers flowing through the city. However, rivers Arkavathi and Kaveri merge within the proximity of Nandi Hills, which lie 60 km north of Bangalore. River Vrishabhavati, a tributary of Arkavathi, flows for a small stretch in the Bangalore North taluk and carries a bulk of the city's sewerage. The city has a handful of freshwater lakes and water tanks such as Madivala tank, Hebbal tank, Ulsoor Lake and Sankey tank. Groundwater occurs in silty to sandy layers of alluvial sediments and jointed quartzite. The southern and western portions of the city consist of a topology of granite and gneissic masses.

Bangalore – the garden city of India is a veritable melting pot of various religions and cultures. The city has acquired a vibrant cosmopolitan environment with an ever-growing population of about six million. The traditional Indian culture is reflected in its art, dance, drama and music which attract people from all over the world to experience the cultural extravaganza of the Bangaloreans. The city has everything to offer, starting from pubs and magical nightlife, quick getaways and big shopping malls to thriving arts and entertainment scenes from the Indian classics. In true sense we can call Bangalore the “style city” of India.

Bangalore has been renamed as Bengaluru, as pronounced in Kannada (the regional language).

All traditional Indian festivals such as Deepavali, Dasara, Ganesh Chaturthi, Makara Sankranthi, Karaga festival, Ugadi, Eid ul-Fitr and Christmas are celebrated in the city with great fervor. Festivity brings a sense of love and togetherness among the people of Bangalore. Apart from these religious and traditional festivals, the city also observes some cultural festivals associated with dance and music.

Bangalore is home to the Kannada film industry. The people are very fond of movies and go to the theatres during week-end. The city has many clubs and bars, and is therefore sometimes called as the Pub Capital of India. Bangalore is also a popular venue for Western rock concerts.

Bangalore offers a variety of food items from traditional to exotic. The city’s restaurants can offer you anything from Chinese to Continental dishes. The preparations are simple yet excellent.

Bangalore being one of the most important cities of India is well connected by air, rail and road.

By Air:

Bangalore is well linked to different cities of the world. The new Bangalore International Airport at Devanahalli is only 6 km from the city centre. Besides international flights, the airport also accommodates domestic flights to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Panaji, Kochi etc.

Booking offices of international and domestic airlines are located in various parts of the city.

By Rail:

Bangalore has a well maintained railway network connecting major cities of the country. The city is connected to the rest of the country both by meter gauge and broad gauge rail services. There are two major railway stations in Bangalore-The Bangalore city railway station and Bangalore cantonment railway station. Several super fast trains such as Shatabdhi, Brindavan, and Lalbagh express connect Bangalore with Chennai.

You can get full information about the trains from Bangalore City Railway Station,

Enquiry Tel.: 131

Arr. & Dep.: 134

Reservations Tel.: 132.

The reservation and enquiry office is open from Monday to Saturday between 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. On Sundays, this office work from 8 A.M. to 2 P.M.

By Road:

Bangalore city has well maintained roads for transportation. It is located at the junction of National Highway 4, 7 and 48 that connects the city to all parts of the country. All neighboring State Road Transport Corporations, from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa, connect the city with their respective states. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also runs buses to all parts of the state as well as to neighboring states. The Interstate Bus Terminus is located near the railway station. Recently, KSRTC is going to operate special services to several destinations of the state for the convenience of the passengers

BMTC enquires Toll Free: 1800 425 1663
KSRTC enquiries Tel.: 22873377, 22875235

Name of the Post Office & Pin Code No.

Adugodi, 560 030

Agaram, 560 007

Air Force Stn. Yelahanka, 560 063

Arabic College, 560 045

BTM Layout, 560 076

Banashankari, 560 050

Banashankari 2nd Stage, 560 070

Banashankari 3rd Stage, 560 085

Bangalore City H.O., 560 002

Bangalore G.P.O., 560 001

Bangalore University, 560 056

Bannerghatta, 560 083

Bannerghatta Road, 560 076

Bansawadi, 560 043

Basavangudi, 560 004

Basaveswaranagar, 560 079

Benson Town, 560 046

Bommasandra Indl. Area, 560 099

Broadway Road, 560 051

Byatarayanapura, 560 092

Carmelram, 560 035

Chamrajpet West, 560 018

Chickpet, 560 053

Chikkabanavara, 560 090

C V Raman Nagar, 560 093

Dasarahalli, 560 057

Dharmaram College, 560 029

Doddakallasandra, 560 062

Domlur, 560 071

Dooravaninagar, 560 016

Electronic City, 560 100

Fraser Town, 560 005

Gandhinagar, 560 009

Gavipuram Ext., 560 019

G.K.V.K., 560 065

Gokula Extension, 560 054

Govt. Elec. Factory, 560 026

Hebbal Agric. Farm, 560 024

Hesaraghatta, 560 088

Hesaraghatta Lake, 560 089

H K P Road, 560 051

HMT, 560 031

Hospital Town East, 560 014

Hospital Town West, 560 015

Indiranagar, 560 038

Industrial Estate, 560 044

J C Nagar, 560 006

Jalahalli, 560 013

Jayanagar 3rd Block, 560 011

Jayanagar East, 560 069

Jayanagar South, 560 041

J P Nagar, 560 078

Kadugodi, 560 067

Kengeri, 560 060

Kothanur, 560 077

Krishnarajapuram, 560 036

Kumbalgodu, 560 074

Koramangala, 560 034

Koramangala 6th Block, 560 095

Lingarajapuram, 560 084

Madivala, 560 068

Magadi Road, 560 023

Mahadevapura, 560 048

Mahalakshmi Layout, 560 086

Malleswaram, 560 003

Malleswaram West, 560 055

Marathahally Colony, 560 037

Maruthisevanagar, 560 033

Mathikere, 560 054

Nagarbhavi, 560 072

Nagasandra, 560 073

Nandhini Layout, 560 096

Nayandahalli, 560 039

New Tippasandra, 560 075

Peenya S.I., 560 058

Rajajinagar, 560 010

Rajarajeshwari Nagar, 560 098

Richmond Town, 560 025

RMV Extn 2nd Stage, 560 094

RT Nagar, 560 032

R V Niketan, 560 059

Sanjayanagar, 560 094

Science Institute, 560 012

Seshadripuram, 560 020

Shanthinagar, 560 027

Shivajinagar, 560 001

Sivan Chetty Gardens, 560 042

Srirampuram, 560 021

St.Johns, 560 034

St.Thomas Town, 560 084

Subramanyapura, 560 061

Thyagaraja Nagar, 560 028

Ulsoor H.O., 560 008

Vasantha Nagar, 560 052

Vidyaranyapura, 560 097

Vijay Nagar, 560 040

Vimanapura, 560 017

Virgo nagar, 560 049

Viswaneedam , 560 091

Vyalikaval, 560 003

Vivek Nagar, 560 047

Whitefield, 560 066

Wilson Garden, 560 027

Yelhanka, 560 064

Yeswantpur, 560 022

Bangalore being the capital of Karnataka is also a political hot spot of the state. The state Legislative Assembly is located here and major political parties have their offices in the city. Bangalore contributes five members to India's lower house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha, and five members to India’s lower house of parliament , the Lok Sabha and 24 members to the Karnataka State Assembly. The city witnesses large demonstrations of political parties especially during elections. One can witness a political event being held in the city almost everyday. The present Chief Minister Mr.Dr.B.S .Yedurappa is running the government in the state and it is the first Bharathiya Janatha Party leadership in south India.

The Rajya Sabha members are elected by the political parties. By casting there votes in the Vidhana Soudha.

The Lok Sabha members are elected by the people .Different parties’ competitor for election.
Lok Sabha Constituencies

Bangalore – North

Bangalore – East

Bangalore – West

Bangalore – South

Bangalore – Central

Civic Administration

The civic administration of the city is controlled by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palika (BBMP). It is responsible for the civic maintenance and infrastructure of the city. The BBMP council comprises of 198 elected representatives, called "corporators", one from each of the 198 wards (localities) of the city. The representatives (or corporators) are elected by means of a popular vote and have a stay for five years in power. A Mayor and Commissioner of the Council are elected by means of an indirect vote by the elected representatives. The Mayor and Municipal Commissioner are responsible for the overall functioning of the BBMP. The BBMP provides basic services like Health, Education, and Water Supply to the city residents.

Another administrative body is the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) which controls, monitors and facilitates urban development in Bangalore Metropolitan Area to ensure sustainable and orderly growth.

The Bangalore City Police (BCP) is the law enforcement agency headed by a Police Commissioner, who is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. The BCP has six geographic zones, which includes Traffic Police, City Armed Reserve, Central Crime Branch and City Crime Record Bureau and it also runs 100 police stations, including two all-women police stations and some few special Police Stations. The High Court of Karnataka – the state’s highest judicial authority is also located in the city

bengaluru

Bangalore