Bengaluru
| Bengaluru | |
|---|---|
| Capital City of Karnataka, India | |
| Official Name | Bengaluru |
| Former Name | Bangalore |
| Country | India |
| State | Karnataka |
| Status | State Capital |
| Founded | 1537 CE (by Kempé Gowdā) |
| Area | 741 km² |
| Elevation | 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level |
| Population (2011 Census) | 8.4 million (city); 8.5 million (metro) |
| Projected Population (2026) | ~10 million |
| Literacy Rate | 88.48% |
| Known As | Silicon Valley of India, Garden City of India, IT Capital of India |
| District | Bengaluru Urban |
Bengaluru, formerly and commonly known as Bangalore, is the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is the third most populous city in India and the fifth most populous urban agglomeration in the country. Situated on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation of over 900 metres (3,000 ft) above sea level, Bengaluru enjoys a relatively pleasant climate throughout the year — earning it the name Garden City of India. Since the late 20th century, the city has established itself as the Silicon Valley of India — the country's leading hub for information technology, startups, research and innovation.
History
Ancient and Medieval Period
Human settlement in the Bengaluru region dates back to approximately 4000 BCE, as evidenced by archaeological artefacts discovered in the area. A stone inscription found at the Nageshwara Temple in Begur, Bengaluru, references the city as far back as 890 CE.
A succession of South Indian dynasties — including the Western Gangas, the Cholas and the Hoysalas — ruled the region over several centuries. In 1537 CE, Kempé Gowdā — a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire — established a mud fort that is considered the foundation of modern Bengaluru.
In 1638, the Marathas conquered and ruled the city for nearly 50 years, after which the Mughals captured and sold it to the Mysore Kingdom of the Wadiyar dynasty. The British gained control following their victory in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, and later returned administrative control to the Maharaja of Mysore.
Colonial Period
In 1809, the British shifted their cantonment to Bengaluru, and a separate town grew around it governed as part of British India. The two urban settlements — the old city and the cantonment — merged into a single urban centre in 1949. Following India's independence in 1947, Bengaluru became the capital of Mysore State, and remained capital when the new state of Karnataka was formed in 1956.
The existing Kannada name Bengalūru was officially declared the name of the city in 2006, with the change formally taking effect on 1 November 2014.
Modern Growth
Large-scale immigration began in the 1950s as the state invested heavily in public sector industries and education. By 1961, Bengaluru had become the sixth-largest city in India. In the 1980s and 1990s, the city's real estate market expanded significantly. Since the late 1980s, numerous information technology companies established their presence in the city — and by the end of the 20th century, Bengaluru had firmly earned the title of Silicon Valley of India.
Geography
Bengaluru lies in the southeastern part of Karnataka, situated in the heart of the Mysore Plateau — a region of the larger Precambrian Deccan Plateau. The city is located at coordinates 12.97°N 77.56°E and covers an area of 741 km² (286 sq mi). Its average elevation is 900 m (2,953 ft) above sea level — the highest among India's major cities.
The highest point within the city is Vidyaranyapura Doddabettahalli, at 962 metres (3,156 feet), situated to the northwest. The city's topology is generally flat, though the western parts are hilly.
Population
As per the 2011 Census, Bengaluru had a city population of 8.4 million and a metropolitan area population of approximately 8.5 million, making it:
- The third most populous city in India
- The most populous city in South India
- The fifth most populous urban agglomeration in the country
The projected population of Bengaluru for 2026 is approximately 10 million (1 crore), reflecting continued rapid growth driven by migration and economic expansion.
Religion
Hinduism is the majority religion in Bengaluru, with approximately 78.87% of the population following it. Islam is the second largest religion at around 13.90%, followed by Christianity at 5.61%, Jainism at 0.97%, Sikhism at 0.15%, and Buddhism at 0.06%.
Economy
Bengaluru is Karnataka's largest economic centre and contributes approximately 33.3% to the state's Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP). The city is home to India's largest concentration of information technology and software companies — earning its global reputation as the Silicon Valley of India.
Key economic sectors include:
- Information Technology and Software Services
- Aerospace and Defence (including government-run installations)
- Manufacturing — machine tools, railway coaches, aircraft components
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Textiles (including silk)
- Startups and Venture Capital
The city hosts the headquarters and major offices of numerous Indian and multinational technology companies, making it central to India's IT export economy.
Culture and Landmarks
Bengaluru is known for its cosmopolitan character, rich cultural heritage and vibrant civic life. Notable landmarks and cultural features include:
- Attara Kacheri — the historic High Court building (1864)
- Bannerghatta National Park — a 260.51 km² protected area south of the city
- Freedom Park — developed on the site of the former central prison (decommissioned 2000)
- Lal Bagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park — contributing to its Garden City identity
- A thriving theatre and performing arts scene across multiple languages
- Cricket as the most popular sport, with impromptu games played across city parks
Administration
The majority of Bengaluru city lies within the Bengaluru Urban District of Karnataka, which is spread across four talukas — Bengaluru North, Bengaluru East, Bengaluru South, and Anekal. The surrounding rural areas form part of the Bengaluru Rural District. The Government of Karnataka has also carved out the district of Ramanagara from the old Bangalore Rural district.
Connectivity
Bengaluru is well connected by road, rail and air. The city is served by Kempegowda International Airport and has an expanding metro rail network. It serves as a major transportation and logistics hub for South India.
See Also
References
- District Bengaluru Urban — Government of Karnataka
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Bengaluru
- Open Source India — About Bengaluru