Bangalore, also known as the Silicon Valley of India, is a city that balances tradition and modernity. From its rich historical tapestry to acquiring major status as an IT global hub, this vibrant city literally has cast a spell on the people with interesting facts in heaps. Let us know some interesting but amazing facts about Bangalore.
1. Unique Beginnings of Bangalore
Bangalore, being a city of innovation in technology, is among the fastest-growing metropolises. Bangalore was believed to derive its name from two origins. First, traces it to “Bengaval-uru,” which means the ‘city of guards.’ Another origin suggests that it was Benda-Kaal-uru,” translates to ‘land of boiled beans, ‘ a story that involves the Hoysala king, Veera Ballala, who was fed a dish consisting of boiled beans by a commoner. These stories underline the richness of the historical and cultural tapestry from which this city evolved into the present times.
2. The Rava Idli Revolution
It is said that Bangalore invented the Rava Idli, a popular breakfast in South India. This dish emerged during World War II when rice was in extreme shortage. One of the famous restaurants in the city, MTR Restaurant, started the usage of semolina (rava) instead of rice to make idlies, and thus, the birth of Rava Idli took place. This innovative response to wartime shortages has become one of India’s favorite dishes relished throughout the country and even abroad.
3. First City with Hydroelectricity
A major plunge into modernity was when it became the first Indian city to be supplied with hydroelectric power. This was in 1906 through the installation of a plant at Shivanasamudra. Hydroelectric power installed for the first time in this city was a very great step forward in infrastructure advancement and served as an example for other Indian cities to adopt modern technologies.
4. Inspiration behind Malgudi Days
The influence of Bangalore extends to literature and media, too, including the creation of the famous series “Malgudi Days.” R.K. Narayan, who wrote this well-loved series, was inspired by the localities in Bangalore – Mallashwaram and Basavanagudi. Merging the names, Narayan came up with the name of the fictional town Malgudi, symbolising Bangalore’s culture and historical beauty. The series introduced the character of this city to a wide audience, weaving together fiction and reality.
5. Bangalore’s Rock Formation Garden
Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore has some of the oldest rock formations in the world, which are estimated to be around 2.5 to 3.4 billion years old. The very old rocks have been preserved as a national geological monument and tell about the very early history of Earth. Their presence underlines the geological importance of Bangalore and provides a natural link to the planet’s distant past.
6. Bangalore Torpedo
Bangalore has made significant contributions to military technology, including the invention of the Bangalore Torpedo. During World War I, this explosive device was invented by the unit of Madras Sappers to clear obstacles in the form of barbed wire and trenches. The effective design of the Bangalore Torpedo makes it a very valuable tool in combat, and it was depicted in several historical and contemporary films such as “Saving Private Ryan”.
7. The Oldest Radio Club
The pioneering spirit of Bangalore was manifested through the establishment of the Bangalore Amateur Radio Club in the year 1959. As India’s oldest radio club, it has played a massive role in fostering amateur radio activities alongside advances in communication technology. The long history of this club reflects upon the commitment of the city towards innovation and its influence on the growth of amateur radio in the country.
8. Pub Capital of India
Fondly known as the “Pub Capital of India,” Bangalore is home to more than 800 pubs and bars that present extensive nighttime entertainment. Adding to this glory is its growing craft brewery industry, featuring ample microbreweries. The city’s energetic pub culture offers from laid-back lounges to high-energy dance floors, making it a popular destination for people who love nightlife.
9. Bangalore Airport
Known for its rich history, Bangalore Airport has always been considered a dual-functioning airport: commercial cum military. When Kempegowda International Airport took over commercial flights, it was considered an essential hub for many flights. This old HAL airport still functions for military and VIP charter flights and retains part of the city’s aviation history.
10. History of Kempegowda Bus Stand
The Kempegowda Bus Terminal is one of the largest transport hubs in Bangalore, standing on the grounds of an artificial lake that was dug in the 13th century. With the drying up of the lake through the process of time, the place evolved to be a busy bus terminal. This transformation of the historic reservoir into a modern transport facility quintessentially describes the city’s propensity for adaptation and growth while retaining elements of its past.
11. Botanical Richness of Bangalore
Bangalore is called the “Garden City of India” because it boasts a lot of greenery and well-maintained parks. A number of parks were established in 1927 to mark the silver jubilee of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, reinforcing the reputation of Bangalore as a city of beautiful gardens. This has been one of the identities of Bengaluru, adding charm and serene spots to the city.
͏͏12. Climate Advantage of Bangalore.
Situated at 920 meters above sea level, Bangalore enjoys a very pleasant climate throughout the year. The altitude maintains a cool temperature in the city compared to most Indian cities and thus makes it likable for its residents and even visitors. This excellent climate complements Bangalore’s appeal for its reputation as a hub for technology, culture, and leisure.
Conclusion
Bangalore is a city that impresses-from historical charm to modern innovation-where every corner tells a story. From getting a sense of its tech-driven landscape to unveiling its richly enshrined past, Bangalore impresses with diversity and dynamism even today.
