Category talk:History of Bangalore

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South Bangalore

Here is an extract from my email to Ronnie Johnson who has done a commendable job of recording the history of Bangalore. I realized that the southern part of Bangalore was missed out as Ronnie's focus (understandably as he has lived in the Cantt area) was more on MG Road and surrounding localities.

At that point in time, the southern part of Bangalore consisted of the areas of Basavanagudi, V.V.Puram and some parts of Jayanagar 4th Block. Basavanagudi is home to some of the oldest institutions and hotels of Bangalore. The National College is perhaps the oldest institution in the southern part of Bangalore. It has produced many an eminent personalities ranging from scientists to sportspersons to film personalities to businessmen. Notable among them are educationist, Late Dr.H.Narasimhaiah who spent his life dedicated to inculcating the Scientific Temper amongst the local populace. The other equally notable families are the Yadalam Family, the Meda Kasthuri Ranga Setty family (of R.V.Institutions and Mysore Feeds Ltd fame), Mr.B.C.S.Narayan, among others. All these people have contributed immensely to the society they have lived in. Another very old institution is The Fort High School near the Bangalore Medical College. Gundappa Vishwanath the ace cricketer and one of the finest batsmen that our country has ever produced, studied in this school. Mahila Seva Samaja, adjoining National High School is another very old institution. Bangalore Medical College is one of the most prestigious medical colleges in India. It has the distinction of producing many eminent doctors of world fame.

This apart, there were several eminent literary geniuses who brought enormous fame to Karnataka and Kannada. Some of the outstanding among them were T.P.Kailasam, Masthi Venkatesha Iyengar, Dr.D.V.Gundappa (affectionately known as DVG), G.P.Rajarathnam, P.T.Narasimhachar, A.N.Murthy Rao and A.N.Krishna Rao. I could write much more about these literary geniuses, but that should be a separate article by itself. These are some of the eminent people who have lived in the erstwhile pensioner's paradise.

Another prestigious institution that has withstood the test of time is The Indian Institute of World Culture on B.P.Wadia Road. This was established by Bomanji Pestonji Wadia (popularly known as B.P.Wadia) who was also instrumental in establishing The United Lodge of Theosophists located on the diagonal road leading to Lal Bagh West Gate entrance.

Apart from these, Basavanagudi locality is also home to The Basavanagudi Union and Services Club, popularly known as BU&SC. It is a 103 year old institution founded by Dr.Masthi Venkatesha Iyengar originally as a reading club. The club recently celebrated the centenary and a new building is being constructed to commemorate the centenary year.

Basavanagudi locality is home to some of the oldest temples. Notable among them are the Bull Temple, Shankara Matha and Gavi Gangadherashwara Temple.

Apart from the educational institutions and the temples, Basavanagudi is home to some of the finest eateries in Bangalore. The most popular among the early restaurants are MTR and Vidyarthi Bhavan. A lesser known place to people from other localities but a hot favourite among the residents is the Brahmins Coffee Bar situated on Ranga Rao Road in Shankarpuram. These places are known for their specific delicacies. Vidyarthi Bhavan for the masale dosae (the dish is wrongly spelt and pronounced as 'masala dosa'), MTR for its famous lunches and the Brahmins Coffee Bar for the mouth watering idli and vadae (this is another dish that has been wrongly spelt and pronounced). MTR has several photographs that trace the path the hotel has treaded from those days. It has been patronized by almost all the eminent citizens of Bangalore. It has played host to chief ministers, prime ministers (it has a photo of Jawaharlal Nehru enjoying coffee) and even presidents. It is a place that indeed has rich heritage.

What I have documented above is only a miniscule part of the history. I welcome like minded readers to contribute more.