Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, officially became Bengaluru on November 1, 2014. This change happened on Karnataka Rajyotsava, the state’s formation day. The state government wanted to rename 11 other cities too, to drop colonial names for local ones.
The idea started in 2006. It took 8 years for the central government to agree. This move was to bring back the city’s true name and culture.
This change is part of a bigger trend in India. Cities like Mumbai and Chennai have also changed their names. It’s about going back to names that reflect the city’s roots.
Key Takeaways
- Bangalore officially became Bengaluru in 2014, part of a larger initiative to rename 12 cities in Karnataka.
- The name change process began in 2006 and took 8 years to receive approval from the central government.
- The renaming reflects a broader trend in India of reverting to indigenous city names, such as Mumbai and Chennai.
- The change from Bangalore to Bengaluru was seen as a way to restore the city’s historical identity and cultural heritage.
- The name change has faced some resistance from educational institutions and businesses, who are hesitant to fully adopt the new name.
Historical Origins: From Bengaval-uru to Modern Day
Bangalore’s story began in the 9th century as “Bengaval-uru,” or “the city of guards.” It started as a military base. Over time, it was ruled by the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara empires.
In the 16th century, Kempegowda, a local leader, made Bendakaluru his capital. This place is now known as Bengaluru.
The Ninth Century Guard City
Bengaval-uru was first a military camp in the 9th century. It was a guard city, protecting the area from dangers. It also kept the local people in order.
Evolution Through Different Empires
Over the years, Bengaval-uru changed under different rulers. The Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empire were key in its growth. They influenced the city’s buildings, culture, and how it was run.
Colonial Era Transformation
In the colonial era, the city became known as “Bangalore.” The British changed its name. This period saw big changes in Bangalore.
New buildings, schools, and government offices were built. Bangalore also became a center for technology and new ideas. This set the stage for its future.
“Bangalore’s history is a fascinating tapestry, woven with the threads of different empires and cultures. From its origins as a military outpost to its transformation into a thriving metropolis, the city has always been a dynamic center of change and progress.”
The Legend of Benda-kaalu-ooru: Town of Boiled Beans
One of the most fascinating stories about Bengaluru’s origins is the legend of “Benda-kaalu-ooru,” or the “town of boiled beans.” It tells of a 12th-century Hoysala king named Veera Ballala II who got lost while hunting. He found a poor old woman who gave him a meal of boiled beans. The king was so grateful that he named the place “benda-kaalu-uru,” linking the city’s name to this touching story.
Though the truth of this legend is debated, it shows the deep cultural meaning of Bengaluru’s name to locals. The story of boiled beans, a common food in the area, shows the city’s roots in farming and the importance of kindness. This tale is a source of pride for namma bengaluru (our Bengaluru), reminding us of the city’s bangalore historical name and its beginnings.
“The boiled beans story, despite lacking concrete evidence, has been widely accepted due to its ethical undertones and is a source of pride for locals.”
An edict from the 9th century mentions “Bengaval-uru,” suggesting an even earlier name for the city. This mix of legends and historical records shows the complex origins of Bengaluru. It highlights the ongoing quest to learn about the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Whether the name Bengaluru comes from “Benda-kaalu-ooru” or has roots earlier than that, the legend’s popularity shows the power of local stories. As Bengaluru grows and changes, this tale reminds us of its simple beginnings. It shows how the city’s history and culture have shaped its vibrant identity.
Kempegowda’s Legacy: The True Founder of Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s history is rich and long, but its modern identity is thanks to Kempegowda. He was a leader under the Vijayanagara Empire in the early 16th century. He chose Bendakaluru as his capital, starting the city’s journey to become the bustling metropolis we know today.
Early 16th Century Capital Selection
Kempegowda picked Bendakaluru as his capital in 1537 CE. This choice was strategic and had a big impact. The city’s location, climate, and water resources made it perfect for a new capital.
Under Kempegowda, Bengaluru started to grow. The Bangalore Fort was built, and the town was planned. This was the beginning of the city we know today.
Cultural Impact on City Development
Kempegowda’s influence went beyond buildings. He encouraged skilled artisans and craftsmen to settle in Bengaluru. This created a vibrant cultural scene in the city.
Many temples, tanks, and lakes were built during his rule. Bengaluru became a center of culture and commerce, based on vedic traditions.
Kempegowda’s legacy is seen in Bengaluru’s name and landmarks. The city’s name change to Bengaluru in 2014 honored his vision. Today, his name is remembered in education, public spaces, and more.
“Kempe Gowda envisioned the development of Bangalore Town in the 16th century and built the Bangalore Fort and the town in 1537, which led to the foundation of present-day Bangalore city.”
Why Bangalore Was Renamed as Bengaluru
The renaming of Bangalore to Bengaluru aimed to bring back the city’s true identity. It was a move to get rid of the colonial name. This change is part of a bigger trend in India to use native names for cities.
Locals and cultural enthusiasts supported this change. They believed Bengaluru better represents the city’s Kannada roots.
Bangalore, now Bengaluru, grew a lot under British rule. In 2014, it was officially renamed. This move was to support regional languages and cultural preservation in India.
A stone inscription from 890 CE in the Parvathi Nageshwara Temple in Begur shows the name “Bengaluru” is old. It talks about a war called the Bengaluru war. This shows the name has deep historical roots.
Dr. Suryanath Kamath thought the name “Bengaluru” comes from “Benga” (a tree) + “uru” (village). This theory connects the city to its Kannada heritage.
The renaming of Bangalore to Bengaluru was a big step. It aimed to honor the city’s history and culture. It shows India’s effort to keep regional languages and traditions alive.
“The stone inscription from 890 CE in Begur references a Bengaluru war where Buttanachetty, a servant of Nagattara, died.”
The 2014 renaming of Bangalore to Bengaluru was a big moment. It recognized the city’s strong Kannada identity. It also shows India’s dedication to its diverse cultural heritage.
The Official Process: Timeline of the Name Change
The journey to rename Bangalore as Bengaluru was long and hard. It faced many challenges but eventually succeeded. The process started in 2006 when the Karnataka government wanted to rename 12 cities, including the capital.
2006 Initial Proposal
The plan to rename Bangalore to Bengaluru got mixed reactions. Some saw it as a way to honor the city’s history and culture. Others worried about the practical problems it would bring.
Government Approvals and Challenges
The proposal hit many roadblocks, like objections from Maharashtra about Belgaum’s name. This caused years of talks and disagreements between the state and central governments. But, they eventually agreed.
Final Implementation in 2014
In 2014, the central government gave the green light for the name change. On November 1, 2014, the city officially became Bengaluru. This was on Karnataka Rajyotsava, the state’s foundation day.
The change from Bangalore to Bengaluru was a long and tough journey. But, it recognized the city’s rich culture and history. It showed the local people’s feelings and fit with other Karnataka capital name change efforts in India.
Cultural Significance of Reverting to Native Names
The move to use native names in India is very important. It shows a step back from colonial rule and a reclaiming of local identities. For Bengaluru, changing its name from Bangalore celebrates its rich Kannada heritage and history.
This change is part of a bigger movement in India. It aims to boost regional languages and keep cultural traditions alive. Cities like Mumbai and Chennai have also changed their names to reflect their roots.
In the last ten years, many Indian cities have changed their names. Bombay became Mumbai, Madras turned into Chennai, and Calcutta is now Kolkata. Even Pondicherry is now Puducherry. These changes show a growing confidence and pride in India’s heritage.
The name change from Bangalore to Bengaluru is seen as a victory. It’s part of a larger effort to celebrate regional languages and cultures. This effort started in 1956 when states were organized by language and has grown with groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
The importance of india city renaming rationale and bengaluru nomenclature significance is huge. It shows a strong wish to highlight local identities and leave colonial pasts behind. It also celebrates India’s rich languages and ancient history.
“The renaming of cities in India, such as from Delhi to Indraprasth and Bangalore to Bengaluru, is sometimes linked to more radical nationalist sentiments.”
The shift to native names in India is a big cultural move. It’s about taking back local identities and heritage. For Bengaluru, the name change from Bangalore shows its Kannada roots and joins a national trend of boosting regional pride and cultural preservation.
Impact on Educational Institutions and Businesses
The renaming of Bangalore to Bengaluru has affected the city’s schools and businesses differently. Many universities, like Bangalore University, have kept their old names. They point to other cities that have also changed their names but kept their schools’ names the same. On the other hand, the business world has reacted in a more mixed way.
University Name Retention Policies
Some top universities in Bengaluru, including Bangalore University, have decided to stick with their old names. They argue that other cities have done the same thing. This choice helps them keep their well-known brands and histories.
Corporate Response to the Change
The business world’s reaction to the name change has been varied. Some companies have quickly adopted the new name, updating their logos and ads. But, many others, mainly those with global reach, have kept using “Bangalore.” They say it’s more familiar and recognized worldwide.
The renaming of Bangalore city to Bengaluru has mixed effects on schools and businesses. Universities have mostly kept their names, but businesses have taken different paths. Some have adopted the new name, while others stick with “Bangalore,” mainly for international markets.
Metric | Value |
---|---|
Bangalore Population | 12.3 million |
Bangalore’s IT Industry Employees | 4.1 million |
IT Exports from Bangalore | $137 billion |
Bangalore’s Startup Unicorns | 14 ($61 billion valuation) |
Native Bangalore Residents | 49% |
Bengaluru, once known as Bangalore, has grown into a global tech and startup center. Despite the bangalore to bengaluru reason for the name change, the city’s schools and businesses have handled the change in different ways. This shows the city’s dynamic and diverse nature.
Bengaluru’s Transformation: From Garden City to Tech Hub
Once called the “Garden City” and “Pensioner’s Paradise,” Bengaluru has changed a lot. It’s now India’s IT capital, known as the “Silicon Valley of India.” The city is also a big place for biotechnology and start-ups, thanks to its innovative spirit.
Bengaluru’s tech growth is amazing. It’s among the top 14 global advanced manufacturing and robotics ecosystems, says Startup Genome 2018. The city has also seen a lot of investments, like Ola getting $3.8 billion in funding after moving its base to Bengaluru.
The Karnataka government has helped a lot with Bengaluru’s tech growth. In 2015, they launched a startup policy to help 20,000 tech startups grow by 2020. They had $47.3 million to support this. This effort has paid off, with Bengaluru seeing a lot of VC investment in fintech startups in 2016.
But Bengaluru’s growth has brought challenges too. The city faces infrastructure and environmental issues, earning it names like “Garbage City.” Yet, it remains a key place for innovation and technology in India, attracting global attention and investment.
“Bengaluru has emerged as the epicenter of India’s startup revolution, attracting talent and investment from around the world. The city’s transformation from a namma Bengaluru origins to a bangalore historical name tech hub is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Bengaluru’s role as a tech and innovation hub in India is set to grow. It will keep being the “Silicon Valley of India,” playing a big part in the country’s future.
Key Highlights | Data |
---|---|
Bangalore’s ranking in global advanced manufacturing and robotics ecosystems | Top 14 leading global ecosystems (Startup Genome 2018) |
Ola’s funding after shifting headquarters to Bangalore | $3.8 billion through 21 rounds |
Karnataka Startup Policy’s vision and corpus | 20,000 tech startups by 2020, $47.3 million corpus |
VC investment in Bangalore fintech startups in 2016 | $2.34 billion, 145 deals |
Funding for AI and machine learning startups in Bangalore in 2018 | $328 million, up from $26 million in 2017 |
Other Karnataka Cities That Changed Names
The Karnataka state government has renamed many cities, including Bangalore to Bengaluru. In 2014, 12 cities in Karnataka were renamed. This move aims to boost local languages and cultural identity.
The list of cities that changed names includes:
- Mangalore to Mangaluru
- Mysore to Mysuru
- Bellary to Ballari
- Belgaum to Belagavi
- Hubli to Hubballi
- Tumkur to Tumakuru
- Bijapur to Vijayapura
- Chikmagalur to Chikkamagaluru
- Gulbarga to Kalaburagi
- Hospet to Hosapete
- Shimoga to Shivamogga
The renaming started in 2006 with plans from the JDS-BJP government. After eight years, the changes were made in 2014. This was a big step for Karnataka to honor its culture and language.
Renaming cities has faced challenges, like the debate over Belgaum to Belagavi. Yet, it shows India’s trend of changing city names. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Thiruvananthapuram have also changed names.
The city name changes aim to celebrate Karnataka’s diverse culture. As the state grows, the effects of these changes on branding, education, and business are being discussed.
Global Recognition and Modern Identity
The change from Bangalore to Bengaluru has caused mixed feelings worldwide. Some global groups and media have accepted the new name. Yet, others stick to Bangalore, mainly in business and tech fields. The city now blends its deep cultural roots with its role as a global tech leader.
Bengaluru is drawing global interest for its booming IT sector, start-ups, and cultural life. This makes it a major player in India’s economy and tech scene. The city’s bengaluru nomenclature significance shows its wish to keep its local culture while being a center for global innovation.
The karnataka capital name change has led to talks about keeping local heritage alive. At the same time, it recognizes Bengaluru’s growth into a modern, diverse city. Bengaluru’s mix of old and new has made it a recognized, forward-thinking city in India, ready to shape the country’s future.