How Bangalore got it's Name
The city of Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, has a rich history behind its name. Over the centuries, various stories and theories have emerged regarding its origin. Some of the key points explaining how Bangalore got its name are mentioned below.
The Legend of "Benda Kaalooru" (Town of Boiled Beans)
- The most popular and widely accepted story comes from the 12th century.
- According to legend, King Veera Ballala II of the Hoysala dynasty lost his way in a forest during a hunting trip.
- Hungry and tired, he came across a poor old woman who served him a simple meal of boiled beans (Benda Kalu).
- Touched by her hospitality, the king named the place "Benda Kaalooru", meaning "Town of Boiled Beans" in Kannada.
- Over time, the British anglicized Benda Kaalooru to Bangalore.
Historical References
- The earliest documented reference to Bengaluru dates back to a 9th-century stone inscription found near Begur, which mentions "Bengaluru" as part of a Ganga dynasty territory.
- This indicates that the name existed long before the Hoysala king's time.
Alternative Theories
- Some historians believe the name could have originated from the word "Bili-Kalooru" (meaning "place of white stones") because of the presence of white stones in the region.
- Another theory suggests that "Benga" refers to a type of tree (Ven-kai or Pterocarpus marsupium) that was once abundant in the area. Thus, "Benga-luru" could mean "the town of Benga trees."
Influence of Colonial Rule
- When the British arrived, they found the local name difficult to pronounce and adapted it to Bangalore.
- The city was officially known as Bangalore throughout the British colonial period and after India's independence.
Official Renaming to Bengaluru
- In 2006, the government of Karnataka decided to restore the city's original name, Bengaluru, for better reflecting its local heritage.
- The renaming became official on November 1, 2014.
- It aligns the city's name with its original linguistic and cultural roots.
The name Bangalore has a great history influenced by legends, language, and colonial adaptations. Post-independence, Bangalore emerged as India’s "Garden City" and a hub for public sector industries.
The IT boom in the 1990s earned it the title "Silicon Valley of India", making it a global center for technology, innovation, and culture. The city has developed rapidly and become a metropolis with upscale social and physical infrastructure. Many people migrated to the city in search of job and top builders created ultra-luxury projects to meet the residential demand.
Prestige Group has launched a landmark residential project on Begur Road, Prestige Southern Star. It offers carefully designed 1, 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments with modern amenities. Spans over 35 acres of land, the project offers a total of 2100 apartments.
