Bangalore

Bangalore
Name	Bangalore
Settlement type	Metropolis
Coordinates	12, 58, 44, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Karnataka
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Bangalore Urban district
Established title	Founded
Established date	1537
Founder	Kempe Gowda I
Government type	Municipal corporation
Governing body	Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike
Area total km2	741
Elevation m	920
Population total	8,443,675
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	10,456,000
Demographics type1	Languages
Demographics1 title1	Official
Demographics1 info1	Kannada
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	560 xxx
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-(0)80
Registration plate	KA-01, KA-02, KA-03, KA-04, KA-05, KA-41, KA-50, KA-51, KA-53
Website	https://bbmp.gov.in/

Bangalore. Officially known as Bengaluru, it is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Renowned globally as a major hub for information technology and biotechnology, the city is a leading economic and cultural center in South India. With a rich history dating to the Kempe Gowda dynasty, it has evolved from a fortified market town into a sprawling metropolis often called the "Silicon Valley of India".

History

The region's early history is evidenced by megalithic structures found near areas like Jalahalli and Hebbal. Modern foundation is attributed to Kempe Gowda I, a Vijayanagara chieftain, who built a mud fort in 1537. The city later came under the rule of the Mysore Kingdom, with Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan developing the summer palace and the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Following the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War and the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799, administrative control passed to the British Raj, who established a large Cantonment and made it a major garrison town. Post-Indian independence in 1947, it became the capital of the Mysore State and later Karnataka, witnessing rapid growth with the establishment of key public sector units like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Indian Institute of Science.

Geography and climate

Situated on the Deccan Plateau at an average elevation of 920 meters above sea level, the city's topography is generally flat with occasional granite hills. Major water bodies include the Ulsoor Lake and Bellandur Lake, with the Arkavathi River and Vrishabhavathi River being its primary, though seasonal, drainage systems. It experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, moderated by its elevation, resulting in pleasant weather for much of the year. The Köppen classification is Aw, with the southwest monsoon from June to September and the northeast monsoon later in the year providing most of the annual rainfall.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, the city corporation area had a population exceeding 8.4 million, with the metropolitan area surpassing 10 million. Kannada is the official and most widely spoken language, while significant populations speak Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English. The city is religiously diverse, with major faiths including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. It is home to communities like the Tamils, Telugus, and Malayalis, alongside a growing expatriate population from Europe, North America, and East Asia.

Economy

A premier economic engine, it is headquarters to numerous multinational corporations and Indian conglomerates such as Infosys, Wipro, and Biocon. The IT sector is concentrated in areas like Electronic City and Whitefield, while biotechnology firms are clustered in Helix Biotech Park. Traditional industries include aerospace and defense, led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. The city is also a major center for the banking and finance sectors, hosting the Reserve Bank of India's regional office and the National Stock Exchange.

Culture

The cultural landscape is a vibrant blend of traditional Kannada heritage and cosmopolitan influences. It is known as the "Garden City of India" for its numerous parks, most notably the historic Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park. The city's Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural landmarks include the Vidhana Soudha, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, and the Bangalore Palace. It hosts major events like the Bangalore Karaga festival and the Bengaluru International Film Festival. The local cuisine features Karnataka staples such as Bisi bele bath and masala dosa, alongside a thriving pub and microbrewery scene.

Infrastructure

The city is a major transportation hub, served by the Kempegowda International Airport, one of the busiest in South Asia. Its public bus system and the operational Namma Metro rapid transit network form the backbone of urban transit. It is a critical node in the Indian Railways network, with major stations like Bangalore City railway station and Yesvantpur Junction. The city faces significant challenges related to traffic congestion and water supply, managed by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board. It is also a leading center for healthcare and education, hosting premier institutions like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

Category:Bangalore Category:Capitals in India Category:Cities in Karnataka