Bangalore has always
been a hub for social and economic activities, well connected and coordinated
with the rest of the world. Starting from the very beginning it was realized to
have had a great potential to become a strong commercial zone pertaining to the
suitable topography, climate and people. Hence there has always been a quest for taking over the province for plenty of years. From the Ganges to the Cholas
then Hoysalas and then Tuluvas, it’s always been a center of attraction for the
rulers and then for the British too. All these dynasties left their marks on
city, which are still prominent in most of the parts of Bengaluru. Be it the
architecture, the
planning of the city, the population, the mindset of the people or the
experiences.So there is little I can tell you about
Bangalore beyond the things its own inhabitants have always repeated.
There were many things
that grabbed my interest, as the New Bangalore that I see today, from a student’s
point of view, is totally different from the Bangalore 10 years back, or 20 or
30 or 300 years back. Starting form the latest, due to the liberalization and globalization
(in 1991) process, India went through many changes and sudden development. Especially
Bangalore, with the entering of MNC’s and privatization, its economy boomed,
attracting professionals and students from all over the country and also
abroad. It was a paradise for the job seekers and ultimate market for the big companies.
That’s how Bangalore became a cosmopolitan city. And all this started just before
we were born so the changes, which took place, are quite noticeable and fresh
right now and listening to what existed just few years back, exists no longer
is quite provocative as to what all went into changing the whole face of
Bangalore.
Before that the city was
under the colonial rule for about 200 years and like any other rulers they
changed it according to their own culture and got adapted to the city as well.
Therefore a huge population of the Anglo-Indians is found here. The whole
cantonment area was set up for these British Army personnel to make them feel
at home and around that the development of the city took place. The eateries,
the houses, the buildings, the churches and even the schools had a very
colonial feel to them. Also they brought in an easy going and liberal lifestyle.
Introducing that men and women can gather together casually, hang out on
weekends, go clubbing etc. where all western ideas brought to India but on the
other hand, the outskirts of the cantonment which were untouched by the British
remained conserved about there culture and lifestyle.
Now even before that The
Indian Emperors (Hoysalas, Cholas, Gangas etc.), known for their Arty
interests, built these beautiful gardens, tanks, forts and temples giving Bangalore
its rich heritage and culture .Which I believe is depleting due to the rapid
development and mass construction. Also, initially I believed that Yelahanka
being on the outskirts of the city remained alienated to the now how of the
world but I actually came to know that Yelahanka ,since the very beginning, was
a crucial part in the way things were planned back then, so now I dislike
Yelanaka a bit less.
I consider that the city
has perfectly tried to maintain a balance between growth and social traditions
of the people coming from varied backgrounds to provide a homely environment to
them as well as to compete with the outside world.
Now I can totally see
Bangalore from a different eye, that of a historian, a tourist, a socialite and
a resident and hope to increase my knowledge and experiences with The City of
Boiled Beans, Bangalore.
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