Bangalore Shopping

HISTORY OF BANGALORE

The earliest references to Bangalore date back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence found in and around the region indicates human settlement as early as 3000 BCE. The area was ruled by several South Indian dynasties, including the Gangas, Cholas, and later the Hoysalas. 

An important early reference appears in a 9th‑century stone inscription discovered at Begur, which mentions the name “Bengaluru” and refers to a battle fought in this region during the rule of the Ganga dynasty. 

Rule of Kempe Gowda 

The foundation of modern Bangalore is credited to Kempe Gowda I, a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire. 

• In 1537, Kempe Gowda built a mud fort and established Bangalore as an administrative centre. 

• He laid out the city with well‑planned streets and marketplaces. 

• Kempe Gowda also built four watchtowers marking the boundaries of the city; some of these towers still exist today. 

Under his leadership, Bangalore developed as a centre for trade, agriculture, and crafts. 

Vijayanagara and Post‑Vijayanagara Period 

After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, Bangalore came under the control of various rulers, including: 

• The Marathas 

• The Mughals 

• The Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore 

During this time, the city changed hands several times but continued to grow in importance due to its strategic location. 

Rule of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan 

In the 18th century, Bangalore became an important city under the rule of Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, the rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore. 

• Hyder Ali rebuilt the fort using stone. 

• Tipu Sultan strengthened Bangalore’s military and administrative importance. 

• The city served as a major military base during the Anglo‑Mysore Wars against the British. 

British Period 

After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the British gained control over Bangalore. 

• The British established a cantonment area in 1809, which led to the city being divided into two parts:  

• Bangalore City (native area) 

• Bangalore Cantonment (British area) 

• Bangalore became an important centre for administration, military activities, and education. 

The British introduced modern infrastructure such as railways, roads, schools, and hospitals, shaping the city’s urban character. 

Role in the Freedom Movement 

Bangalore played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. 

• The city witnessed the rise of political awareness and social reform movements. 

• Leaders and organisations worked actively to oppose British rule. 

• After India’s independence in 1947, Bangalore became part of the Mysore State (later renamed Karnataka). 

Post‑Independence Growth 

Following independence, Bangalore experienced rapid industrial growth. 

• Public sector industries like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were established. 

• Educational and research institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) gained international recognition. 

From the late 20th century onwards, Bangalore emerged as India’s leading information technology hub. 

Bangalore Today 

In 2006, the city was officially renamed Bengaluru, reflecting its Kannada heritage. Today, Bangalore is: 

• A global centre for technology and innovation 

• Known for its pleasant climate 

• A hub of education, culture, and industry 

Despite rapid urbanisation, the city continues to carry the legacy of its long and diverse history. 

Bangalore Shopping Places

Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India is the capital city of  the Karnataka State. It is a big bustling city with  popular  Bangalore shopping places, markets and malls. It is also known as the garden city due to its beautiful parks & gardens. Further, it the IT capital of India. As a matter of fact, several global IT majors have their back offices in Bangalore.

Bangalore-History

Firstly, the modern day State of Karnataka was once ruled by the Vijayanagar Empire from the 13^th to the 16^th century. The entire Deccan plateau region in the South belonged to them. Krishna Deva Raya  was a very powerful  ruler of this empire. Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire is now a UNESCO site. It has some truly breath-taking Temples.

 The French Connection

The father and son duo of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan also ruled the Deccan State. They associated with the French to defeat the British in India. They set up their capital in Seringapatam, near Mysore. Above all, there is a lot of history associated with this State.

Let us move on to shopping places in Bangalore and what are the best items to be purchased in Bangalore

Bangalore Shopping Places

Bangalore is particularly famous for silk sarees and wood carvings. Commercial Street, MG Road, Jayanagar and Chickpet are popular markets in Bangalore. Chickpet and Basavangudi markets retain their old world charm and street shops are very popular here. MG Road is a central road in Bangalore and is one of the best shopping places in Bangalore. Some of the best shops for carpets, handicrafts and sarees are here. There is a metro line on this road that makes it convenient for people to reach this Bangalore shopping market.

Bangalore shopping Malls

Well, the city boasts of large shopping malls with international brands and designer wear stores. Young people spend a lot of time in these malls for shopping, dining and spending leisure time with friends and family. Some of the famous Bangalore  shopping malls are Orion Mall, Forum Mall, Phoenix Market City, Mantri Square Mall and UB City Mall.

Bangalore Saree Shops

Firstly, Bangalore is the silk producing centre.

 Angadi Silks and Deepam Silks are two of the finest shops for silk sarees in Bangalore. In addition to silk sarees, you can also find shops for exquisite bridal lehengas and wedding dresses. Further, Bangalore is also famous for silk fabrics and a lighter variety of silk known as Mysore silk.

Bangalore shopping Places — Top Jewellery Stores

This city has famous  & trusted jewellery shops. For example Ganjam Nagappa & C. Krishniah Chetty, Abharan and Bhima Jewellers are all popular shops for exquisite gold and diamond jewellery. They are established jewellers with distinct Temple Jewellery designs.

Bangalore shopping for handicrafts —Sandalwood Artifacts 

Further, handicrafts in Bangalore are world famous. You must take a  look at sandalwood artifacts and garlands made from sandalwood shavings. Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium at MG Road, Bangalore is where you can find them. They stock a lot of deities and other artefacts made from sandalwood. In addition, Kashmiri carpets can be found in several shops in this road.

Chinnapatna Wooden Toys

Your  Bangalore  shopping is certainly not complete without the 200-year-old wooden toy craft. This ubiquitous craft form finds its origin in the reign of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore.

He invited Persian artisans to upskill the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. They are made in the town of Channapatna. As a matter of fact, the colourful Channapatna wooden toys from the State are exported all over the world.

Tourist Attractions in Bangalore

Bangalore has a mix of the old & the new and Bangalore shopping places are exciting with restaurants, coffee shops & boutique shops