| Name | Bangalore |
| Founded | 14th century |
| Capital of | Karnataka, India |
| Current status | Major industrial and administrative center |
| Historical notes | Important regional center under the Vijayanagar Empire • Hub of military technology and manufacturing under successive Indian kingdoms • Experienced steady urbanization and growth over the centuries • Remained a major industrial and administrative center • Rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism industry |
Bangalore, officially known as Bengaluru, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. With a population of over 8.5 million as of 2020, it is one of the largest cities in India. Bangalore has a long and illustrious history dating back to the 14th century, when it served as an important regional center under the Vijayanagar Empire.
The earliest records of Bangalore date back to 1537, when it was mentioned as a town within the Vijayanagar Empire, one of the most powerful Hindu kingdoms in medieval South India. Under Vijayanagar rule, Bangalore grew in importance as a regional hub of trade, agriculture, and administration.
The city's strategic location and moderate climate made it an attractive seat of power. Bangalore was further strengthened by the construction of the imposing Bangalore Fort in 1537, which served as the administrative and military center of the region. The city prospered as a center of textiles, metal working, and other cottage industries during this period.
After the decline of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 17th century, Bangalore came under the control of a succession of Indian Sultanates and princely states, including the Mysore Kingdom. These later rulers recognized Bangalore's potential and transformed it into a major hub of military technology and manufacturing.
Under the Mysore Sultanate in the 18th century, Bangalore became renowned for its production of sophisticated cannon, muskets, and other advanced weaponry. The city's foundries, armories, and gunpowder mills supplied much of South India's military might. Developments in metallurgy and engineering during this time laid the foundations for Bangalore's future industrial growth.
While Bangalore's importance as a military and industrial center continued through the 19th century, it did not experience the rapid urbanization and modernization seen in many other Indian cities during the colonial era. The city grew at a more moderate pace, with a population of only around 200,000 by the dawn of the 20th century.
Unlike the major port cities like Bombay and Calcutta, Bangalore largely escaped the direct influence of the British Raj. It retained a more traditional architectural and cultural character, with the old Bangalore Fort, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, and numerous Hindu temples remaining central to the cityscape.
After India's independence in 1947, Bangalore was chosen as the capital of the newly formed state of Karnataka. The city has continued to grow steadily, with a population now exceeding 8.5 million, making it the third most populous city in India.
While Bangalore has not experienced the explosive tech-driven growth of the past few decades seen in our timeline, it remains an important industrial and administrative center. Key sectors of the economy include:
Bangalore is also renowned for its many garden cities, parks, and lakes, earning it the nickname the "Garden City of India." The city's historic architecture, vibrant culture, and thriving tourism industry continue to draw visitors from around the country and the world.
