While many associate Bangalore with IT and little in terms of heritage, this city does offer stunning structures from across time – temples built by Chola dynasty can especially dazzle history fans.
Majestic structures like Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri also stand out. The latter, which translates to ‘eighteen departments”, houses Karnataka High Court.
1. Bangalore Fort
Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore, established an idyllic city encircled by an expansive mud fort. Today he would likely be delighted by how his creation has flourished over the decades.
Originaly, this mud fort covered an area of one mile around and was marked by nine large gates. Strengthening was undertaken by Hyder Ali (father of Tipu Sultan) with stones in 1761.
Huge iron cannons from those days can still be seen within the fort and take you back to an age before modern artillery existed. Additionally, this fort features a temple and armoury; perfect for history lovers to visit at any time of day and evening! Currently it serves as home to Karnataka High Court.
2. Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace showcases its rich historical legacy through its European architecture and lavish opulence. Beautiful paintings by Raja Ravi Varma decorate its walls; additionally, there are intricate carved side tables, dressing benches, and an immense mirror stretching to the ceiling within its luxurious interiors.
The palatial structure was originally constructed by Rev Garrett, the founding principal of Central High School before being purchased by British guardians for Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar in 1873. With its turreted parapets, fortified towers and fairytale ballroom reminiscent of Windsor Castle in England, its design showcases one of its signature features – its fairy-tale atmosphere.
Cultural events, rock concerts and weddings take place on the expansive palace grounds today, while its luxurious edifice is also host to Fun World on weekends – an amusement park designed specifically for children.
3. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is one of Bangalore’s most iconic buildings and often described as the Taj Mahal of South India. Home to both State Legislature and Secretariat for Karnataka, its architectural wonder will take your breath away!
This Neo-Dravidian structure was completed between 1951 – 1956 under Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure, when its foundation stone was laid. Kengal Hanumanthaiah took inspiration for this impressive building from London’s Capitol and House of Commons structures as inspiration.
Jon Lang’s Concise History of Modern Architecture in India describes this structure as an outstanding example of revivalist designs during that era. It features ornamental chajjas, brackets and capitals inspired by temple architecture; furthermore it illuminates dramatically at night to be an amazing sight.
4. Mayo Hall
Mayo Hall stands out on MG Road and is instantly recognisable to both locals and those visiting for the first time in this city. Designed in Neoclassical style, Mayo Hall features grand entrance and large columns which add aesthetic value.
The ground-floor of this building originally housed the Municipal Office for Cantonment along with various public offices and law courts, in addition to serving as a venue for important public meetings and exhibitions.
Today, it serves as one of the four units of Bengaluru Civil Courts and stands as a testament to the city’s rich legacy of justice and administration. Furthermore, it houses Kempe Gowda Museum which displays historic objects and paintings related to him; further commemorating his legacy.
5. Attara Kacheri
Attara Kacheri is an exquisite example of Greco-Roman architecture located opposite Vidhan Soudha and serves as home for Karnataka High Court as well as various offices. The two-storied red building stands out for its eye-catching red colour and two-story height.
Poornima Dasharathi, founder of Unhurried Heritage Walks explains the history behind Attara Kacheri: Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar decided to construct 18 departments known as Kacheris in order to accommodate his ever expanding administrative services at his palace, thus giving it its name.
Experience history at its finest when you visit this captivating historical attraction in Bangalore! The building hosts various events such as legal aid clinics for underprivileged residents, book launches and cultural programs – easily accessible via public transport.
