Welcome to Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, a city perceived as the tech capital of India today. But there’s a lot more than what meets the eye in this metro city. Let’s take a stroll along the historical landmarks, where you will see that the city’s grandeur can be traced to the visionary leadership of its past rulers.
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Chamrajendra Wadiyar X: An Enlightened Ruler
As you wade through the busy streets of Bangalore, it’s easy to be captivated by its skyscraper-rich landscape. But, this emblem of innovation has its roots in the late 19th century under the visionary leadership of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X.
The British had initially deposed Wadiyar X’s father, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, in 1831 due to alleged misgovernance. However, they reinstated Chamarajendra Wadiyar X as the ruler of Mysore in 1881 after 50 years.
The British carefully groomed Wadiyar X for future leadership, providing him with education and exposing him to Western culture and values. They realized his potential to become an exemplary leader who could manage and lead the state to progress.
A Palace that Echoes History
Amidst the skyline of the metro city stands a living testament to Wadiyar X’s growing up years and training—the Bangalore Palace.
The British bought the mansion in the 1870’s using the royal family’s money. It was intended for the future ruler of Mysore. The prince spent time at Bangalore Palace, training for his royal duties, and was officially handed the reins when he turned 18.
As you step into the glorious Bangalore Palace, you’re not just entering a magnificent creation but also stepping back in time. The palace served as the official residence of Chamarajendra Wadiyar X when he was in Bangalore and its architecture is a fusion of Tudor and Victorian styles.
TripAdvisor Review – Excellent guide, enriching day and fun, too
We started our Bengaluru British Heritage Tour in the neighborhood of Ulsoor, which was settled by Tamil people encouraged by the British to immigrate to become their support staff. The large Sree Someshwaraswami Temple contains numerous smaller temples and beautiful carvings and artwork, including a brass Nandi, the bull of Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods.
With our guide, Praveen of Hidden Gems Tours, we also enjoyed walking through Cubbon Park, which had many flowering trees in bloom. The High Court of Karnataka adjacent to the park and the Sheshadriiyer Memorial Hall (a library) both retain the deep red hue from British colonial times.
Finally, Praveen explained the importance of the 19th century maharaja of Mysore, honored with a statue in the park. We learned that his decisions long ago in support of science and technology education helped Bengaluru to become the first Indian city with public lighting (street lamps) and ultimately led to modern-day Bengaluru’s position as India’s leader in engineering and computer science.
Throughout the tour, Praveen provided excellent historical context to enrich our knowledge and appreciation of India. Plus, we totally enjoyed his company and could hardly wait for our next tour with him the following day. We very highly recommend Hidden Gems Tours!
– Jan W
The Palace also served as a hub of social and cultural activities during Wadiyar X’s reign. It hosted grand celebrations, literary gatherings, and musical performances.
Innovation on Display: Dussehra Industrial Exhibition
Beyond festivities and grandeur, Wadiyar X’s vision extended to commitment to technology and innovation was not limited to the palace walls.
To preserve the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Wadiyar X organized the Dussehra Industrial Exhibition. The annual spectacle displayed technological advancements and offered a public platform for local artisans to display their creations.
Pioneering Education and Democracy
Wadiyar X was a big supporter of education and founded industrial schools to equip the youth with practical skills relevant to the emerging industrial era. These schools offered courses in carpentry, mechanics, and other technical disciplines, preparing students for employment opportunities in the industrial sector.
He also strongly advocated for women’s education, recognizing its crucial role in empowering women to contribute to society’s development. He promoted starting girls’ schools and supported initiatives for educating and empowering women.
In a landmark move, Wadiyar X adopted the first modern, democratic legislative institution in princely India. This reflected his commitment to representative governance and his belief in the power of public participation in shaping the state’s policies.
It laid the foundation for a more democratic and participatory system of governance. As you explore Bangalore today, this vision of democracy echoes through the architectural grandeur of Vidhana Soudha, which continues to serve as the state’s legislative hub.
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A great introduction to the city We had the best time, and it was because of our fantastic guide. This is a well-planned tour with many sites to visit in a day. It covered all of the highlights and some surprises with great opportunities to walk around and take pictures. The traditional lunch provided was an experience in itself! I can’t say enough good things about our guide, Pravin. He is extremely knowledgeable, funny, and patient. Highly recommend this tour. – SammyMG on Tripadvisor |
The Indian Institute of Science: A Beacon of Scientific Research
Chamarajendra Wadiyar X set the ball rolling for the Golden Age of Mysore kingdom in 1881. Upon his death, his family members picked up the baton. His wife, Maharani Kempananjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, was the regent queen till 1902, his son Krishnaraja Wadiyar IX assumed the throne upon turning 18 in 1902 till his death in 1940, and his grandson Jayarchamaraja Wadiyar who ruled from 1940 till India’s independence- all proved to be visionary leaders.
Over time, Mysore set up several educational institutions as the rulers believed that educating their people was imperative for the growth of the state. Perhaps their most significant contribution was assisting Jamsetji Tata’s ambitious initiative to establish a world-class research institute in India- the IISc.
The royal family shared the renowned industrialist and philanthropist Jamsetji Tata’s vision, recognizing the potential of the IISc to transform India’s scientific landscape. Despite intense competition from other cities, including Bombay and Madras, Bangalore emerged as the ideal location for the IISc. They generously offered land and financial support for the institute, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to scientific progress.
In 1909 their powerful vision helped install the IISc in Bangalore, and it became a beacon of scientific excellence and innovation in India. This ignited a chain of events that transformed the city into an educational hub. The presence of the IISc attracted renowned scientists and scholars from around the world.
Public Sector Industries: The Backbone of Bangalore’s Tech Ecosystem
Chamrajendra Wadiyar X and his successors endeavors proved to be instrumental in the eventual establishment of public sector industries in Independent India’s Bangalore.
Their earlier efforts triggered a chain of events that led to the creation of renowned institutions such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to name a few. This transformed Bangalore into a hub for aerospace, telecommunications, and heavy industries.
Amidst the tale of industries lie the sprawling expanse of greenery, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Standing tall in the middle of this haven is a glorious statue of Maharaja Chamrajendra Wadiyar X that commemorates the visionary ruler’s contributions to Bangalore’s development.
Unveiled in the early 1900s, the statue represents Wadiyar X’s legacy as a ruler who brought about progress in education, science, and technology.
Exploring Bangalore’s Tech Heritage with Hidden Gems Tours
If you are interested in learning more about Bangalore’s rich tech history, Hidden Gems Tours offers a curated tour that takes you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Vidhana Soudha, and the Bangalore Palace. Join us on this journey through time and discover the stories that have shaped Bangalore’s transformation into the tech capital of India.
