Bangalore or Bengaluru is a South-Indian city popularly known for its beautiful weather, friendly residents, never-ending night-life and delicious food. However, it is also a city of hidden treasures with built heritage from the Ancient, Medieval and Modern periods. So I invited my friends to join me for a photo walk on this heritage path to explore the true colours of Bangalore.
My small group of history lovers at Vidhana Soudha L-R: Rahul, Manasa and Meghana. (we were accompanied by another friend- Pratik, who isnt present in the picture)
Medieval Period-
TIPUS SUMMER PALACE
Most notable among the Islamic buildings of Bangalore is the Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan. This Abode of Happiness was started by Haider Ali in 1781 and completed a decade later by his son Tipu Sultan. (photo credits: Pratik Mahendra)
The palace is decorated with fluted wooden pillars with stone bases. The curved arches which are polished and painted in two different colours highlight the features of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. (photo credits: Pratik Mahendra)
The upper chambers and balconies lead to the Zenana Chambers, where the Sultan often held audience and conducted his affairs of the State. (Photo credits: Meghana Kuppa)
Modern Era-
After reveling in the medieval era, we made our way into the Modern period of Bangalores history. We started at Vidhana Soudha followed by Attara Kacheri.
Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. This massive structure built in the Neo-Dravidian style is 150-feet in height. The slogan “Government Work Is God’s Work” is inscribed in Kannada and English above the entrance to the Vidhana Soudha. (photo credits: Meghana Kuppa)
Here is an interesting fact behind the construction of Vidhana Soudha. The prisoners housed in the Central Jail in Bangalore were the ones who constructed this building between 1952-1956. After the completion of construction, the prisoners were given a general amnesty of freedom! (photo credits: Meghana Kuppa)
Attara Kacheri
Our last stop was the High Court of Karnataka- Attara Kacheri (meaning Eighteen offices). This red-brick building was built opposite Vidhana Soudha in 1868. The main attraction is the style of architecture, known as Graeco-Roman style of architecture. (photo credit: Meghana Kuppa)
