Historical landmarks in Bangalore
Though the early history of Bangalore dates back to the 9th century, the present day Bangalore city was designed by Kempe Gowda in the year 1537. During one of his hunting bouts he discovered the place. Kempe Gowda I built a fort here made of mud and constructed three little towns namely Balepet, Cottonpet and Chickpet inside the fort itself. Later his son constructed four watch towers at the corners of the fort that marked the boundaries of Bangalore. Presently these structures stand at the heart of the city as the reminiscent of the past. Since then many historical events have unfolded in the city. It has seen the invasion of the Marathas, the city was captured by Aurangzeb's army and finally the British army captured the city after Tipu Sultan died in the 4th Mysore war. It is during the British period when the city got its modern infrastructure but the historical monuments in Bangalore that reminds us of its glorious past and heritage.Landmarks of Bangalore Some of the beautiful historical landmarks of Bangalore have been highlighted here:
Bangalore Palace - Bangalore Palace that is the most prominent landmark of the city was built by Rev. Garrett, who was the first Principal of the Central High School in Bangalore. Built as the replica of the famous Windsor Castle of England the palace was constructed over a period of long 82 years, from 1862 to 1944. In the year 1884 the palace was bought by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar. The structure with granite and fluorescent blue ceramic tiles is an architectural splendor with an aesthetically pleasing sprawling garden.
Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan - This palace was first built by Kempegowda in 1537. The two storied mud brick structure, which is the replica of the Daria Daulat of Srirangapatnam was later rebuilt by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in 1791. The palace served as the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and also called the 'lask-e-jannat' that means the envy of heaven.
Nandi Temple - The temple for the worship of sacred bull of Hinduism, Nandi, was built during the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple which has one of the biggest Nandi idols in world is built in 1537 in the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
St. Mary's Basilica - The St. Mary's Basilica is the oldest church in Bangalore. It is the only church in Karnataka that has been given the status of a minor basilica. The church is built in gothic style with multiple columns and tall spires. The arches, artistic motifs and beautiful stained glass windows that were removed during World War II and subsequently restored in 1947 add to the decorations of the basilica. The St. Mary's Feast which is celebrated in the month of September is the biggest festival of the church and attended by thousands of people.
Vidhan Soudha - The Vidhan Soudha that houses the state legislature of Karnataka is the largest Legislative building in India spread over an area of 700 by 350 feet. Built in 1950 the building is an extraordinary example of 'Neo-Dravidian' style of architecture.
Karnataka High Court - The Karnataka High Court is another famous monument in the city of Bangalore. The red colored building built in the neoclassical style is a landmark of the city. The construction of the building was completed in the year 1868 under the supervision of Rao Bahadur Arcot Narayanaswamy Mudaliar.