The city has so much for us that it takes a lifetime to explore the length and breadth of Bangalore. In our proximity, we have seen and heard about places like Vidyarthi Bhavan, Cubbon Park, Silk Board, Cox town, and other localities of Bangalore but have you ever wondered about the reason behind their names? Here we are with the popular places of Bangalore and the reason behind their names.
Popular places of Bangalore and the reason behind their names
Vidyarthi Bhavan
We all know Vidyarthi Bhavan as the popular eatery of Bangalore located in Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi. A 70-year-old Masala Dose Haven of the city has served people from all walks of life and today, if Bangalore is identified with Vidyarthi Bhavan then absolutely there is no surprise to it.
From movie stalwarts to Common Man, from Politicians to Software engineers, Vidyarthi Bhavan is the most preferred place to relish the delicious Masala Doses in Bangalore. We go, eat and pack Doses and come back. But, have you ever wondered or thought about the reason behind this eatery called as Vidyarthi Bhavan?
The name ‘Vidyarthi Bhavan’ translates to Vidyarthi meaning Student and Bhavan meaning building. How does it relate to food and hotel? It seems to be a college or institution name right? No, it is not that Vidyarthi Bhavan.
Gandhi Bazaar, one of the oldest localities of Bangalore had two major educational institutions in pre-independence days – National Education Society, and Acharya Patshala. Vidyarthi Bhavan is situated in the crowded area of Gandhi Bazaar got its name from the fact that it was a popular eating hub of students from the nearby colleges – National College, and B.M.S College. So, now you know.
Cubbon Park
The lavishing greenery, a soothing ambiance and the beautiful silence around is the picture that comes to our mind when we imagine Cubbon Park. This public park was first called as Meade’s Park named after Sir John Meade, the acting commissioner of Mysuru in 1870. Later on, it was renamed as Cubbon Park named after Sir Mark Cubbon who was the longest serving commissioner of the time.
In 1927, the park was once again renamed as Sri. Chamarajendra Park after Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, the 19th Century ruler of the state.
Silk Board
You are a Bangalorean if you know that Silk Board is not a Government department but a road junction known for traffic congestion. The Central Silk Board junction is located adjacent to the Central Silk Board office complex and so is the name Silk Board.
Cox Town
Yes, you read it right. It is Cox town and it is not a Greek word. The suburb located north in the Bangalore Cantonment is named after Mr. Alexander Ranken Cox, the last Collector and the District Magistrate of the Bangalore civil and military station.
Kengeri
Kengeri, a Satellite town surrounded by Nagarabhavi, Vijayanagar, and RR Nagar is located on the west corridor of the city. The word Kengeri is split into two Kannada words, Tengu (Coconut) and Keri (Place). The area got its name from the fact that it has the rich habitat of Coconut farms and acreage.
Koramangala
Known as the most preferred resident for start-ups, the area shelters companies like Infosys, Wipro, Zenith, Mind Tree, India Bulls and others. It is said that the name Koramangala is a derivation of Kannada words ‘Kora’ and Mangala which means Overhaul and Welfare respectively.
BTM Layout
BTM is an abbreviation of Byrasandra, Thavarekere, and Madiwala. The area covers Byrasandra, Tavarekere, and Madiwala and therefore it is called as BTM Layout.
Jayanagar
Jayanagar which translates to ‘Victory City’ is named after the Maharaja of Mysore, Shri Jaya Chama Raja. The area is divided into 7 wards and is surrounded by areas like Basavanagudi, JP Nagar, Wilson Garden, Banashankari 2nd stage, Suddaguntepalya and BTM layout.
Bilekahalli
It is said that Bilekahalli is related to ‘Belakinahlli’ which in Kannada means ‘The Village of Light.’ However, there is no authorized source to prove the authenticity of this information.
Madiwala
Madiwala in Kananda means ‘Washeman’. The area got its name from the fact that it had a large population of Washerman at one time.
Hope you found this informative. If you know any popular areas of Bangalore and the reason behind their names then please do share with us in the comments below.
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