One of the oldest localities in Bengaluru, Chamarajpet has evolved with the times but has still retained its identity. A cluster of houses with a common courtyard is how you can identify this locality. While the houses with tiled roofs have been replaced with all buildings, the courtyards have always remained intact. As this locality slowly looks towards completing 128 years, it continues to remain a hub of classical music and Kannada activism. Let us know about this amazing urban locality in Bengaluru, named Chamarajpet.
Way back in time
Built in 1892, Chamarajpet derived its name from the then Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar. It was originally named Chamarajendra Pete and was later shortened to Chamarajpet. The only record of this date has been kept in the Municipal Hand Book published in 1931.
Inspired by the chess board
The locality was designed on the lines of a chess board, with five main roads and nine crossroads, with an unlikely plot size of 30×108 feet, executed by the then Chief Executive Engineer of the Government of Mysore, Karpura Srinivasa Rayaru, who later on resided there. This was one of the best-planned localities in Bengaluru.
Home to the wisest
The area at one point in time was home to many literary geniuses, including Subodha Ramarayaru, T.P. Kailasam, Honnappa Bhagavatar, V. Seetharamaiah, M.R. Srinivasamurthy, and Karpoora Srinivasarayaru. The great engineer and Bharat Ratna recipient, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, also stayed there for a few decades.
Brahminical
Being the seat of the oldest Sanskrit college in the city, the Chamarajendra Sanskrit College, as well as the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Chamarajpet is often identified as “Brahminical.” It comes as no surprise to find a temple on every street in this locality.
First cosmopolitan locality
Chamarajpet is probably the first cosmopolitan locality in the city, with a mixed religion and language demography. The locality boasts of an equal number of mosques and churches and has a sizeable population from each of the corresponding communities. Keshava Shilpa, the RSS headquarters and Idgah Maidan are found at either end of the area, symbolizing the diversity found here.
Tipu Sultan Summer Palace
Chamarajpet has it’s own Summer Palace which was meant for the Tiger of Mysore. A stunning example of Indo – Islamic architecture, the palace was completed in 1791 and continues to enthrall visitors even today.
Food Paradise in chamarajpet
Be it the Karnataka Bhel House or the Food Street at either Nagarathpet or VV Puram nearby, Chamarajpet is full of eateries which will definitely keep you coming back for more.
Recommended: You Should Head to Nagarthpet Food Street If You Want To Have Some Real-Good Street Food
Every Shopper’s Stop
With clothing stores, accessory stores and even stationeries in the vicinity, Chamarajpet is one place you cannot resist! Sultanpete, where you can get wedding invitations and wedding essentials stores are at a stone’s throw away from this area. There’s nothing you can’t find here; literally!
A place full of memories
The iconic landmarks are still going strong and continue to provide a treasure house for old memories. Some of the old establishments such as Prakash Cafe, Surya Book Depot, Chamundeshwari Coffee Works, Reddy Pharma, Vani Opticals and Vedanta Book House continue to see thriving business and enjoy a cult following.
Close to various spots
Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Wonderla – there’s no place too far away from this locality and you shouldn’t worry about getting to any part of the city, thanks to its convenient location.
Come down to Chamarajpet for an entirely new experience, Bengaluru!
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