Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka, is known for its cosmopolitan culture, IT industry, and pleasant climate. But the city also has a rich and diverse history that is reflected in its various wards and localities. One such ward is the BBMP KrishnaRajendra Market Ward, which is named after the famous KR Market or City Market, one of the oldest and largest wholesale markets in Bengaluru. The ward is not only a commercial center, but also a historic and cultural hub that showcases the heritage and legacy of Bengaluru.
How it got its name
The ward derives its name from the KrishnaRajendra Market, which is also known as KR Market or City Market. The market was originally built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, in 1791 as a mud fort. The fort was later captured by the British in 1799 and converted into a market in 1928. The market was named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the Maharaja of Mysore, who donated funds for its construction. The market has been renovated and expanded several times over the years, but it still retains its old-world charm and character.
What it is popularly known for
The ward is popularly known for its vibrant and bustling market that sells a variety of goods such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, grains, textiles, electronics, and household items. The market is especially famous for its flower section, which is the largest in Asia and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The market is also known for its historic and cultural landmarks such as the Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the Bangalore Fort, the Jamia Masjid, and the Kote Venkataramana Temple. These monuments represent the different eras and influences that shaped Bengaluru’s history and culture.
Historic significance
The ward has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was part of the Mysore Kingdom under Tipu Sultan and later the British Raj. The ward witnessed several battles and sieges during the Anglo-Mysore Wars and the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The ward also played a role in the freedom struggle and the social reform movements of Bengaluru. It was the site of several protests and rallies led by prominent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Basaveshwara. The ward also has a diverse population that includes people from different religions, castes, languages, and regions.
Some of the popular layouts in this ward
Some of the popular layouts in this ward are Chamrajpet, Kalasipalya, Dharmaraya Swamy Temple Ward, Mavalli, and Cottonpet. These layouts are known for their old-world charm, heritage buildings, narrow lanes, and diverse communities. These layouts also offer a range of amenities such as parks, hospitals, schools, banks, restaurants, and shopping centers. These layouts are also well-connected to other parts of the city by public transport such as buses, metro trains, auto rickshaws, and taxis.
Spots of Interest in this area
Some of the spots of interest in this area are:
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: A beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture that was built in 1791 as the summer residence of Tipu Sultan. The palace has a museum that displays artifacts related to Tipu Sultan and his era such as weapons, paintings, coins, clothes, and furniture. The palace also has a garden that has fountains, ponds, and flowers.
- Bangalore Fort: A historic fort that was built by Kempe Gowda I, the founder of Bengaluru, in 1537 and later expanded by Tipu Sultan in 1761. The fort has a Ganapati Temple and a dungeon where British prisoners were held during the Mysore Wars. The fort also has a gallery that exhibits paintings and sculptures related to Bengaluru’s history.
- Jamia Masjid: A majestic mosque that was built by Tipu Sultan in 1790. The mosque has a spacious prayer hall, a dome, minarets, and ornate arches. The mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque also has a library that has books on Islamic studies.
- Kote Venkataramana Temple: A Hindu temple that was built by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the king of Mysore, in 1689. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara or Balaji (a form of Vishnu) and has a Dravidian style of architecture. The temple has a gopuram (tower), a mandapa (hall), and a garbhagriha (sanctum). The temple also has a festival that is celebrated every year in the month of March or April.
- KR Market: A vibrant and colorful market that sells a variety of goods such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, grains, textiles, electronics, and household items. The market is one of the oldest and largest wholesale markets in Bengaluru and attracts traders and customers from all over the city and beyond. The market also has a night market that is open from 10 pm to 6 am.
Things for must experience in this area
Some of the things for must experience in this area are:
- Shopping at KR Market: A unique experience that involves bargaining with vendors, exploring different sections of the market, and witnessing the hustle and bustle of the market life. The market offers a wide range of products at affordable prices and caters to different tastes and preferences. The market is also a photographer’s delight as it offers many opportunities to capture the colors and expressions of the market.
- Visiting Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: A chance to admire the beauty and elegance of the palace and learn about the history and culture of Tipu Sultan and his era. The palace is a testimony to Tipu Sultan’s vision and achievements as a ruler, warrior, and scholar. The palace also has a peaceful and serene atmosphere that contrasts with the busy and noisy surroundings of the market.
- Exploring Bangalore Fort: A opportunity to see the remnants of the fort and its structures and imagine how it looked like during its glory days. The fort is a symbol of Bengaluru’s resilience and resistance against foreign invasions and domination. The fort also has a historical and cultural significance as it was the center of many events and movements that shaped Bengaluru’s destiny.
- Praying at Jamia Masjid: A peaceful and serene experience that involves observing the Islamic rituals and listening to the call for prayer. The mosque is a place of worship and learning for the Muslim community of Bengaluru. The mosque also has a architectural and aesthetic value as it showcases the Indo-Islamic style of design and decoration.
- Worshipping at Kote Venkataramana Temple: A spiritual and devotional experience that involves offering prayers to Lord Venkateshwara or Balaji (a form of Vishnu) and witnessing the temple rituals and festivals. The temple is a place of faith and reverence for the Hindu community of Bengaluru. The temple also has a artistic and cultural value as it exhibits the Dravidian style of architecture and sculpture
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