The Names of Bangalore: From Benda-Kaal-uru to Bengaluru

Bangalore, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge technological prowess, has a fascinating history that traces back to its name. The traditional name of Bangalore is not Bangalore as it's commonly known today, but Benda-Kaal-uru in the local Kannada language, which translates as The City of Boiled Beans.

Historical Context and Folk Legends

The name Benda-Kaal-uru is derived from a local legend involving Veera Ballala II, a king from the Hoysala dynasty in the 13th century. Legend has it that Veera Ballala II was hunting in the area and encountered a humble woman who offered him boiled beans and water to quench his thirst. To express his gratitude, the king named the place Benda-Kaal-uru, which over the years transformed into the modern name, Bengaluru.

Official Name Change and Cultural Significance

In 2014, the government of Karnataka officially changed the city's name from Bangalore to Bengaluru. This change was made to reflect the city's original Kannada name and its cultural heritage. The name Bangalore, the original name of the city, is often used alongside Bengaluru to acknowledge the historical significance of the local name.

Modern Titles and Descriptions

Bengaluru is also known by several titles that reflect its diverse features and cultural influences. Commonly referred to as the Garden City of India for its green spaces and pleasant climate, it is also known as the IT Capital of India due to its significant role in the Indian IT industry and the presence of numerous technology parks and startups.

Theoretical Origins of the Name

While the legend of Benda-Kaal-uru is popular, researchers and historians propose several alternative theories to explain the origin of Bengaluru's name. One popular theory suggests that the name might have been derived from the white quartz stones found in various parts of the city, with the name evolving from Biliya Kallina Ooru to Bengaluru over time.

Another theory claims that the name originated from “Bengawaluru”, meaning the place of the bodyguards, reflecting the role of the Hoysala empire's army in the area. Yet another theory proposes that the name derived from the identity of Venkateshwara, a local deity, leading to the name Venakanaooru which later transformed into Bengaluru.

Historical Evidence and Scholarly Theories

The most credible theory, however, is supported by historical inscriptions found in Begur, a town located 15 km from Bengaluru. These inscriptions describe a battle scene called Bengaluru Yuddha from 890 AD, providing a historical context to the name. According to historian Suresh Moona, the city called Bengaluru existed as early as 800 AD, and the name was likely derived from a patronymic based on the title of a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda, the founder of modern Bengaluru.

While the exact origin of Bengaluru's name remains contested, these historical inscriptions and scholarly theories add layers of richness to the city's narrative, making it a fascinating topic for both scholars and the general public.