Greater B’lore replete with historical sites

Greater B’lore replete with historical sites
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: While ‘urban sprawl’ is expected to increase commuting distance for Bangaloreans, the new areas coming under ‘Project Greater Bangalore’ are set to unfold an aesthetic world of Bangalore’s lost history.

The areas that are proposed under the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike inherit some of the most important monuments, ancient temples, waterbodies and historical structures.

The Nageshwara Temple at Begur is the oldest temple in Bangalore, which is a must visit place. The name ‘Bengalooru’ was first recorded in this temple. The name is inscribed on a heroic stone dating back to 890 AD, is found here. The temple is situated adjacent to a beautiful lake. Yelahanka is much more ancient than Bangalore, as the founder of City Kempegowda himself belonged to this place. He was also known as Yelahanka Naada Prabhu.

Many temples are found in its vicinity including the famous Venugopal Swamy Temple which was built in Vijayanagara style of architecture with incarnated carved sculptures.

Veeranna Swamy, the deity of Kempe Gowda has a temple, besides, Anjaneya Temple, another old-age structure in Yelahanka.

Varadaraja Temple, built during 15th century in Vijayanagara architecture is a prominent monument in Harohalli. Someshwara Temple near Madiwala Lake is another marvellous structure built during the Chola times.

Kengeri houses a 15th century old Anjaneya Temple on Karadi Betta, on the outskirts of the City. Along with Ramanagaram, Kengeri is known as the ‘seat of silk trade’. White Field, which houses ITPL got its name after the founder of Anglo Indian Association D S White built a church in this area.

Apart from temples, there are several lakes which provide drinking water to Bangalore, make their presence in the proposed Greater Bangalore areas.

The Varthur lake is built during the Ganga Times. Someshawara temple, built next to the lake with an ancient pond attached to it. This was erected during the times of Ballal of Hoysala Dynasty. Hesaragatta lake provided drinking water to City before Cauvery. Most of the proposed villages under the project hold a large number of ‘hero stones’.

“All these monuments and heritage structures are the backbone of Bangalore’s history. They need proper protection and preservation, says Arun Prasad, Research Head, Discover Bengalooru.

“Greater Bangalore can be a welcome move, if it is properly managed. The miss-management might lead to exploitation of historical lakes and monuments,” the historian adds.