Explore Malleshwaram ward of Bengaluru , one of the oldest and prestigious localities

Malleshwaram is one of the oldest and most prestigious localities in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is a ward under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which is the municipal corporation of Bengaluru. Malleshwaram has a rich history, culture, and heritage that make it a unique and attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

How it got its name

• Malleshwaram is one of the oldest and most prestigious localities in Bengaluru, with a history that dates back to the 17th century.
• The name Malleshwaram is derived from the Kaadu Malleshwara Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer in Hindu mythology. The temple is situated in a forested area, which is why it is called Kaadu, meaning forest in Kannada.
• The temple was built by Venkoji, the younger brother of the legendary Maratha king Shivaji, who ruled over parts of India in the 17th century. Venkoji was also the founder of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom in Tamil Nadu. He constructed the temple in 1669 as a tribute to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.
• The area around the temple was developed as a planned suburb after the plague of 1898, which devastated Bengaluru and killed thousands of people. The British administration decided to relocate some of the affected population to this area, which was then a sparsely populated region. The area was designed by Sir Mirza Ismail, the then Dewan of Mysore, who was inspired by the garden city concept of Ebenezer Howard.

What is it popularly known for

• Malleshwaram is known for its rich cultural heritage, educational excellence, religious diversity, green spaces, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine.
• Some of the prominent personalities who have lived or studied in Malleshwaram include Nobel laureate C. V. Raman, engineer and statesman M. Visvesvaraya, writer and novelist R. K. Narayan, badminton champions Prakash Padukone and Anil Kumble, philanthropist and author Sudha Murty, and actor and playwright Girish Karnad.
• Malleshwaram is also famous for its annual festivals such as Karaga, Varamahalakshmi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Deepavali, which are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the residents. The festivals showcase the diversity and harmony of the people belonging to different religions and communities.
• Malleshwaram is home to many landmarks such as the Indian Institute of Science, which is one of the leading research institutions in the country; the Central Library, which is one of the oldest and largest libraries in India; the Sankey Tank, which is a man-made lake that offers a serene and scenic view; the 8th Cross Flower Market, which is one of the busiest and oldest markets in Bengaluru; and the Sampige Road Shopping Street, which offers a variety of shops, eateries, and services.

Historic significance

• Malleshwaram has a rich history that reflects the diversity and development of Bengaluru over the centuries.
• The area was originally part of the Yelahanka Nadu, a principality ruled by the Kempegowda family, who are considered to be the founders of Bengaluru. The Kempegowdas built many forts, tanks, temples, and markets in and around Bengaluru in the 16th century.
• The area witnessed several battles and invasions by various powers such as the Mughals, the Marathas, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British. The area also played a role in the Anglo-Mysore wars and the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
• The area was also a hub of social reform and nationalist movements during the freedom struggle. Many eminent personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sarojini Naidu, and Ram Manohar Lohia visited Malleshwaram and addressed public gatherings. Many freedom fighters such as T.R. Shamanna, H.C. Dasappa, and Kengal Hanumanthaiah were also associated with Malleshwaram.
• The area has preserved many heritage buildings and structures that showcase the architectural styles of different eras. Some examples are the Kaadu Malleshwara Temple, the Nandishwara Teertha Temple, the Gangamma Temple, the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, and the Indian Institute of World Culture.

 

Some of the popular layouts in this ward

• The ward comprises of several layouts such as Malleshwaram West, Malleshwaram East, Kadumalleshwara Layout, Subramanyanagar Layout, Vyalikaval Layout, and Sadashivanagar Layout. Each layout has its own characteristics and attractions such as temples, parks, schools, colleges, hospitals, restaurants, and shops. Some of the popular layouts are:
  • Malleshwaram West: This is the oldest part of Malleshwaram and has many heritage buildings and temples such as the Kaadu Malleshwara Temple, the Nandishwara Teertha Temple, the Gangamma Temple, and the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt. It also has many cultural centers and clubs such as the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, which is a cultural venue that was built in memory of violin maestro Tirumakudalu Chowdiah; the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, which is an art institution that promotes visual arts; the Karnataka State Billiards Association, which is a sports club that organizes billiards tournaments; the Karnataka Badminton Association, which is a sports club that promotes badminton; and the Karnataka Golf Association, which is a golf club that has a 18-hole golf course.
  • Malleshwaram East: This is the newer part of Malleshwaram and has many modern amenities and facilities such as malls, multiplexes, hotels, and metro stations. Some of the landmarks here are the Mantri Square Mall, which is one of the largest malls in Bengaluru that has over 250 stores, a multiplex, a food court, a bowling alley, and a gaming zone; the Orion Mall, which is another large mall that has over 150 stores, a multiplex, a food court, a bowling alley, and a gaming zone; the World Trade Center, which is a skyscraper that houses offices, hotels, and restaurants; the ISKCON Temple, which is a temple complex that is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha; and the Yeshwantpur Railway Station, which is one of the major railway stations in Bengaluru.
  • Kadumalleshwara Layout: This is a residential layout that is named after the Kadumalleshwara Temple, which is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has many green spaces and playgrounds such as Kadumalleshwara Park and Kadumalleshwara Playground. It also has many schools and colleges such as MES College of Arts Commerce and Science, Kendriya Vidyalaya Malleswaram, Cluny Convent High School, St. Joseph’s Indian High School, and Seshadripuram College.
  • Subramanyanagar Layout: This is a mixed-use layout that has both residential and commercial establishments. It has many educational institutions such as Seshadripuram Composite PU College, Seshadripuram First Grade College, Seshadripuram Law College, Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies, and Seshadripuram Academy of Business Studies. It also has many hospitals and clinics such as Sparsh Hospital for Advanced Surgeries, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Narayana Nethralaya Eye Hospital, and People Tree Hospitals.
  • Vyalikaval Layout: This is a posh layout that has many bungalows and apartments. It has many cultural centers and clubs such as the Indian Institute of World Culture, which is a cultural institution that organizes lectures, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on various topics; the Bangalore Club, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in India that offers various facilities such as swimming pool, tennis court, squash court, gymnasium, library, bar, and restaurant; the Rotary Club of Bangalore North West, which is a service club that undertakes various projects for community development; and the Lions Club of Bangalore North West, which is another service club that works for social welfare.
  • Sadashivanagar Layout: This is an elite layout that has many luxury villas and mansions. It has many celebrities and VIPs as its residents such as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who is the founder and chairperson of Biocon Limited, which is one of the largest biotechnology companies in India; Nandan Nilekani, who is the co-founder and chairman of Infosys Limited, which is one of the largest IT companies in India; Anil Kumble, who is a former cricketer and captain of the Indian cricket team; Prakash Padukone, who is a former badminton player and coach; Vishwanathan Anand, who is a chess grandmaster and former world champion; Ramachandra Guha, who is a historian and writer; and Shashi Tharoor, who is a politician and author.

Spots of Interest in this area

There are many spots of interest in Malleshwaram that cater to different tastes and preferences of the visitors. Some of them are:

• Sankey Tank: This is a man-made lake that was built in 1882 by Colonel Richard Hieram Sankey, who was the chief engineer of Mysore. It covers an area of about 15 hectares and has a depth of about 6 meters. It is a popular spot for boating, jogging, birdwatching, and picnicking. It also has a musical fountain that operates in the evenings and a children’s park that has various rides and games.
•  Indian Institute of Science: This is a premier research institution that was established in 1909 by Jamsetji Tata, who is regarded as the father of Indian industry. It is known for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology. It has produced many notable alumni such as Nobel laureate C. V. Raman, who discovered the Raman effect; Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered as the father of Indian space program; Homi Bhabha, who is known as the father of Indian nuclear program; and Satish Dhawan, who was the chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation. It also has many attractions such as the J N Tata statue, which is a bronze statue of Jamsetji Tata that stands at the entrance of the main building; the Raman Research Institute, which is an independent research institute founded by C. V. Raman that conducts research in physics, astronomy, and mathematics; the Aerospace Engineering Department, which is one of the oldest and largest departments in India that deals with the design, development, and testing of aircraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles; the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, which is a centre that provides high-performance computing facilities and training; and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, which is a centre that focuses on nanoscale science and technology.
•  Central Library: This is a public library that was founded in 1915 by Sir Mirza Ismail, who was the then Dewan of Mysore. It is one of the oldest and largest libraries in India. It has a collection of over 2.5 lakh books, journals, newspapers, and magazines covering various subjects such as literature, history, science, art, culture, and religion. It also has a rare books section that has some valuable and antique books such as the first edition of Mahabharata in Kannada printed in 1917; the first edition of Ramayana in Kannada printed in 1919; the first edition of Arabian Nights in English printed in 1706; and the first edition of Robinson Crusoe in English printed in 1719. It also has a digital library section that has over 50,000 e-books and e-journals that can be accessed online or downloaded.
• 8th Cross Flower Market: This is a vibrant and colorful market that sells fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other items. It is one of the busiest and oldest markets in Bengaluru. It is especially crowded during festivals and occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and religious ceremonies. It offers a variety of flowers such as roses, lilies, jasmines, marigolds, lotuses, and orchids. It also offers a variety of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes. It also offers a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, carrots, and beans. It also offers other items such as garlands, bouquets, baskets, vases, and pots.
• Sampige Road Shopping Street: This is a bustling and lively street that offers a variety of shops, eateries, and services. It is famous for its sarees, jewelry, books, music, handicrafts, and street food. It has many shops that sell different types of sarees such as silk, cotton, chiffon, georgette, and crepe. It has many shops that sell different types of jewelry such as gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, pearls, and gemstones. It has many shops that sell different types of books such as novels, biographies, textbooks, magazines, and comics. It has many shops that sell different types of music such as classical, folk, pop, rock, and jazz. It has many shops that sell different types of handicrafts such as pottery, woodwork, metalwork, paintings, and sculptures. It also has many eateries that serve different types of street food such as dosas, idlis, vadas, pav bhaji, pani puri, and chaat.

  Things for must experience in this area

  Malleshwaram offers many things for the visitors to experience and enjoy. Some of them are:

• Eating at CTR: CTR or Central Tiffin Room is a legendary eatery that serves the best butter masala dosa in Bengaluru. It was established in 1920 and has been attracting customers ever since. The butter masala dosa is a crispy and golden brown dosa stuffed with spicy potato masala and topped with generous amounts of butter. It is served with coconut chutney and sambar. The eatery also serves other dishes such as rava idli, rava vada, poori sagu, and kesari bath.
• Visiting the Kaadu Malleshwara Temple: This is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have miraculous powers and grants wishes to the devotees. It also has a beautiful Nandi statue and a natural spring. The temple is decorated with colorful lights and flowers during festivals such as Shivaratri, Pradosha, and Karthika. The temple also organizes cultural programs such as music, dance, and drama during these occasions.
• Watching a play at Chowdiah Memorial Hall: This is a cultural venue that was built in 1980 in memory of violin maestro Tirumakudalu Chowdiah. It is shaped like a giant violin and has a seating capacity of 1000 people. It hosts various events such as plays, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. Some of the famous plays that have been staged here are Tughlaq by Girish Karnad, Hayavadana by Girish Karnad, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Some of the famous artists who have performed here are Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Dr. L. Subramaniam, Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, and Shankar Mahadevan.
• Shopping at Mantri Square Mall: This is one of the largest malls in Bengaluru that has over 250 stores, a multiplex, a food court, a bowling alley, and a gaming zone. It offers a range of products and services for all kinds of shoppers. It has many international brands such as Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s. It has many national brands such as Fabindia, Biba, W, and Raymond. It has many local brands such as Soch, Shoppers Stop, Lifestyle, and Reliance Trends. It also has many entertainment options such as PVR Cinemas, which is a multiplex that screens the latest movies; BluO, which is a bowling alley that has 27 lanes; Amoeba, which is a gaming zone that has arcade games, video games, and virtual reality games; and Food Court, which is a food court that has outlets of various cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and Thai.
• Exploring the Indian Institute of Science: This is an opportunity to witness the cutting-edge research and innovation that takes place at the Indian Institute of Science. The campus has many attractions such as the J N Tata statue, which is a bronze statue of Jamsetji Tata that stands at the entrance of the main building; the Raman Research Institute, which is an independent research institute founded by C. V. Raman that conducts research in physics, astronomy, and mathematics; the Aerospace Engineering Department, which is one of the oldest and largest departments in India that deals with the design, development, and testing of aircraft, rockets, satellites, and missiles; the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, which is a centre that provides high-performance computing facilities and training; and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering, which is a centre that focuses on nanoscale science and technology. The campus also has guided tours that take visitors to various laboratories, workshops, museums, and gardens.