Explore Shantinagar ward of Bengaluru , cosmopolitan area with rich history

Shantinagar is a locality that was developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in the 1970s. The ward also includes other areas such as Neelasandra, Austin Town, Langford Town, and Richmond Town. The ward is known for its cosmopolitan and diverse population, its commercial and educational establishments, its historic significance, and its spots of interest. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the BBMP Shantinagar Ward in Bengaluru.

• The ward is named after Shantinagar, a locality in central Bengaluru that was developed by the BDA in the 1970s.
• Shantinagar means "peaceful place" in Kannada, the official language of Karnataka.
• The ward also includes other areas such as Neelasandra, Austin Town, Langford Town, and Richmond Town.
• The ward is known for its cosmopolitan and diverse population, with people from different religions, languages, and cultures living together.
• The ward is also known for its commercial and educational establishments, such as the St. Joseph's College of Commerce, the Baldwin Girls' High School, the St. Philomena's Hospital, and the Hockey Stadium.
• The ward is home to many prominent personalities, such as politicians, actors, sportsmen, and businessmen. Some of them are N.A. Haris, the MLA of Shantinagar constituency; Prakash Raj, a popular film actor; Rahul Dravid, a former Indian cricket captain; and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon.

Historic significance

• The ward has a rich history dating back to the colonial era, when it was part of the Cantonment area of Bengaluru.
• The ward witnessed many important events and movements during the freedom struggle, such as the Quit India Movement, the Salt Satyagraha, and the Mysore Chalo Movement.
• The ward also has many heritage buildings and monuments, such as the St. Mary's Basilica, the oldest church in Bengaluru; the Richmond Town Methodist Church, built in 1905; and the Johnson Market, a historic market complex built in 1929.

 

Some of the popular layouts in this ward

•  Shantinagar Layout: A residential area with well-planned roads and parks.
•  Austin Town: A mixed-use area with commercial and residential buildings.
•  Langford Town: A posh area with bungalows and apartments.
•  Richmond Town: A centrally located area with offices and shopping malls.

Spots of Interest

•  St. Mary's Basilica: A Gothic-style church that attracts thousands of devotees during the annual feast of Our Lady of Health.
•  Hockey Stadium: A state-of-the-art stadium that hosts national and international hockey matches.
•  Johnson Market: A bustling market that offers a variety of food items, especially meat and seafood.
•  Cubbon Park: A sprawling green space that offers recreational facilities and cultural events.

Must experience in this area

•  Enjoying a biryani at Shivaji Military Hotel or a kebab at Fanoos.
•  Shopping for clothes and accessories at Brigade Road or Garuda Mall.
•  Visiting the art galleries and museums at Venkatappa Art Gallery or Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.
•  Watching a play or a concert at Ranga Shankara or Chowdiah Memorial Hall.