Bengaluru

Bengaluru ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು
City
Bengaluru
Nickname(s):  Silicon Valley of India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Karnataka
District	Bangalore Urban
Founded	1537
Government
• Type	Municipal Corporation
Area
• Total	709 km2 (274 sq mi)
Elevation	920 m (3,020 ft)
Population  (2021)
• Total	8,425,970
• Density	12,000/km2 (31,000/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	560 xxx
Area code(s)	+91–80
Vehicle registration	KA-01, KA-02, KA-03, KA-04, KA-53, KA-50

Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital of the Karnataka state in India. It is known for its role as the nation's leading information technology (IT) exporter, and is thus referred to as the "Silicon Valley of India". Bengaluru is the third most populous city and the fifth most populous urban agglomeration in India.

History

Bengaluru was founded by Kempe Gowda I, a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, in 1537. The city was later captured by the Maratha Empire, then by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, and finally came under British rule after the fall of Tipu Sultan.

Geography

Located in southern India on the Deccan Plateau, at a height of over 900 meters above sea level, Bengaluru is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year. It covers an area of 709 square kilometers.

Economy

Bengaluru's economy is diverse, with major contributions from information technology, aerospace, telecommunications, biotechnology, and manufacturing sectors. The city is home to many IT giants like Infosys, Wipro, and international corporations such as Google and Microsoft.

Culture

Bengaluru is known for its vibrant cultural scene and is a major center of Indian classical music and dance. The city hosts the Bengaluru International Film Festival annually and has a thriving theatre, arts, and dining scene.

Education

The city is a major educational hub in India, with prestigious institutes like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), and numerous other colleges and research institutions.

Transport

Bengaluru is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The Kempegowda International Airport serves as the city's primary aviation hub. The city's public transportation includes buses operated by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), a metro system known as Namma Metro, and other forms of transport.

Demographics

As of the 2021 census, Bengaluru has a population of over 8.4 million people, with a diverse mix of cultures and languages. Kannada is the official language, although English, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Governance

Bengaluru is administered by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). The city is divided into multiple wards, each represented by a councilor elected through municipal elections.

Challenges

Despite its growth, Bengaluru faces challenges such as traffic congestion, water scarcity, and pollution. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues through infrastructure development and environmental initiatives.