The Silicon Valley of India – Bangalore is a melting pot of rich cultural heritage. A large chunk of the city residents belong to other parts of the country and are here to find themselves a career. A number of people are not aware of the historical significance this city holds and some of the prominent facts the city represents. Here are some of the facts about Bangalore, which are little known to people!
- First city in India to get electricity
In the year 1906, Bangalore became the first city in India to have the privilege of electricity and the hydroelectric plant called as Shivanasamudra was the place from where the electricity was produced. One of the building in the City Market area was the first building in Bangalore to have electric lighting and the street lighting for the cantonment was inaugurated in 1908.
- Non-Fan City
As the climatic conditions in Bangalore was cool, government officials working for Indian army, air force, and navy were not provided with ceiling fans in their quarters. Sometimes, during the rains, they had to use blankets a night. Hence, Bangalore was labeled as “Non-Fan city” for defence personnel.
- Oldest army regiments in the country
The city has the history of having some of the oldest regiments of the country which had many brave soldiers. Ulsoor – the Madras engineering group dates back to 1770s and the ASC College and Corps in Agara has been in existence since 1860s.
- Longest city bus route in India
The city of Bangalore is proud to boast itself to have country’s longest route for the city bus. The BMTC route number 600 is said to cover a distance of 117 km in on single trip.
- Positive side effects of Plague
In the end of 18th century when the plague epidemic that exploded in Bangalore, the crisis resulted in the formation of the Victoria Hospital, a large number of Mariamma temples and the telephone system for the city. The epidemic took away many lives but this forced the authorities to take advanced steps which led to improved health amenities and sanitation in the city. The Victoria hospital was build up during this period and to coordinate anti plague operations telephone lines were laid up with immediate effect which helped to reform Bangalore city.
- Freedom Park used to be a Jail
Located in Sheshadri Road, the Freedom Park was once operated as the ‘Central Jail’. During the state of emergency in 1975, numerous opposition leaders in India including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani were arrested and jailed at this venue.
