BANGALORE: THE EARLY CITY

About the Book

Through this book, the Author strives to reach an understanding of the development of the city of Bangalore, focusing on the architecture and settlement pattern of its earliest urban area, the Pētē and the oval Fort. The book attempts to identify the nature of the cultures underlying the architecture of the city by tracing the development chronologically from its establishment in the 16th century to its fortification and expansion during the rule of Hyder Ali (r. 1761-1782 AD) and Tipu Sultan (r. 1782 – 1799 AD), explaining various functional aspects affecting the form of the city, notably the shift in the character of the Pētē from a largely mercantile settlement to a military one. The city can be described as a melting pot of cultures and resultant built forms, growing from a small town to a city in a short span of time. The analysis, set within a framework of urban design theory, is built upon original documentation based on archival documents, including maps and drawings, and on fieldwork involving sketches, a photographic survey, and discussions with relevant authorities. A historical survey (Chapter 1) based largely on secondary sources provides the context for the discussion of urban and architectural developments. The early urban development of Bangalore is treated in Chapter 2, which shows the importance of zones or ‘sub-Pētēs’, apparently from as early as the 16th century, and certainly apparent in 18th century maps. Finally, Chapter 3 focuses on the architecture of significant buildings from the period in question in and around the Pētē area. The changing built form of the city from that of a primarily Hindu architectural language to one that incorporates Islamic influences has been discussed through the documentation of the surviving structures, temples, Palace and oval Fort. That the principal axiality of the Pētē continues to influence the layout of the city is noteworthy.

About the Author

Yashaswini Sharma is a practising Architect and Researcher and has achieved her M.Phil in Architectural Research from the Cardiff University (PRASADA-AHTG,WSA), UK. She has executed several residential, commercial and corporate (architectural and interior) projects. The designs have been minimalist and contemporary (see website - www.esthetiquearchitects.com). Presently, she is collaborating internationally, through her practice Esthétique Architects, on a unique temple project which will be built in the manner of the ornate eleventh century ‘Hoysaḷa’ style at Venkatapura, Kolar, and is based on research perspectives of the rich repertoire of building traditions of the time and region. Yashaswini has done some field-work assistance and measured drawings of few Chalukya and Hoysala temples for an AHRC funded research project, and has been part of discussion panels, and delivered guest lectures in various architectural engineering colleges in Bengaḷūru/ Bangalore.