The real name of Bengaluru is Bendakaluru, which means “town of boiled beans” in Kannada. This name dates back to the 10th century and later evolved into Bengaluru. In 2006, the Government of Karnataka restored the official name from Bangalore to Bengaluru to honour its roots.

Origin of the Name Bendakaluru

The earliest reference to Bengaluru is linked to a legend involving King Veera Ballala II of the Hoysala dynasty. Around the 12th century, the king was lost in a forest while hunting & met a poor woman who offered him boiled beans. Grateful for the hospitality, the king named the place “Bendakaluru,” which translates to “city of boiled beans.” Over centuries, Bendakaluru was shortened to Bengaluru.

Early Historical References

The name Bengaluru is found in a stone inscription dated 890 AD discovered near Begur. The inscription refers to a battle fought in “Bengaval-uru,” which means the “city of guards.” This is the oldest recorded use of the name Bengaluru. This shows that the city existed more than 1,100 years ago and was already an important settlement.

Evolution into Bangalore

When the British came to India, they found it difficult to pronounce Bendakaluru or Bengaluru. Over time, the name was anglicised to Bangalore. The British used Bangalore for official documents, maps, and governance. From the 18th century until the early 21st century, Bangalore became a popular global name of the city.

Return to the Name Bengaluru

In 2006, the Karnataka government decided to restore the city’s original name. On November 1, 2014, Bangalore was officially renamed Bengaluru. The change was made to reflect the true Kannada heritage of the city. Today, all government records, railway stations, airports, and official documents use Bengaluru as the name.

Cultural and Linguistic Roots

The word Bengaluru comes from the Kannada language, which is the official language of Karnataka. “Benda” means boiled, “kalu” means beans, and “uru” means town. This root connects the name directly to local culture. The city has been home to Kannada-speaking people for over a thousand years.

Bengaluru in Old Maps and Records

• The Begur inscription of 890 AD is the earliest known record of the name.
• Maps made by British surveyors in the 18th century mark the city as Bangalore.
• The Mysore Gazetteer of 1887 used both names, showing the overlap during that time.
• In old village records, Bengaluru was still widely used by locals, while Bangalore appeared in English records.

Why the Name Matters?

The name Bengaluru is not just a word; it reflects the city’s history and identity. It tells the story of how a small town became one of India’s largest cities. Today, Bengaluru is known as the IT capital of India, but the name reminds people of its rural beginnings and rich culture.

Timeline of Names

• 890 AD – First record of Bengaluru in the Begur inscription.
• 1120s AD – Legend of King Veera Ballala II naming it Bendakaluru.
• 1600s AD – Kempegowda I develops the city; the name Bengaluru is still in use.
• 1799 AD – The British take control after the fall of Tipu Sultan, name shifts to Bangalore.
• 1947 AD – Bangalore remains the official name post-independence.
• 2006 AD – Karnataka government proposes renaming to Bengaluru.
• 2014 AD – Bangalore officially renamed Bengaluru.

Bengaluru Today

Today, Bengaluru is India’s third-largest city with a population of over 12 million people. It is the capital of Karnataka and spreads across 741 sq km. Despite its global recognition as a technology hub, the real name keeps its cultural roots alive. The mix of ancient history and modern growth makes Bengaluru unique.

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