Markets of Bangalore

The earliest phase of the Dravidian civilization, of which Bangalore is a part, has been traced back to the 5th century BC and its origin is unclear. The earliest settlements in south India were mostly rural settlements and date back to the 2300-1800 BC. The city dates its traditional founding in 1537, when a pettah (combined residential quarters with shops and markets) was established, protected by a mud-walled fort located just to the south. Subsequently, most traces of the original fort, and its successors on the same location, have been lost. It did not occupy a prominent height of ground. In fact, the ground chosen actually was in a slight depression of landscape.

Although a few stone walls and other traces of fortifications remain, the major impression of the fort today is gained by its name, applied to a roadway and more widely, to the section of the city, whose small roads and lanes criss-cross the site. The pettah (now divided into two neighbourhoods called Cubbonpet and Chikpet) has persisted, its form little changed from that of centuries ago.

Narrow lanes and small, twisting alleys betray its ancient origins. Squeezed between Chikpet - Cubbonpet and the Fort the major market of Bangalore, called City Market, has grown up. The City market area is a very important heritage site of the city, the extended Stone Fort of Haider's period, Tipu's palace, and the Armory are prominent pages of Bangalore’s History.

Being one of the oldest markets in Bangalore, City market got the vibrancy of its own. Even though it fails to compete with the growing shopping malls here and there, still the livelihood and life in city market is commendable. City Market has been named as K R Market after the name of Mysore king Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. This market is more than a century old and still so colorful and vibrant. The activities start there at dusk, much before the sun rise. One would hear the hue and busyness inside the market place at the early hours. Wholesalers, retailers, day-today business everything go in its highest pace. It is truly an experience being there at that time. I bet none of the shopping mall can have this kind of vibrancy and color and lives.

Following is a photo series of different market in Bangalore each market has a different flavor to offer to its viewer. I will be adding more pictures as is progress with this project. Do come back for more


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.