Cavalry Road In British Era Bangalore, 1900 Postcard
A 1900 postcard of Cavalry Road in British Era Bangalore (now Bengaluru). Why is it titled “St John’s Hill Road” we are not sure. Although its official name seen in various other records shows it as Cavalry Road. Perhaps the previous name may have been St John’s Road. The Road is in the Cantonment area of Bangalore.
The name Cavalry derives from the military classifications. Just as it is with South Parade Road, Brigade, Infantry, Artillery Roads, etc. Cavalry Road is now known by its newer name Kamaraj Road. It has changed considerably from its British era avatar. Bangalore was founded by Kempe Gowda I a feudal chieftain under the influence of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1537.
Kempe Gowda built a mud fort, that would be taken over by Hyder Ali in 1761. The Bangalore Fort as it is commonly known was strengthened by Hyder Ali. After his death, his son Tipu Sultan, further strengthened and expanded the fort. Which again would be ransacked by the British in 1791. Click on the photo for better view.
Read more CAVALRY ROAD-BANKING ON THE ARMY. See post British Girls Cycling In Commercial Street – Old Postcard 1904., and, Rampart of Tipu Sultan’s Bangalore Fort – Old Postcard 1900.
Did you know- Bengaluru located on the Deccan Plateau is at an elevation of 3020 feet. Making the city possibly on the highest elevation in India.
From the collection-Raja Ravi Varma’s “Laxmi” Oleograph c1910., German Map Bombay With Waffen SS Stamp & Seal., Map Of Travancore Backwaters & Coast c1866., Bombing of Madras By Emden WW1 – Old Print 1914.
