Commercial Street & View Of St Mary’s Church, Bangalore, 1900 Photo
A small 1900 photograph shows Commercial Street and a view of St Mary’s Church, now St Mary’s Basilica in Bangalore (Bengaluru). After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in the 4th Anglo-Mysore War, the British took control of Bangalore in 1799. The British East India Company established the Bangalore Cantonment in 1809 after shifting its garrison from Srirangapatna. Creating a secure and segregated military and administrative settlement in the city.
Commercial Street, one of the oldest and busiest shopping centers in Bangalore, traces its origins back to the late 19th century, during the British colonial era. The street is situated between Shivajinagar and Brigade Road. It has historically served as a vital link between the city’s Cantonment and the Pettah (market) area. Today, it is one of Bangalore’s busiest shopping streets, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Considered the oldest church in Bangalore, St. Mary’s Church is located in the heart of the Cantonment area (now Shivaji Nagar). Its origin dates back to the 17th century, when a small community of Christians from Tamil Nadu settled here. They first built a simple thatched chapel in 1799.
The foundation of the present-day church building was laid in 1875, and it was completed in 1882. With its Gothic-style architecture and long history, St. Mary’s Church stands as one of the most important religious landmarks of Bangalore. Another early colonial-era church in the city is St. Mark’s Cathedral, which also ranks among Bangalore’s oldest churches. Click image to enlarge.
Also read A Walk to St. Mary’s Basilica through Commercial Street, Bangalore.
Did you know – the street opened in the late 1800s, during British rule, serving the Cantonment.
