South Parade Road During British Era Bangalore, 1895 Photo
An 1895 photo of South Parade Road (now M G Road) during British Era Bangalore (Bengaluru). M G Road like Mount Road in Madras was undoubtedly the charm of the city. Once known as South Parade Road primarily during the British era period. By 1948 it was officially renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Road.
Since Bangalore was a British Cantonment city the South Parade Road was associated with military activities. The name itself is self-explanatory, parade grounds, barracks, and civil station branched from this road. The topography of South Parade Road has changed considerably from what it was before.
Unlike the British era days, M G Road is now heavily commercialized. Although many iconic buildings have disappeared. Regardless, there are still some gems along the way like Cubbon Park, St Marks Cathedral, Higginbothams, Victoria Hotel, Liberty cinema hall, and so on. This striking boulevard certainly was the primary charm of Bangalore, with beautiful shady trees and shrubs. Click on the photo for better view.
Did you know – as far back as 1790, Lord Cornwallis marched his army down the road to launch an attack on Tipu Sultan’s Fort in the pete area.
From the collection – Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Laxmi” Oleograph., Unforgettable Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, 1940 PC., Queen Victoria Jubilee Celebration Bombay – Old Print 1897., Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station – Vintage Postcard 1905.