South Parade Road In Bangalore During British Era, 1880 Photo
A rare 1880 photo of South Parade Road in Bangalore (Bengaluru) during the British era. The image shows the beginning of the South Parade Road, now M G Road. It is probably near Cubbon Park. The British had attacked and captured the Bangalore Fort in the the 3rd Anglo-Mysore War.
After the 4th Anglo-Mysore War they defeated Tipu Sultan, and retained Bangalore as a Cantonment town. This was because it was strategically located with a cool climate all year round. Bangalore was a cluster of villages centered around the fort, it grew out to what it is today. The “South Parade” road became “M G Road” after India’s independence.
It was an iconic landmark, with boulevard like street where once the Europeans hanged out for shopping and relaxation. Today, it is like any other vehicle choked street devoid of any of the old charm. The lush green cover of trees that once lined both sides were mercilessly chopped down for the incorporation of “Namma Metro.” The famous boulevard was a magnet for all ages of people to hang out. Unfortunately, in the name of modernization it was demolished without a thought to the general public’s opposition or protest. Its charm seemingly lost forever.
Read more M G Road, Bangalore.
Did you know- Bangalore was one of the earliest cities in India to get electricity in 1906.
From the collection- Rare Vintage Book – Madras The Birth Place Of British India., Antique Photo Writer’s Building Calcutta 1900., Antique Print Malabar Coast Chinese Boats., Page From Rare 1713 Latin Book on Calicut., 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper (#2)
