Bangalore, officially Bengaluru, is the capital and the largest city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. With a population exceeding 8 million and a metropolitan population reaching around 15 million, it stands as India’s third most populous city and the fourth most populous urban agglomeration.

Positioned as the most populous city and the largest urban agglomeration in South India, Bangalore ranks as the 27th largest city globally. Situated on the Deccan Plateau at an elevation surpassing 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level, Bangalore boasts a pleasant climate throughout the year, earning it the moniker of India’s “Garden City.” Its elevation is the highest among India’s major cities.

The city’s historical roots trace back to around 890, as per an ancient Kannada stone inscription discovered at the Nageshwara Temple in Begur, Bangalore. In 1537, Kempé Gowdā, a feudal ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire, laid the foundation for modern Bangalore by establishing a mud fort, marking the inception of its oldest areas, or pétés.

After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, Kempe Gowda declared independence. However, in 1638, Bangalore came under Shahaji Bhonsle after a defeat by a large Adil Shahi Bijapur army. The city was later sold to Maharaja Devaraja Wodeyar II of the Kingdom of Mysore by the Mughals. Haider Ali later took control of Bangalore, and it remained under his administration.

During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, the British East India Company captured Bangalore, returning administrative control to Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. The old city developed under the rule of the maharaja, but in 1809, the British relocated their cantonment to Bangalore, leading to the growth of a new town around it.

Following India’s independence in 1947, Bangalore became the capital of Mysore State and retained its status when the state expanded and unified in 1956, eventually renaming to Karnataka in 1973. The town and cantonment, which had evolved as distinct entities, merged into a single urban center in 1949. The city’s official name, Bengalūru, was declared in 2006.

Regarded as one of the fastest-growing global metropolises, Bangalore holds a prominent place in India’s metro economy. It is a key hub for high-tech heavy manufacturing, hosting numerous multinational technology corporations and earning the moniker “Silicon Valley of India.” The city is a major exporter of software and a significant semiconductor hub. Bangalore is also home to esteemed engineering and research institutions, and its aerospace and defense sector includes several state-owned organizations. The city’s vibrant sporting culture, marked by various notable arenas, solidifies its status as a sporting hub in the country.