Is there any difference between Bangalore and Bengaluru?

Bangalore and Bengaluru refer to the same city, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. The distinction lies not in their geography or the city's inherent characteristics but in their nomenclature. The transition from "Bangalore" to "Bengaluru" is deeply rooted in linguistic pride, historical precedent, and the desire to reflect the city's indigenous culture more accurately.

History of Banalore

Bangalore, often termed the "Silicon Valley of India" due to its tech-driven economy, has ancient roots dating back over a thousand years. Its original name in the Kannada language (the official and majority language of Karnataka) was "Bengaluru". The name is believed to have been derived from the words "Benda Kālu Uru", which translates to "The Town of Boiled Beans". According to local folklore, an old woman served a hungry Hoysala King Veera Ballala II some boiled beans, leading him to christen the place as "Benda Kālu Uru".

During the British colonial era, like many other Indian cities, Bangalore underwent anglicization in its name for easier pronunciation by the British. This resulted in the name "Bangalore" being popularized.

The Name Change

The movement to revert the city’s name to its original form began gaining momentum in the late 20th century, championed by various linguistic and regional groups. Their contention was that "Bengaluru" was a reflection of the city's native heritage and culture.

In 2006, the Karnataka state government, under the Chief Ministership of H.D. Kumaraswamy, made an official proposal to change the name. The central government of India approved this name change, and on November 1, 2014, coinciding with Karnataka's Rajyotsava (State Formation Day), Bangalore was officially renamed "Bengaluru".

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