Establishments In Bangalore That Lived Through World War II

One of the grimmest periods in the history of mankind, World War II, claimed many lives. Gunshots and air strikes not only destroyed bodies and cities respectively but forever marred the lives of those who survived the painful time. With most of the countries at loggerheads with each other, the world was divided into three parts. The Allies, the Axis and then there was the third party consisting of countries which were not directly involved in the war but had to bear the consequences. One of these countries was India. The second world war lasted from 1939 to 1945 and at that time India was a British colony. Thousands of Indian soldiers who served in the British troops had to fight in the war from the British side. Some of them died and some were captured as prisoners of wars and were brutally tortured. That was the human loss. Many provinces in India were hit with famine due to economic instability that knocked on the doors of India due to its participation in the world war. Bengal was one of them. Other provinces suffered too. The Mysore province that comprised of a huge portion of Southern India had to bear the brunt too. But there were some establishments that lived through all the plunder and loss. Some of them are now in present-day Bangalore region in the state of Karnataka. Here is a list of a few of such places.

Devanahalli Fort

One of the most spectacular landmarks in the city, it was constructed in the year 1501. Passing through the hands of the rulers of various dynasties of South India, this fort has twelve bastions and is spread over an area of 20 acres. There are numerous temples inside the fort that speak volumes of the rich architecture of that time. Long before the second world war took place, the Devanahalli Fort survived another war, the Anglo- Mysore war in 1791.

Address- Bangalore- Hyderabad Highway, Devanahalli, near Bangalore

Attara Kacheri

When the British departed from India, there is a lot they left behind. Infrastructure tops the list of the remains of the British rule. One of the best examples of this is the Attara Kacheri. Constructed during the rule of Tipu Sultan, at one point of time it housed the revenue offices. Now it houses the Karnataka High Court. The double storeyed red colored building is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture at the display. It has a museum where you can take a look at some of the historical pieces of evidence like sculptures, paintings, coins and so much more.

Address- Opposite Vidhan Soudha, Ambedkar Veedhi, Bangalore

Mayo Hall

As an honor to Lord Mayo, the fourth Viceroy of India, the Mayo Hall was constructed and named after him in 1875. Currently housing the administrative offices of the city of Bangalore it has the perfect location, with the Ulsoor lake on one side and Brigade Grounds on the other side. When outside the building you will be mesmerized by its architecture and when inside it, by the Italian chandeliers and ornate furniture for which it is quite famous. Located right in the middle of the city, this place too has a museum for visitors.

Address- M.G Road, Bangalore

Carlton House

 Home to an auctioneer of the 19th century, Carlton, this beautiful mansion is now a government building. It was built in the 1880s and is now almost 135 years old. Even after all these years the mansion is still pristine white and has been maintained well. The lush garden surrounding it add to its charm and the grand stairway and tall pillars scream European architecture.

Address- 1, Palace Road, Bangalore

Dharmaraya Swamy Temple

The oldest temple in the city, this is one of a kind since it is the only temple that is dedicated to the Pandavas. It is believed to be 800 years old and has survived the tests of time. Every year the Karaga festival is celebrated here in honor of Draupadi. The architecture of the temple resembles that of various dynasties like the Pallavas and the Gangas and many more.

Address- Main Road, OTC, Road, Thigalarpet, Nagarathpeta, Bangalore

Balabrooie Guest House

Once a residence of the most affluent personalities of the 19th century including commissioners, freedom fighters, Nobel laureates etc, this guest house is now over 200 years old. The white color of the building complements its European style architecture. The sprawling gardens surrounding it have almost 150 types of trees. Without a doubt, it is the most iconic buildings of the city.

Address- Palace Cross Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bangalore

St. Mark’s Cathedral

The oldest Christian landmark in the city, this Cathedral was built during the colonial era in 1808 and is more than 200 years old and continues to stand strong even after so many years. The sophisticated cream color of the walls is still intact and the perfect maintenance of the place takes you back in time.

Address- 1, M.G Road, Bangalore

While the second world war wreaked havoc in many parts of India and tainted the history for us forever there were some parts that did not succumb to the destruction. Bangalore is a storehouse of such establishments and if you want to see any of them then these are the few we recommend you to visit.