Colonial Legacy: The British Governor-Generals’ Contribution in Making Modern Bangalore

Abstract

This paper examines the enduring legacy of British colonial rule in shaping modern Bengaluru, with a particular focus on the contributions of the Governor-Generals. Through a detailed analysis of urban planning, infrastructural development, administrative reforms, and architectural innovations, the study highlights how colonial policies transformed Bengaluru from a modest regional town into a prominent administrative and military hub. The paper also explores the cultural and social impacts of British interventions, including the establishment of educational institutions, civic amenities, and military cantonments. By investigating archival records, historical accounts, and contemporary urban studies, the research demonstrates that while colonial governance facilitated modernization, it also imposed structural hierarchies and spatial divisions that continue to influence the city’s development. Understanding this colonial legacy provides valuable insights into Bengaluru’s contemporary urban landscape and its historical evolution.