The History Of Bangalore

Ramjee Chandran

"The History of Bangalore" explores Bangalore's evolution from its early beginnings in the 4th century AD, from the dynasties of the Kadambas and the Gangas, through the eras of princely rule, the rise of the British Raj, and ultimately, the dawn of Indian independence in 1947. Join us as we uncover the power struggles, alliances, and battles that shaped this dynamic city. Expect a captivating blend of scholarly research and engaging storytelling. We'll delve into the reigns of powerful kings, the rise and fall of empires, and the events that forged Bangalore into the prominent city it is today. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Bangalore's roots, this podcast is for you. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 You can follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photographs: Asha Thadani

  1. Season Two Curtain Raiser. 1399 to 1799: The Rise And Fall Of Bengaluru

    SEASON 2, EPISODE 53 TRAILER

    Season Two Curtain Raiser. 1399 to 1799: The Rise And Fall Of Bengaluru

    Get ready for an epic journey through 400 years of Bangalore's history. In Season 2, Ramjee Chandran explores the city's transformation from Kempe Gowda I's grand pete to the arrival of the British. Witness the rise of the Wadiyars, the conflicts with the Bahmanis, Marathas, and Mughals, and the dramatic era of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Discover how trade, ambition, and global powers influenced the city we know today. Subscribe now and don't miss a single episode of this thrilling new season of The History of Bangalore. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To know about sources for any specific information, we encourage you to correspond with Ramjee Chandran here: editor@explocity.com. We will pass it on. We do our best to reply expeditiously to every mail we receive.

    3 min
  2. The Wadiyars and the Yelahanka Nada Prabhus - Part 2: The New Rulers (1399-1513 AD)

    EPISODE 54

    The Wadiyars and the Yelahanka Nada Prabhus - Part 2: The New Rulers (1399-1513 AD)

    The story of the Yelahanka Nada Prabhus unfolds alongside the rise of the Mysore Wadiyars—two families shaped by the shifting power dynamics of the Vijayanagara Empire. In this episode, Ramjee Chandran explores the role of local chieftains, the legends surrounding these dynasties, and the political landscape that defined their fate. From the last days of the Hoysalas to the dominance of Vijayanagara, the region was a complex, multilingual battleground of alliances and ambition. This episode also unpacks the origins of the name Kempe Gowda—how it emerged, what it signified, and why it endured. All of it leading to the founding of Bangalore and the legacy that followed. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To know about sources for any specific information, we encourage you to correspond with Ramjee Chandran here: editor@explocity.com. We will pass it on. We do our best to reply expeditiously to every mail we receive.

    23 min
  3. Three Strands of History: Vijayanagara, the Mysore Royals, and the Kempe Gowdas (1433-1513 AD)

    EPISODE 55

    Three Strands of History: Vijayanagara, the Mysore Royals, and the Kempe Gowdas (1433-1513 AD)

    Ramjee Chandran weaves together the intertwined histories of Vijayanagara, the Mysore Wadiyars, and the Kempe Gowdas during a period of significant change. Explore the grandeur of Vijayanagara, the political machinations of Deva Raya II, and the shifting power dynamics in the Deccan. Delve into the early lineage of the Wadiyars, the legends and realities of their rise, and the consolidation of the Kempe Gowda clan. Witness the decline of the Sangama dynasty and the rise of the Tuluvas, setting the stage for Krishnadeva Raya's reign and the eventual founding of Bangalore. This episode examines how these three strands of history shaped the destiny of the Mysore Deccan. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To know about sources for any specific information, we encourage you to correspond with Ramjee Chandran here: editor@explocity.com. We will pass it on. We do our best to reply expeditiously to every mail we receive.

    25 min
  4. The Bloody End Of The Sangamas-The Fall Of Vijayanagara Part 1: 1440-1500

    EPISODE 56

    The Bloody End Of The Sangamas-The Fall Of Vijayanagara Part 1: 1440-1500

    As the Vijayanagara Empire begins to crack under the weight of internal decay and reckless rulers, the stage is set for upheaval—and opportunity. This episode journeys through the chaotic years before Kempe Gowda I’s ascent, when intrigue, betrayal, and ambition reshaped the Deccan. From the decadent reign of Virupaksha II to the gritty rise of Saluva Narasimha, and from the slow unraveling of the Bahmani Sultanate to the quiet rise of the Wadiyars of Mysore—Ramjee Chandran uncovers the forces that converged to shift the balance of power. This is the prelude to the age of Krishnadeva Raya, and to the founding of Bangalore itself. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

    22 min
  5. Saluva Narasimha - The Man Who Single-Handedly Saved Vijayanagara: 1460-1500 AD

    EPISODE 57

    Saluva Narasimha - The Man Who Single-Handedly Saved Vijayanagara: 1460-1500 AD

    Ramjee Chandran shines a spotlight on Saluva Narasimha, the general who rose amidst the chaos of Vijayanagara's declining years to become its saviour. Explore his early life, his strategic military campaigns against the Gajapatis and the Bahmanis, and his crucial role in stabilising the fractured empire. Discover how his decisive actions, often overlooked in favour of later rulers, prevented the complete disintegration of Vijayanagara and paved the way for its resurgence. This episode examines the man who, through his unwavering resolve and leadership, rescued a kingdom on the brink of collapse. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to hob@explocity.com. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

    24 min
  6. Krishnadevaraya Part 1 The Beginning: 1509

    EPISODE 60

    Krishnadevaraya Part 1 The Beginning: 1509

    Ramjee Chandran introduces the extraordinary reign of Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara emperor who ascended the throne in 1509. This episode delves into the legends surrounding his rise, including the dramatic tale of the goat's eyes, and examines his pragmatic approach to kingship. More broadly, it places Krishnadevaraya's era within the context of monumental global shifts of the 16th century: the Protestant Reformation in Europe, the arrival of the Portuguese in India and their naval dominance, and the impending rise of the Mughal Empire. Discover how these distant events subtly influenced the Deccan and set the stage for Krishnadevaraya's transformative rule and the eventual founding of Bangalore. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

    25 min
  7. Krishnadevaraya, Part 2: 1509-1512 — Krishnadeva Raya Proves His Mettle

    EPISODE 61

    Krishnadevaraya, Part 2: 1509-1512 — Krishnadeva Raya Proves His Mettle

    In this second part of the Krishnadevaraya series, Ramjee Chandran takes us into the early years of the emperor’s reign — a period of uncertainty, risk, and revelation.The year is 1509. The Portuguese have just defeated a powerful naval coalition off the coast of Diu, shifting the balance of power along the Indian Ocean. The Deccan sultanates are still a threat, the Gajapatis of Odisha remain undefeated in the east, and within Vijayanagara itself, no one is quite sure whether the new king — Krishnadevaraya — is ready for the crown.But this episode tells the story of how he proved it.We begin with a realm in flux, and a ruler still untested. Drawing on both Persian silences and Portuguese eyewitnesses, the narrative explores how Krishnadevaraya moved swiftly to establish control. A forensic audit of military resources revealed a dangerous imbalance: his feudal lords, the nayakas, had more troops than the crown. With the help of his minister Timmarasu, the king restructured the imperial army — not through war, but through statecraft.And then came the campaigns.Krishnadevaraya turned south to crush the rebellion in Ummattur and retake the strategic forts of Sivasamudram and Srirangapatna. These early victories, though often overshadowed by his later eastern conquests, were crucial in asserting his authority and signalling that this was no ceremonial monarch.This episode paints a portrait of Krishnadevaraya not only as a capable general and strategist, but as a man of presence, discipline, and deep ambition. We hear of his training routines, his command on the battlefield, and his unexpected blend of physical strength and personal grace.And at the heart of it all, we see the quiet brilliance of Timmarasu — the loyal mentor who turned a young king into a sovereign. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

    22 min

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About

"The History of Bangalore" explores Bangalore's evolution from its early beginnings in the 4th century AD, from the dynasties of the Kadambas and the Gangas, through the eras of princely rule, the rise of the British Raj, and ultimately, the dawn of Indian independence in 1947. Join us as we uncover the power struggles, alliances, and battles that shaped this dynamic city. Expect a captivating blend of scholarly research and engaging storytelling. We'll delve into the reigns of powerful kings, the rise and fall of empires, and the events that forged Bangalore into the prominent city it is today. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about Bangalore's roots, this podcast is for you. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234 You can follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photographs: Asha Thadani