Part of: Karnataka Gk set 28

What is the new name of Bangalore

Category: Karnataka Gk

Hint: Consider the recent changes in the official name of the city.

Correct Answer: A) Bengaluru

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The city of Bangalore, which is the capital of Karnataka, underwent a significant change in its official name in 2006. The name "Bangalore" was changed to "Bengaluru" to reflect the city's name in the local Kannada language. This change was made to align the city's name with its pronunciation in the native language and to correct the anglicized version that had been in use for many years.

The name "Bangalore" was a transliteration of the Kannada name "Bengaluru," which was originally derived from the name of a local deity, "Bennegaluru." The anglicized version "Bangalore" had been in use since the British colonial era, but the local government decided to revert to the original Kannada name to preserve cultural heritage and linguistic accuracy.

It is important to note that this name change is specific to the city of Bangalore and does not affect other cities in Karnataka. For example, Mysuru, Belgaum (now known as Belagavi), and other cities in the state retain their own distinct names. The name change of Bangalore to Bengaluru is a significant piece of information for those studying the geography and history of Karnataka, as well as for those preparing for competitive examinations that cover general knowledge and state-specific information.

Understanding the context of such name changes is crucial for students and exam aspirants, as it reflects broader trends in cultural and linguistic preservation efforts in India. It also highlights the importance of staying updated with recent changes in official names and designations, which can often be a source of questions in various competitive examinations.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. The city of Bangalore was officially renamed to Bengaluru in 2006 to reflect its name in the local Kannada language.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Mysuru is a different city in Karnataka, known for its historical palaces and cultural heritage. It is not the new name for Bangalore.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Belgaum (now known as Belagavi) is another city in Karnataka, but it is not the new name for Bangalore.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Coimbatore is a city in Tamil Nadu, not in Karnataka, and is not related to the name change of Bangalore.

Mnemonic: Bengaluru is the new name, not the old one.

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