Part of: Karnataka Gk set 33

Who shifted the capital from Mysore to Bangalore?

Category: Karnataka Gk

Hint: Consider the period of British administration in Mysore.

Correct Answer: A) Mark Cubbon.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question pertains to the historical administrative changes in the state of Mysore, now known as Karnataka. The capital of Mysore was shifted from the city of Mysore to Bangalore during the period of British administration. This change was a significant administrative decision that had long-term implications for the development of the region.

Mark Cubbon, a British civil servant, played a crucial role in this shift. He served as the Commissioner of Mysore from 1862 to 1891, but the capital was actually shifted to Bangalore in 1831, during the period of the British East India Company's rule over Mysore. Cubbon's tenure was marked by extensive administrative reforms and modernization efforts, which included the development of Bangalore as a major administrative and commercial center.

It is important to understand the historical context of this shift. The British East India Company took control of Mysore in 1799 after the fall of Tipu Sultan. The Company's administration aimed to centralize control and modernize the state's infrastructure. Shifting the capital to Bangalore, which was already growing as a commercial and military center, was part of this strategy. Bangalore's strategic location, cooler climate, and accessibility made it a suitable choice for the capital.

Other historical figures mentioned in the options, such as Devaraj Urs, Kempe Gowda I, and Bukka Raya, were significant in their own right but were not involved in the administrative decision to shift the capital. Devaraj Urs was a political leader who focused on social reforms and development in Karnataka. Kempe Gowda I was the founder of Bangalore, and Bukka Raya was a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire, which predated the British administration and the shift of the capital.

Understanding the historical context and the roles of these figures is essential for correctly identifying the individual responsible for the administrative change. Mark Cubbon's tenure and the broader context of British administration in Mysore provide the necessary background to comprehend the significance of this shift in the state's capital.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Mark Cubbon, during his tenure as the Commissioner of Mysore, shifted the capital from Mysore to Bangalore in 1831. This decision was part of his broader administrative reforms aimed at modernizing the state.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Devaraj Urs was a prominent political figure in Karnataka, but he did not shift the capital from Mysore to Bangalore. Urs served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka and was known for his social reforms and development initiatives.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Kempe Gowda I was the founder of Bangalore in the 16th century, but he did not shift the capital from Mysore to Bangalore. His contribution was in establishing the city, not in administrative changes related to the capital.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Bukka Raya was a ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century, long before the administrative changes that led to the capital being shifted from Mysore to Bangalore. His reign was centered around the Vijayanagara Empire, not the Mysore state.

Mnemonic: M for Mark Cubbon, M for Mysore

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