2.5 Bengaluru: technological centre

• Aardrijkskunde
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

2.5 Bengaluru: technological centre

Learning objectives

After studying this section, you will be able to:

• Describe how Bengaluru became a technological centre
  
• Explain the functions of a technological centre

The history of Bengaluru

• Mud fort > several markets > watchtowers, temples, houses and a palace.
• India > former British colony > British English is a main language
• Cantonment = A military quarter, used to house (British) soldiers.
• Attractive place for British merchants, soldiers & other Western settlers.
• The city consisted of two core cities that worked together > twin city.

City map of the centre of modern-day Bengaluru. The outlines of the old fortified town and the cantonment are still visible.

Economic developments

• 1947 > India became independent 
• Focus on science and technological development > very well-educated population.
• Special Economic Zones (low taxes, low wages) and technological zones made the city an attractive place for investors.
• Liberalisation Indian market > private companies investing in IT sector.
• The city government of Bengaluru invested in better transport facilities, data infrastructure, internet connectivity and jobs.

Bengaluru: a technological centre where technological developments, research & development can be found.

Map of greater Bengaluru.

Local shopping streets in Bengaluru are filled with stores, selling technology products.

Research and Development (R&D) centres of large international companies that moved to Bengaluru.

Share of output by industry in Bengaluru.

Slums are also called ‘shanty towns’, ‘favelas’, ‘bidonvilles’ and ‘ghettos’. The word ‘slum’ is thought to come from old British slang, meaning ‘back alley’ or ‘street of poor people’. It has a negative connotation and we therefore prefere the term 'informal city'.

Essence

Many developments and discoveries made today originate in technological centres around the world. Bengaluru has grown to become a technological centre. The city has a highly educated workforce. Several technological companies set up in the city after the 1980s, making Bengaluru one of the most important technological centres in the world.

Havo: Look at the planner in Teams for what you can do.

The flipside of success: An informal city in Bengaluru. There’s not enough housing in the city and for many people, places that are available are too expensive.

Vwo: Look at the planner in Teams for what you have to do.