Chamarajapet: Meet Bengaluru's first modern residential layout

The local association of Chamarajpet has decided to celebrate the anniversary for two days i.e., on January 28 and 29. Sources said that Maharani Pramoda Devi Wodeyar, Maharaja Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar and Maharani Trishika Devi of Mysore Royal dynasty, are going to inaugurate the celebration.

 

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George, actors B Saroja Devi, Jayanti have also invited for the special occasion.

 

Chamaraja Wodeyar X (1881-1894), the great grandfather of the present Maharaja Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja, constructed this layout. Hence this layout is named after him as ‘Chamarajendra Pet’, now it is called ‘Chamarajapet.’

 

The speciality of this well planned layout is that it is in the shape of square having six main roads (100 feet wide) and nine cross roads and conservancies. Wide footpaths are constructed on both sides of the roads. The layout was planned by Karpura Srinivasa Rao.  

 

Chamarajapet has been the home for many renowned writers like TP Kailasam, V Seetaramaiah, MR Srinivasa Murthy and others. Even Tipu Sultan has built his Summer Palace in Chamarajpet.

 

Chamarajapet is also famous for its Ramotsava, celebrated during Ramanavami. Classical singers like ML Vasanthakumari, MD Ramanathan, MS Subbalakshmi and many more of such artistes have come to Ramotsavam every year and have performed. Even now, Ramotsavam of Chamarajapet is one of the biggest festivals of Bengaluru.

 

Actors like B Saroja Devi, Upendra, Sudharani were also the residents of Chamarajapet once upon a time. B Saroja Devi studied in St. Theresa Convent of Chamarajapet. This is also the home town of late Shakuntala Devi, world famous mathematician.

 

People of all communities and religions stay peacefully in Chamarajpet, which is surrounded by Kaniya’s Colony, KR Market, Jagajeevan Ram Nagar, Azad Nagar, where different castes and communities reside. Muharram is celebrated by the Hindus and Muslims together here since decades.

 

Chamarajapet is also famous for several eateries. Prakash Cafe, Malabar Lodge, Brahmins Coffee bar are few of the popular food places. The well-known Adigas hotel first opened its doors in Chamarajpet.

 

Kannada Sahitya Parishat (1915), one of the oldest Kannada literary organisations is located in this layout.

“Chamarajapet is the oldest residential layout. We are celebrating the anniversary of this layout for the first time after 125 years” – M Srinivasa Murthy, Honorary Charmain, Anniversary Committee.