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The History Of Bangalore

Latest episodes

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Jul 14, 2025 • 25min

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.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 22min

The Years Before Krishnadevaraya-1486-1509

Saluva Narasimha’s dramatic seizure of the Vijayanagara throne may have rescued the empire — but it did not restore its stability. In this episode, Ramjee Chandran explores the fragile legitimacy of Narasimha’s rule, the chaos that followed his death, and the rise of his trusted general, Narasa Nayaka. As the Saluva dynasty crumbles with the murder of Narasimha’s elder son Timmabhupala and the imprisonment of the younger, Immadi Narasimha, power passes decisively to the Tuluva faction. What follows is a tale of regency, coercion, and strategic dominance — as Narasa Nayaka sets the stage for the rise of Krishnadevaraya, the most celebrated emperor in Vijayanagara’s history. NOTE: All references to the Sangama king Virupaksha must be taken to mean Praudharaya — they were in all likelihood the same man, 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.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 25min

Whose Story? Power, Perspective, and the Writing of Deccan History

In this insightful interlude, Ramjee Chandran steps back from the historical narrative to examine how the history of the Deccan has been recorded and interpreted over time. Explore the evolution of historical writing from ancient inscriptions and Persian chronicles to British colonial accounts and modern scholarship. Understand how political agendas, religious biases, and cultural perspectives have shaped our understanding of the past, and why a critical approach to historical sources is essential. This episode offers a crucial lens through which to view the narratives of the Deccan's rich and complex history. 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.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 24min

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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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May 19, 2025 • 22min

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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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May 12, 2025 • 25min

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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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Apr 30, 2025 • 23min

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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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Apr 23, 2025 • 19min

The Yelahanka Nada Prabhus - Part 1-Origins: 1399 - 1513

Ramjee Chandran begins Season 2 by revisiting captivating tale of the Gowda clan's migration to the Yelahanka region. Discover the legend of Doddamma, the dramatic migration from Alur, and the clan's journey along the Palar River. Explore the historical context as the Gowdas establish their rule and lay the foundations for Kempe Gowda I's legacy. This episode delves into the origins of a dynasty that would shape the future 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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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Mar 31, 2025 • 3min

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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.
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Mar 2, 2025 • 25min

Season Finale: The Rise Of Kempe Gowda And The Birth of Bangalore: 1509-1537 AD

All journeys must pause before they continue. In this season finale Ramjee Chandran brings together the threads of history that led to the founding of Bengaluru. We step into the grandeur of Krishna Deva Raya’s court, witness the empire’s twilight as the Deccan Sultanates close in, and watch as vassals like the Wadiyars and Kempe Gowda rise to stake their claims in history.Bangalore’s story is one of ambition, power, and reinvention—and as we close this chapter, we leave you with the echoes of history, a city waiting to be built, and the promise that there’s more to come.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/HistoryOfBangaloreTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLRYouTube: https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandranThe 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.

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