The History Of Bangalore The Second Battle of Bengaluru, 1638
The transition of power is rarely just about the clash of swords; it is often about the whispers in the tent. Ramjee Chandran breaks down the high-stakes drama of 1638, where the fate of Bengaluru was decided by a mix of relentless Sultanate artillery and the fluid loyalties of Kenga Nayaka. As Ranadulla Khan’s army tightened its grip on the mud fort, the city faced a choice: total destruction or a pragmatic surrender. This episode explores the three days that ended the Kempe Gowda era, the controversial role of the "man of many sides," and the moment Shahaji Bhonsle—father of the legendary Shivaji—stepped into the pete not just as a conqueror, but as its new administrator. Bengaluru survives, but under a new flag and a new Maratha destiny.
Key Details from the Script:
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The Strategic Shift: Following a 1636 treaty with the Mughals, the Bijapur Sultanate was forced to expand south, making Bengaluru the ultimate "jagir" (fiefdom) for its generals.
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The Role of Kenga Nayaka: Initially a Bijapur ally who defected to help Kempe Gowda II, Kenga Nayaka eventually negotiated the final surrender. While history often views him as a traitor, the script suggests he may be the reason the city wasn't sacked and destroyed.
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The Siege Mechanics: For three days, the professional Bijapur army battered the mud walls. The script highlights the "cannon vs. courage" imbalance that made the fall of the fort inevitable.
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The Rise of Shahaji Bhonsle: After the surrender, the city was handed over to Shahaji as his jagir. He moved into the Pete, setting up a palace that exists to this day, marking the start of the Maratha years.
- A Resilient City: Despite the change in rulers, the city’s economic engine—the Pete—didn't stop. The markets stayed open, and the immigrant population absorbed the transition without a rupture in trade.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible.
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The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani.
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