How These Iconic Bangalore Streets Were Named

Meghna Mathew

There exist two beliefs behind how Domlur was named, both just as intriguing as the other. Some believe the name has been derived from the Kannada word Tombalur, a variety of flowers used to worship Lord Shiva. 

Domlur

The Kannada word Kodige translates to a ‘gift’ or ‘offer’. Halli is the Kannada word for ‘village’ and suffixes the names of several areas across the city. The area of Kodigehalli is allegedly a gift from King Veera Ballala of the Hoysala Empire to a resident who offered him a meal.

Kodigehalli

When translated from Kannada to English, Naga means ‘snake’ and Bhavi means ‘well’ – Nagarbhavi thus translates to a ‘well of snakes’ because before the area was urbanised, a large population of snakes occupied it.

Nagarbhavi

The HAL HF-24 Marut was a fighter-bomber aircraft made by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. It was designed and assembled near the area, which is how the name Marathahalli was born (Marut + Halli).

Marathahalli

When the Kannada word for jackfruits, halasu, is combined with ooru (village), we get the name Halasuru, also referred to as Ulsoor. This area had a widespread jackfruit orchard, and hence, ‘jackfruit village’ came to be.

Ulsoor