BANGALORE: Do you know the word Bengaluru comes from Bene Kallu (White stone) which was abundantly found in this area once.
Speaking at a seminar on 'History of Bangalore City and Archaeology' on Monday, eminent researcher Dr M Chidananda Murthy said that the name Bengaluru has been derived from the word Bene kallu which means white stone in Kannada. The seminar was organised by Mythic Society and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.
"In old Bengaluru, comprising the area from Mysore Bank Circle till City Market, white stones were abundantly found and that gave the city its name," Dr Chidananda Murthy said.
Somanahalli in Magadi Taluk is named after the famous Telegu poet Soma who used to live there. While the word, Kengeri comes from Kempu Neeru which means red water. It was named as the river water there used to be red in colour, the researcher explained.
At the seminar, a website of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums was also launched.
A book titled Hassan District History and Archeology edited by R Gopal was also launched.
The Director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums R Gopal in his speech said that till now the seminar has been held in 17 districts of the state and in a few days, it will be held in the remaining districts as well.
"In order to spread awareness on the history of the city, we plan to hold these seminars in all the 30 districts," Gopal said.
Deputy Director of the Kannada and Culture Department Sudhakar Shetty, and President of Mythic Society K L N Shastri were among those who were present on the occasion.