From MG Road to Church Street: The Secret History Behind Bengaluru's Iconic Streets

India.com

11-07-2025

Located in India Bengaluru functions as the nation's Silicon Valley while it unites traditional heritage with contemporary developments. The urban terrain of Bengaluru contains an interesting neighborhood feature where its unusual street naming system exists. Each street name in Bengaluru serves as more than a mere label since these monikers originate from multilayered tales connected to historical events and amusing anecdotes and local traditions. Bengaluru boasts several uncomfortable street names which we will examine with their historical backgrounds.
1. Double Road
Many visitors and residents of Bengaluru remain confused by the unusual street name Double Road which is located in the city. Double Road in Indiranagar acquired its name because developers first planned this area with two neighboring roads which merged into one final thoroughfare. The original architectural plan featuring two parallel streets gave Double Road both its name and unique design. People flock to Double Road because it has multiple famous cafes, restaurants and nightclubs that draw significant traffic from young people and tourists alike.
2. Chickpete (Small Street)
Bengaluru's Pete area houses Chickpete which originally meant 'small street' in Kannada. The strange name Chickpete creates confusion because this area belongs to a widely active commercial zone. Chickpete was originally a narrow trading lane which British colonial officials used to conduct business in spices and textiles. Small Street has maintained its name of Chickpete while Bengaluru grew around it throughout the decades despite its evolution into a thriving marketplace.
3. Avenue Road
Bengaluru continues to demonstrate its unique naming traditions through the avenue known as Avenue Road. Avenue Road goes against its name because it lacks the typical characteristics of avenues such as wide width and abundant tree growth. The road receives its title despite being positioned next to Cubbon Park because it features various secondary paths which connect to the main road and produce an effect of multi-avenue confluence. The area now functions as a primary shopping center for stationery stores and bookshops which creates a literary atmosphere throughout its ambiguous street name.
4. Museum Road
The road referred to as Museum Road possesses an unexpected history which contrasts with its simple appearance. People refer to this road as Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum since it lies in proximity to the beloved scientific exhibition center. The fascinating aspect of this name occurs because the street exists without a single museum establishment. The area increased in popularity among upscale restaurants and pubs and luxury boutiques to become recognized instead for its sophisticated city living than the named attraction.
5. Sampige Road
The poetic appeal of Michelia champaca, known as Champaka flower leads to the name Sampige Road. Respected by Karnataka society the sampige tree holds dual cultural values because it represents both religious purity and sacred divinity. Today the Sampige Road keeps only scarce sampige trees although it bears the name of this lovely flower. People continue to live in Sampige Road because they love its peaceful nature despite its surroundings being busy and active.
6. HMT Layout
The public sector undertaking Hindustan Machine Tools gave its name to HMT Layout when it established operations in 1953. HMT initiated a manufacturing facility in Bengaluru leading to the creation of HMT Layout as the surrounding residential zones. HMT continues to endure in the name of its neighborhood even after the company went bankrupt in recent times. The name of this neighborhood stands as a trace of the former industrial age in Bengaluru and symbolizes the city's advancement into becoming an international IT destination.
7. Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) Road
The culinary heritage of Bengaluru comes alive most vividly along MTR Road in the heart of the city. This street carries the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms restaurant name as it represents one of the oldest eating places in the city. MTR opened its doors in 1924 to provide South Indian delicacies and filter coffee to its customers. Food lovers from around the world consider MTR Road a priority destination because the heritage Mavalli Tiffin Rooms gives the street its reputation as a leading Kannadiga cuisine experience.
8. Richmond Circle
The street name Richmond Circle derives its name from historical origins. The street carries the name of Major General Sir Stuart Richmond who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Madras Presidency during British colonial times. The historical origins of Richmond Circle now form a vital transportation point which unites major areas throughout the city. The area showcases Bengaluru's way of uniting historical connections with modern urban lifestyle while surrounded by forests and featuring cafes throughout its streets.
9. JC Road
JC Road stands as a landmark in Bengaluru because Jayanagar Complex Road serves as its abbreviated title. The planners at Jayanagar established JC Road when they built this community which later became a thriving commercial area. This location now contains electronic supply stores and event planning services which together showcase the entire spectrum of local business diversity. The uninspiring name of this locality displays how Bengaluru evolved as a dynamic metropolis during its growth period.
10. Hosur Road
The longest and busiest road of Bengaluru runs from Tamil Nadu into Hosur Road which extends through the entire route. The development of Hosur Road started from an agricultural trail which led people to reach Hosur town. The rapid urban growth of the last few decades converted Hosur Road into the essential transportation link which connects Bengaluru with southern suburbs. The agricultural origins of this land have survived through remaining fragments despite the construction of modern high-rise buildings and tech parks.
Why Do These Names Matter?
Street names provide social and cultural indications about both the economic background and social structure of a city. The unique names in Bengaluru's streets showcase both the historical developments of the city and its multilingual character and its ability to adjust to changing circumstances. Every street name in Bengaluru carries valuable historical insight which extends from flora and colonial personages to territorial business operators.
Bengaluru evolves as its street names act to connect the city back to its original settlement. The street names link us to old days where neighborhoods existed because of their individual qualities instead of their market prices. Take time to appreciate the captivating stories behind Double Road and MTR Road whenever you visit those establishments.