City within City

Shivajinagar is one of the urban neighbourhoods of Bangalore which has invisibly contributed to the cultural, architectural, ethnic, communal and economic histories of Bangalore.  Across the nation, some tiny towns manage to live on with their own governments and their own identities, despite being entirely engulfed by a metropolis. Call them enclaves, or islands surrounded by a larger city, with which the town shares all of its land borders. Each of these towns may appear to be just another suburb. To residents, however, the towns offer a distinct community with a special feel. Shivajinagar appears to me as a city within the Bangalore city.


Shivajinagar has retained its character over time. It has never failed to surprise me with something new every time I visit this place. Even though people are busy in their work they are ready to help. During my walks in shivajinagar, I have always felt that the place is full of energy and overwhelming to the senses. The market buzz, the squalor and the colours soon appear in the picture as the morning progresses. It is famous for its non-vegetarian delights. Shivajinagar has an ethnic charm to it. I realised that the image of a temple and mosque together doesn’t show unity, there are other factors also. It is more of peaceful co-existence than unity because the people of Shivajinagar can’t afford to fight as it will have an adverse impact on their trade. Shivajinagar is a muslim enclave.

“Peaceful co-existence does not stem from a positive moral attitude of tolerance but from pragmatic one expressed in terms of benefits and disadvantages. Tolerance is defined here more as a Passive non-interference rather than as active recognition and respect for the other.” - Muslims in Indian Cities: Trajectories of Marginalisation- By Laurent Gayer
I feel interested in knowing about the story of the place and its people. The architecture is arresting and intricate. The houses are colourful, distinctive and decorative in style. Does the architecture of shivajinagar provide personal glimpse into the individual tastes and personality of the residents?

I feel photography and sketching can be very helpful in bringing out the essence of this place. The main aim of the walk is to introduce people to shivajinagar. I found interaction with the local people very interesting as it helped me to know their perspective about the place and what they feel about shivajinagar and what is unique about the place according to them.
Nandini Bhotika