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Antique Collection India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history?Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! Historical Collections Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. Antique Pieces Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! Antique Collection Online Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection?For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree?At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons:Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space.Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world.Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces.Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision.Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism.Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family.Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests.Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

<h1>Antique Collection</h1>
India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history? Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 
<h2>Historical Collections</h2>
Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. 
<h2>Antique Pieces</h2>
Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! 
<h2>Antique Collection Online</h2>
Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s 1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection? For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree? At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons: Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space. Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world. Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces. Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision. Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism. Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family. Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests. Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate. In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl Showpiece

Bastar Handmade Wrought Iron Candle Stand

Dhokra Metal Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica Statue Showpiece

Silver Inlaid handcrafted Bidri Bangle

Terracotta Harappan Pashupati Seal Replica with Frame

Bastar Handmade Iron Tribal Forest Tealight Holder Showpiece

Terracotta Harappan Bull Seal Replica with Frame

Terracotta Harappan Peepul Tree Seal Replica with Frame

Bastar Handcrafted Tribal Art Candle Stand

Dhokra Bankura Horse Figurine Showpiece

The History Shop

Blue Sparkle Handmade Mud Art Wall Hanging

Scarlet Finely Embroidered Silk Cushion Cover

Sunflower Handmade Mud Art Wall Hanging

Bottle Green Handwoven Silk & Cotton Ikat Cushion Cover

Rust Coloured Handwoven Cushion Cover

Mustard & Black Handwoven Tribe Inspired Table Runner

White Marble Coaster Set with Red Inlay (Set of 6 with holder)

Desert Oasis Handmade Mud Art Wall Hanging

Violet Handwoven Ikat Silk Cushion Cover

Hand Embroidered Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runners - Lambani Table Runners in Scarlet

Handcrafted Home Decor For You

Peepul Tree Bestseller Collection

Explore the ancient tradition and mythological story of Guliga and Panjurli, revered as daivas or bhutas in Tulunadu, as immortalised in the film Kantara. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Tulunadu through this story.

Guliga and Panjurli - The Divine Deities from Kantara

The Divine Deities from Kantara

‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is a five-volume piece of historical fiction written by Kalki Krishnamurthy in the 1950s. Considered one of the greatest works of modern Tamil literature, the novel is still considered a cult classic. Catch the story here

The Real Story Behind ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

This Ramnavami, embark on a pilgrimage with us as we trace Lord Ram's journey across the Indian Subcontinent. From his birthplace in Ayodhya to the scenic Chitrakoot, where he spent time during his exile, we'll visit the many places associated with Lord Ram's life. Join us as we explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami.

In the Footsteps of Ram 

India’s first Republic Day celebrations were far from the impressive show we see today. And guess what? There was no grand pageant on Rajpath. We bring you some stunning details that marked the day India became a republic

What India’s First Republic Day Celebrations Looked Like

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The Secrets of Ladakh: A Rare Journey

Dholavira: Tracing the Story of the Harappans

South Asian Masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Revisiting India’s First Port City: Lothal

Join us on unforgettable journeys week after week and meet those who are defining the way we look at history

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Yearly

The Story of Mohenjo-daro

Explore the Story of India Through Objects

The Caves of Meghalaya

Uncovering the Life and Legacy of Dara Shukoh, the Beloved Mughal Prince

Your Gateway to Exclusive History Content one Story at a Time

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Lost Cities

Pune before the Peshwas 

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Lippan White Wall Mirror

Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica in Dhokra Metal

Bastar Handmade Wrought Iron Spiral Tealight Holder

Bangalore or Bengaluru today, is known as the capital of India’s IT industry. With a vibrant pub culture, it is the mecca for youngsters, attracted by its promise of good weather and good times. But beyond the walls of glass, steel and concrete offices, there exists a Bengaluru which few take time out to explore. Not many, who live in the city today, are aware that Bengaluru is home to as many as six forts.

Bengaluru was founded in 1537 by Hiriye Kempe Gowda, more famously known as Kempegowda I, a vassal of the Vijaynagar Emperor. Kempegowda built a mud fort , enclosing an area of roughly 2.24 square kilometres, surrounded by a moat, at a place that is now called Bengaluru Pete. Within this, he created roads running in the cardinal directions with the fort’s gates at the ends of the two main streets. Inside, he created specific residential and commercial areas and tanks for water supply. This area now forms the heart of the modern city and is known as Bengaluru Pete. Many of the markets that Kempegowda laid out are still in use and some of the tanks still survive. Also surviving are the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple, the Ulsoor Someswara temple, the Dodda Ganapathi temple, the Nandi or Bull Temple, the Karanji Anjaneya temple, the Mahakali temple, the Veerabhadra temple, and the Vinayaka and Kalabhairava temples are in vicinity of around 33 kms around the city.

During the construction of the fort, a portion of the wall repeatedly collapsed and it was said that a pregnant woman needed to be sacrificed to appease the Gods. Kempegowda would not permit it, but seeing her father’s predicament, it is said that his daughter-in-law Lakshmi Devi sneaked out in the middle of the night and killed herself. In her memory, Kempegowda constructed the Lakshmamma Devi temple which still stands in Koramangla. Of the original fort though, nothing remains save 4 of the 7 watchtowers erected by Kempegowda’s son. The watchtowers marked the edge of what was then Bengaluru city, but today they are in the heart of the city. They can still be seen behind the Bandi Mahakali temple, in the botanical gardens in Lalbagh, in the Kempegowda Tower Park at Mekhri Circle and next to Ulsoor Lake.

Kempegowda’s fort was expanded under the Wodeyar kings of Mysore between 1673 and 1704 CE. In 1761 CE Hyder Ali strengthened the fort and enlarged it further, replacing the mud walls with stone. In 1791, the armies of the East India Company, led by Lord Cornwallis laid siege to Bangalore Fort. After a siege that lasted 6 weeks and cost more than 2000 lives, EIC forces breached the walls near the Delhi Gate of Bangalore Fort and successfully stormed it. After Tipu’s death in Srirangapatna in 1799, the British began a process of gradually dismantling the fort. Parts of it were demolished for widening roads, building hospitals, schools and bus stands.

Today, all that remains of the Bangalore Fort are it’s Delhi Gate and a couple of bastions. Most of what remains is blocked off by the ASI and one can see the little that is accessible in around 10 minutes. Through the gate, the first structure one sees is the Ganapathi Temple which dates back to Tipu’s time. Around the walls, if one looks carefully, it is possible to find bas relief figures, including erotic sculptures. To the east of the Delhi gate, on the wall is mounted a tablet which states :

Through this breach the British assault was delivered March 21, 1791

About 550 metres to the south of the fort is Tipu’s Summer Palace.

Begur can probably be described as the last surviving village within Bengaluru’s city limits. To the south of modern day Bengaluru, and completely surrounded by modern high-rise apartments, Begur still retains its rustic character. The earliest settlements around Begur were ruled by the Ganga Dynasty, between the 6th and 9th century. This was a time when Jainism flourished in Karnataka and Nagattara, the Ganga chief of the region was Jain. The statue of a headless Jain Tirthankara has been recovered from the area, indicating that a Jain Basadi once existed here. Also discovered here was an inscription from 890 CE, written in Halegannada (ancient Kannada), which talks about “Bengaluru kadana” or the battle of Bengaluru between the Jain Gangas and the Shaivite Nolambas. Nagattara’s son, Buttanashetty was killed in the battle according to the inscription. This is the earliest known reference to a place called Bengaluru, which would seem to indicate that the city is more than 1100 years old.

While Begur is famous for its Panchalingeshwara temple built by the Cholas, the Begur Fort gets little attention. The Begur Fort is a perfectly circular fort, covering an area of approximately 1.4 square km. The low walls of the fort are made of mud and are now completely covered in vegetation. The entrance is through a stone gateway to the northeast. Inside are two temples dedicated to Kashi Vishwanath and Krishna.

On the southern side is an old well and to the west is a termite mound that also seems to be the object of veneration. Inscriptions discovered nearby mention that Nagattara’s daughter Tondabbe ended her life through the Jain custom of Sallekhana, or fasting unto death at the fort. Begur Fort is said to be 400 years old, but little research has been done on the fort and no steps have been taken to preserve it. With the nearby Electronic City rapidly expanding, there is a very real possibility that Begur Fort will fall prey to real estate greed.

Located on top of a hill to the south of Electronic City, Bettadasanpura Fort is a rectangular fort with stone walls and what appear to be 8 bastions. Inside are a large pond and two temples – Thimmarayaswamy temple and a Shiva temple. Arun Bharadwaj writes in his book ‘Seen & Unseen Bangalore’ that the fort was probably constructed during Kempegowda’s rule, while the Thimmarayaswamy temple dates back to the reign of the Cholas.

A local ruler apparently had a dream in which Lord Thimmarayaswamy appeared. The ruler took it as a sign and had the temple repaired during Kempegowda’s time. The Mysore Gazetteer mentions that the Thimmarayaswamy temple was probably built by the Wodeyar kings of Mysore. There seems to be no way to say for sure.

Both temples are currently active and while a portion of the walls of the fort have collapsed, it remains in pretty good shape. The fort walls are constructed of roughly cut granite rocks and it is possible to climb the walls. Doing so rewards one with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Electronic City. A modern gateway and road have been constructed to the east of the hill allowing cars to drive up to the fort’s gate, which looks very similar to the gateway of the Begur Fort.

Although it is marked as Chikkajala Fort in Google Maps, the mysterious structure at Chikkajala is probably not a fort at all. Variously mentioned as being ‘prehistoric’ or even ‘3000 years old’, Chikkajala ‘fort’ consists of a circular walled compound with a large pond or ‘kalyani’ in the centre. On the eastern side of the pond is a small Hanuman temple with stucco decorations in the 19th century Mysore style.

To the south and east of the pond are two large pillared halls, connected by a passage. Both the halls and the passage are built of stone. Archaeologist Tathagata Neogi is of the opinion that this was never a fort, but simply a walled temple complex. The lack of bastions and the fact that the walls are simply not thick enough to withstand cannon-fire, make it unviable for defensive purposes. There are also many intriguing inconsistencies in the complex. The pillars in both the halls are in a pre-Islamic style, but the temple is considerably more modern. Compared to the rest of the compound the temple is also much smaller, which indicates that there was once a larger temple, which may have collapsed and was replaced by this smaller one. The two halls may have been intended to accommodate pilgrims. However, to the south of the compound, there is a small door in the wall and adjacent to the wall there appear to be two Muslim tombs.

While it is not strictly speaking within Bengaluru City, Devanahalli Fort is located in the Bengaluru rural district. It is perhaps the most impressive and largest of all the forts of Bengaluru. Devanahalli Fort has 11 bastions, a large gateway to the west and covers an area of 20 acres. Inside the fort there are a number of temples, chief among which is the Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, immediately to the east of the entrance gateway

About 400 metres to the south of the gate lies the birthplace of Tipu Sultan. It is a small walled compound containing a ‘

’ with a memorial plaque under it. Midway to Tipu’s birthplace, to the west of the road, is an ancient ‘

While Devanahalli, previously known as Devanadoddi, was a settlement from the 15th century, a mud fort was constructed there in 1501 during the period of Vijaynagara Empire. The present stone fort was probably constructed during Hyder Ali’s time. Tipu Sultan is said to have renamed Devahalli to Yousufabad. The fort has been conquered several times over the years. The British under Cornwallis laid siege to the fort in 1791, during the third Anglo-Mysore war. Rumours exist about Tipu’s dewan, Purnaiah having lived in the fort at some point. While locals point to a very old and now abandoned house within the fort as having belonged to the fort’s dewan, they say it was definitely not Purnaiah.

As Bengaluru continues to expand and as Indians play fast and loose with heritage, it seems almost certain that at least some of the forts of Bengaluru will disappear in a decade from now. A combination of real estate greed, lack of publicity and government apathy, will lead to this tragedy and with the forts will disappear several chapters of Bengaluru’s history. If Bengaluru is to be remembered for something more than IT and pubs, then these forts must be protected and researched. Who knows what we may find out about our own history, if only we make the effort?

Deepanjan Ghosh is a broadcast professional from Kolkata, India. A history buff, a landscape and architecture photographer and blogger, he has has been writing about Kolkata since 2013 and hopes to release a book on Kolkata's history soon.

It is hard to imagine, but the bustling metropolis of Bengaluru hides numerous historic forts within it. Join us, as Deepanjan Ghosh, rediscovers the hidden forts of Bengaluru and the stories behind them.