Bangalore - A Century of Tales from City Cantonment

by Peter Colaco, Paul Fernandes (Illustrator)

From this prosaic starting point 'Peter Colaco's Bangalore' sweeps back to the turn of the 20th century and forward to the dawn of the new millennium. He discovers that between his mother's ancestral home on Great Road, where he was born and his father's house in Fraser Town, his experiences represent a century of Bangalore's cultural history.

The book is a sequence of loosely connected essays and anecdotes. It often borders on social comment, might even pass as pop-sociology, but is even more enjoyable simply for it's humour, superbly complemented by Paul Fernandes' water colour sketches.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, India, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Raksha Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly finding this book was a treasure hunt and then last night when I began reading it I realized that this was totally worth the effort. This is a book for Bangaloreans by fellow Bangaloreans, Peter and Paul. I chose to address them by their first names because the writing and illustrations befriended me to that extent. No doubt this book takes it's reader through a great nostalgic trip, what impressed me was the way every aspect of this city is covered with vivid observations and anecdotes. Reading this made me chuckle and introspect at the same time. I can see Bangalore, my city with a different perspective now. Thinking of what Peter writes -"...the world did not begin when I was born, it won't stand still when I die" I have come to realize that between all this life and death a large part of what you are is where you live in. Bangalore therefore, after reading this book has started to matter more.

[Nishant Chandgotia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful illustrations and tales from the present, the yore and beyond- the book is a beautiful introduction to Bangalore, its parks, its bridges, its developments and perhaps, most importantly, its character. The book is full of anecdotes and memories from a Bangalore long ago and a Bangalore which is shaping up now. The writing is overall great but I do think that it could have made a crisper and a more captivating book.

[Abhishek Anbazhagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are very few books that make you laugh out loud and fewer that achieve not just that but are also extremely insightful. Bangalore by Peter Colaco is one of them.Like Owen Wilson in Midnight in Paris ,I have always felt that I was born in the wrong time period. This book makes made me ache more to go back to those simpler times. A delightful book about a charming city and its people. I only wished it was longer.

[Vinay Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Colaco's Bangalore makes me nostalgic. While some of his memories and recollections may be even before my childhood days, they are still somewhat familiar, perhaps from what I have heard of those good ol' days from the previous generation. They're wittily presented with beautiful bluish illustrations.

What I love about the book is that each chapter of the book stands on its own so I don't necessarily have to peruse in order. The first part that caught my eye was the one on weather and I laughed out loud, nodding my head in agreement because I have experienced it even this year. And having been through school admissions procedures, that chapter was relatable too.

I will definitely reread the book and I'm sure I'd go to those chapters I loved most first. A trip down memory lane that was well worth it.

[Vinay Keerthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming book. I liked it better than Askew. Mr. Calaco seems to know Bangalore deeply.

Note that this book is largely anecdotal and I prefer such a book rather an an academic tome. Quite fun to read on a lazy day, especially if you're sitting home in Bangalore.

[Chethan SP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure for everyone who loves Bangalore.

Loved it.

[Preeti Khicha · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I moved to Bangalore two years ago, learning more about the city was always on my mind. And the book does well in documenting bits of history of the city in a simplistic and witty manner. Particularly enjoyed the first half of the book, where the author discusses Bangalore's past...Cantonment versus the City, monkey top houses, City of Gardens etc. The illustrations by Paul Fernandes complement the stories well. I did not enjoy the latter half of the book as much which discusses the city which is today.

[Shruthi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly grateful to Peter Colaco for taking me on this beautiful trip to Peter Colaco’s Bangalore. After reading this book, I wanted to go back in time and see all the beautiful sights described so endearingly by Peter. This book is a treasure for people from Bangalore or people who have lived or live in Bangalore. Thank you Peter for making me truly understand the term - good ol’ days! Special mention to the witty and delightful illustrations by Paul Fernandes.

[Ganesh Ramalingam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice to learn about the Bangalore it was. I have heard about Oorgadum house. Hearing about it from the person who lived in the house gives goosebumps. Well written book!

[Madhurima Malla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all who are keen about Bangalore. It's worth a read by those who like Bangalore too.

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and heartfelt at the same time...this book has several hilarious episodes on Bangalore from the days of yore. This book gives you a good sense of what Bangalore life must have been like 30, 40 or even 50 years back......and also has mention of several hidden treasures (Clubs, Colonies, Railway Stations, Roads and Bars) some of which are still out there to be explored....Hats Off to the late author...a man with a truly great sense of humour.

[Laxmy Surendran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Colaco's Bangalore is a city that remembers the eccentricities in the ordinary. It is about the numerous people who interpret this city in a multitude ways. Be it the old Bangaloreans or the new ones, they associate an element of home to this city, in all its beauty, glory and mild inconveniences.
So what makes a city a home? For me it is the stories of people galore who found shelter and solace in the tiniest quarters. Peter Colaco's Bangalore embraced people from near and far. The city I know, Bengaluru, continues to do so. In a sense, I am also part of this story and I sincerely hope I am eccentric enough that perhaps he would have written about me.

[Shreela Sen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edited
You can see what enraged me, below.
The book is a very interesting & easy read, lovely for people who are interested in the "character" of a place, in lore & legend. However, it becomes more ordinary in the part after 1980. I wonder if it is because it is the part that I am personally familiar with?

...

Great read, but ?? misogynistic?

I was seriously enjoying this very fluid, nostalgic, but factual, unbiased account of the many periods of Bangalore ...
Then in pg 96 comes "slowly out of circulation, like an overused mistress". I was shocked. It conjured images of a 35 something woman, dying of AIDS. Is this book so old?I thought? Was it common & ordinary to be callous towards sex workers in everyday parlance when it was written?
Anyway, I read on.
Pg 110, "But girls in dress were considered to be game for fun, , a misconception which persists, though everyone is now wearing stretch jeans & short tops. That they are game for good fun may not be a misconception."
This is just preceded by the description of an incident where English soldiers try to molest author's aunts.
I am very grossed out.
I might not finish the book, even though I was liking it a lot.

[Steven De Nazareth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book that was given to us by his sister Jackie Colaco. This book captures the Bangalore I know and how it is seemingly different in the way it is experienced by present day immigrants. It's just one of those books that you cannot put down. Just seem to relate to it in one way or the other as I am Goan, born in Bangalore and grown up as a Bungalow in Hayes Road which has sadly been made into flats. It's a must read for anyone that truly wants to discover Bangalore, learn about its heritage and revisit its early days.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so glad to stumble upon this at the library! A funny and slightly bumpy ride through Bangalore's past and present. The typos were conspicuous but, beyond a point, didn't matter. Nostalgia took the form of the gardens, the zippy lanes and traffic, the blazing red gulmohars and pretty pink blossoms, the lilting language and monkey top houses. Had I been in Bangalore still, I would have loved to go exploring, book in hand. I learned a lot and I wish there were a book that captured the history and culture of Pune, too. I'll hunt for it.

[gramakri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories make a very enjoyable read as there are ample doses of humor, wit, irony and sarcasm. They reminded me of Ruskin Bond's writings about his family. Excellent sketches by Paul Fernandes serve like an icing on the cake for these stories.

This is a must read for all Bangaloreans and for anyone who is interested in this genre of writing.

For a more detailed review visit http://bookwormsrecos.blogspot.in/201...

[Dayanand Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books reeks with nostalgia of a time when Bangalore was a quiet town without the traffic jams and population explode. The commentary doesn't stagnate on one theme, instead follows a range of topics. Reading the book while travelling in a BMTC bus is a very thrilling experience. I am pretty sure this is one such books which I will quite unavoidably read again.

[Deepak Rajanikanth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes me smile, cry and laugh as the author brings back memories of namma Bengaluru as it was and what it has become..

Very beautiful illustrations and stories that best describe this twin city and why everyone loves to be here!! Proud to be a Bangalorean and would recommend it to anyone who wants a sneek peek into my city!

/Deepak

[Ramya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! what a book for Bangalore lovers. I have always wanted to understand the little nuances of Bangalore over the years and the culture of the people and the important buildings. Peter Colaco's style of narrative is casual, witty and does not over celebrate the place, so it makes for an instant connect.
Watching the stories unfold through Paul Fernandes's illustrations is sheer pleasure.

[Apoorv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading "Bangalore - A century of tales from city and cantonment". Peter Colaco brings back to life the Bangalore of the past. Colaco's writing, interspersed with humourous anecdotes and tinged with much required lessons on History and Geography ,accompanied by wonderful sketches by Paul Fernandes make for a delightful read. Makes for a super nostalgic read.

[Niranjani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bangalore my home town and Fraser town where my dad grew up. Chamundi hills and the stories he still narrates about Bangalore cantonment , brindavan, Lal bagh and the beautiful garden city which was then called and now its a corporate jungle. The book revives all the memories and my fathers wonderful wonderful tales. A must read.

[Rajesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Colaco's Bangalore is a good collection of "old timer's tales" - nostalgic, making one wish we cud go back n catch a glimpse of the city when it was a "small town". Last part is something even the 'new Blorian' can relate to. Paul Fernandes' illustrations add to the charm.

[Viju · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much nostalgia. A journey on what Bangalore was to what it is now captured so beautifully with anecdotes and more. A few chapters made me yearn for the Bangalore I grew up in. Recommended for everyone who knows Bangalore and also to the people who want to know about Bangalore.

[Ankita Mehrotra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rides on pure nostalgia. A decent read - could do with some more interweaving of chapters to conform to a broader theme/story. Nevertheless, the book paints a good picture of the old bangalore we love. Some of the illustrations are spot on and make you laugh out loud.

[Anand Ganapathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend this book to fellow Bangaloreans :) Nice collection of essays / anecdotes about Bangalore which has transformed from a sleepy pensioners town to India's IT capital.

[Vishakha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light read. Interesting short stories about the authors experience in the city.