Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley, is also home to a rich historical and cultural heritage. One of the city's most fascinating aspects is its pete system—a network of traditional market areas established by Kempegowda I in the 16th century. These markets were originally designed to cater to specific trades and communities, shaping the city’s commercial landscape. Let’s take a closer look at 26 of Bengaluru’s historic petes, their meanings, and their significance.
1. Cubbonpete
Named after Sir Mark Cubbon, a British Commissioner of Mysore, this area is known for trade and commerce.
2. Maldarpete
The origin of “Maldar” is uncertain, but it may refer to a specific community or merchant group dealing in valuables.
3. Thigalarpete
Historically associated with the Thigala community, who specialized in horticulture and water management.
4. Nagarathpete
Named after the Nagarathar community, known for their expertise in finance and jewelry trading.
5. Basettipete
Possibly named after Basava, a revered social reformer, and linked to Lingayat traders.
6. Ragipete
A hub for ragi (finger millet) trade, an important staple grain in Karnataka.
7. Ganigarapete
Traditionally associated with the Gaaniga community, known for oil extraction and milling.
8. Gollarapete
Named after the Golla community, who were pastoralists and dairy farmers.
9. Kumbarapete
Home to the Kumbara (potter) community, specializing in clay and ceramic products.
10. Medarpete
Linked to the Medar community, known for weaving baskets and cane products.
11. Sulthanpete
A commercial area possibly established during Tipu Sultan’s reign, serving as a Muslim trade hub.
12. Patnoolpete
Derived from the Tamil word “Patnool” (silk thread), indicating a silk-weaving market.
13. New Tharagupete
A modern expansion of Tharagupete, where “tharagu” means wholesale trade in Kannada.
14. Ramachandrapete
Likely named after a temple dedicated to Lord Rama or a historical figure.
15. Manavarthipete
“Manavarthi” refers to customs officers, suggesting this area was once a toll collection point.
16. Cottonpete
A historic center for cotton trade, still a major hub for textiles today.
17. Upparpete
“Uppar” means salt, indicating a market linked to salt trading or a specific community.
18. Sannkipete
Derived from “Sannki,” which may refer to small-scale traders in the region.
19. Akkipete
“Akkipete” means rice market, historically a major center for rice trade.
20. Balepete
Named after “Bale,” meaning bangles, making it a hub for bangle and jewelry trade.
21. Santhupete
“Santhu” means weekly market, signifying an open trading space for various goods.
22. Mamulpete
“Mamul” means customary trade, indicating it was a marketplace for general merchants.
23. Chikkpete
“Chikka” means small, and this was the original central market of Bengaluru, established by Kempegowda I.
24. Acharpete
Possibly named after Achari (artisans or carpenters), known for wood and metal craftsmanship.
25. Kurupete
“Kuru” might refer to small-scale craftsmen or a specific artisan community.
A Legacy of Trade and Culture
These pete areas, originally designed as commercial hubs, have evolved into Bengaluru’s bustling trade districts. Many of them still function as wholesale markets, preserving the city’s rich economic and cultural heritage. Walking through these streets today is like stepping into a historical tapestry, where the old and new coexist in the ever-expanding metropolis of Bengaluru.
If you’re interested in exploring these markets, a visit to Chikkpete, Cottonpete, and Balepete can give you a glimpse of Bengaluru’s deep-rooted commercial traditions. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a trader, or simply a curious traveler, these petes offer a fascinating journey into the city's past and present.
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