Comparing Pune and Bangalore: India's Post-Liberalisation Urban Sprawls
Key Highlights :
Bangalore and Pune are 734 km apart, but they are like Siamese twins, in many ways. Despite their never-known distant relationship, they have many similarities that make them seem like siblings. From their shared history of being ruled by the same military leader in the 1600s, to their shared legacy of being military towns, to the post-liberalisation boom of the infotech services' industry in the late '90s, Pune and Bangalore have a lot in common.
The two cities have a large number of colleges and universities, making them a popular destination for students. They also have a vibrant nightlife with pubs and bars, and are known for their love of beer. Bangalore is the home of the famous Kingfisher beer, while Pune was the first city to introduce microbreweries.
The two cities also share a common history of North Indian migration, which has resulted in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Bangalore is still predominantly a South Indian city, while Pune is still very much a Maharashtrian town.
The post-liberalisation boom has also resulted in the emergence of many townships, such as Bhartiya City in Pune and Whitefield in Bangalore. These townships are home to a large number of single people, making them the singles' capital of India.
The two cities have also been compared to other cities in India, such as Bombay, and have been referred to as the 'Tw-Indian' cities. Bangalore is often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley of India', while Pune is known as the 'Oxford of the East'.
The two cities have also been subject to a lot of corruption, with law-makers and enforcers openly demanding their share of the new money. This has resulted in a lot of grouchiness among the locals.
Despite all the similarities, the two cities still have some distinct differences. Bangaloreans are known for their snobbery, while Punekars are known for their grouchiness. Bangaloreans are also known for complaining about traffic and distances, while Punekars are known for their love of the weather.
At the end of the day, Pune and Bangalore are two distinct cities, with their own unique histories, cultures and legacies. But, despite their differences, they remain united by their shared history, culture and legacy. They may be 734 km apart, but they are never known distant cousins, who have more in common than meets the eye.
