When discussing the oldest parts of Bengaluru, we refer to the city's history that predates the British Raj. In this context, Fraser Town stands out as a historically significant area over 100 years old. Originally, Fraser Town was a suburb characterised by sprawling grape gardens and fields inhabited by foxes, where ragi was cultivated. Before its renaming, the area was known as Mootocherry and had a town deity named Mootomariamma.
It transformed into a model town in the early 1900s. Named after Sir Stuart Milford Fraser in 1910, this locality was renamed again as Pulakeshinagar in 1988, yet it continues to be commonly known as Fraser Town. Despite the official change, the historical charm and name of Frazer Town have endured through the years.
Fraser Town Was Named After Sir Stuart Milford Fraser
In the early 1900s, a plague outbreak led to the establishment of Fraser Town, conceived as a solution to decongest the civil and military stations that were known as the Bangalore Cantonment. In 1910, the then collector, F.J. Richards, unveiled a commemorative stone marking the creation of Fraser Town, named in honour of Sir Stuart Milford Fraser, a distinguished officer of the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of British India and tutor and guardian to Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, Maharaja of Mysore.
The new township included 400 houses or cottages designed to rehabilitate those affected by the plague. The Lindley family and Ratan Singh were among the first residents to move into one of the cottages in Fraser Town. Many others took advantage of rent-free accommodation for six months and affordable relocation prices in the neighbourhood.
Ratan Singh played a significant role in shaping Fraser Town into an artisan's colony, with a lane named after him that still exists today. It boasts numerous educational institutions funded by Christian missionaries and philanthropists like Haji Sir Ismail Sait. He was a knighted Memoni merchant from Cutch who established the historic mosque in Fraser Town and has significantly contributed to local educational institutions and hospitals throughout the city.
Frazer Town In Pulakeshi Nagar
Despite occasional tales of leopards straying into the area during the day to prey on poultry, dogs, and cattle, Fraser Town quickly gained recognition as a model township due to its well-planned infrastructure. Today, the area is in the midst of the city and is considered one of the busiest areas where one can take a walk or step out to grab a bite at any time of the day or night, as the eateries are open until as early as 5 in the morning.
The neighbourhood is celebrated for its communal harmony, where Hindus, Muslims, and Christians coexist peacefully. Frazer Town, or Pulakeshi Nagar, has been home to many age-old bakeries and some iconic meat-centric eateries that still serve traditional foods, making this part of town a meat haven for non-vegetarians, especially irrespective of your race, religion, and background.
Setting out for a walk in Frazer Town now can feel like stepping into a world of blissful nostalgia. As you stroll through the long lanes, the inviting aroma of smoky meats from fired-up grills wafts through the air. This neighbourhood is a haven for food lovers, offering a diverse array of culinary delights. From freshly baked puffs and cakes to delectable street food like rolls and chaats, Frazer Town encapsulates the rich and diverse flavours of Bengaluru.
Iconic eateries serve up classics such as biryani, kebabs, and cold beers, each bite and sip evoking the old-world charm that the city is renowned for. Whether you are a long-time resident or a curious visitor, Frazer Town’s vibrant food scene and timeless appeal offer a delightful journey into Bengaluru’s culinary and cultural heritage.
For more stories and to be a part of the all-inclusive Food Trail, you must sign up and wait to watch skilled chefs prepare your favourite street food at live cooking stations. So, what are you waiting for? Read the details about Slurrp’s Frazer Town Food Trail and explore with the best.
Date: August 10, 2024
Timings: 5 PM–7:30 PM
How To Register: Click here
For more information, keep an eye out on Slurrp’s website and social media pages.