To get their way about with ease and to know the City better, newcomers can flip through the pages of ‘Bangalore Multiplicity,’ a coffee table book authored by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Urban Affairs, A Ravindra.

Attractive pictures, vital information and several topics presented make this book an interesting one. Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda released the book on Wednesday.

“Bangalore, though was ruled by multiple rulers, had one kingdom. Multiple cultures, faiths, diverse languages and varied cuisine make the City vibrant. The book also explores all these facets of the City,” said Ravindra.

Though the City is stated to have been founded 500 years ago, the first reference of Bengaluru can be traced back to an inscription on a monolithic stone at the Begur Temple that dates back to 9th century AD, he added.

The four corner towers of the City were built by Kempegowda II. Several interesting historical factors such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s stay in Bangalore for two years can be gleaned from the book.

Though the City witnessed the reign of several rulers, it was Chikkadevaraya who bought it from the Mughals for Rs three lakh pagodas.

Finally, the City came under the British control in 1791. Moreover, Mahatma Gandhiji spent two months at Nandi Hills. The book also highlights the City’s demography.

“In 1871, the City population was 1.32 lakh, which swelled to 16.64 lakh in 1971. In 2007, the population rose to 85 lakh,” he said.