How Bengaluru became home to IISc in 1909

Twenty-four students began classes at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru in 1911. The institute started with two departments: General and Applied Chemistry, and Electrical Technology.

According to IISc’s institutional history, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata formed a 23-member provisional committee in 1898 to plan a research institution. A majority of the 76 people consulted preferred Bombay, while Calcutta, Poona, Coonoor, Nainital, Allahabad, Bengaluru and Roorkee were also considered.

Bengaluru’s case strengthened after Tata met Seshadri Iyer, the Dewan of Mysore State, during a South India tour in early 1899. Mysore offered land and financial support if the institution was built in the city. Bombay had industrial prominence and public support, but a large site was difficult to secure on the crowded island. Its humidity was also considered unsuitable for books and scientific equipment.

British chemist William Ramsay later supported Bengaluru after touring Indian cities. He cited the city’s climate, connections to Bombay and Madras, nearby iron ore and gold deposits, and Shivanasamudra Falls as a potential source of electric power. Roorkee briefly emerged as another contender in 1901, but did not secure comparable patronage.

Mysore committed 371 acres and 11 guntas, Rs 5 lakh towards capital expenditure, and an annual contribution of Rs 50,000. The Government of India issued the vesting order on May 27, 1909, formally establishing IISc in Bengaluru.

IISc says its early investigations led to six factories within five years, including units making acetone, thymol, straw boards, soap and sandalwood oil. The institute later expanded through wartime work, new engineering departments, and research ranging from materials science and computing to brain research and nanoscience.

IISc also has a 1,500-acre campus at Challakere in Chitradurga district.