How 1898 plague outbreak in Bengaluru led to creation of Fraser Town

The authorities recognised that congestion significantly contributed to the 1898 plague outbreak in Bengaluru.

Fraser Town, a view of a Block of building in erection. (Special Arrangement)

The plague is often viewed as a relic of the Middle Ages, a feared disease that seems to belong only in dusty encyclopedias. However, a significant outbreak occurred in Bengaluru less than a century ago, with the first confirmed case reported in 1898.

Once the situation was finally under control, thousands of lives had already been lost. The authorities realised that the congestion in the city had significantly contributed to the crisis. In response, they decided that new layouts needed to be designed to address this issue. This marked the beginning of iconic neighbourhoods such as Basavanagudi and Malleswaram. Among the Old Bangalorean neighbourhoods developed during this time, Fraser Town was particularly noted for its cleanliness, a reputation that continued into the following decade.

At the junction of Coles and Mosque Road, a commemorative plaque from 1910 marks the construction of the area and its naming in honour of Stuart M Fraser. Fraser was appointed as the Resident to Mysore in 1905. A well-connected official, he had previously served as a tutor to several Indian royals, most notably the prince who would later become Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. His contemporaries recognised his efforts in addressing town congestion and the plague.

The book Plague Proof Town Planning in Bangalore, South India by J H Stephens, a municipal engineer at the time, describes an inspection conducted by Fraser in an overcrowded area that had become so congested that people could walk across the mud brick roofs from one house to another. Fraser and other local officials were also present during inoculation drives—similar to the Covid vaccination efforts over a century later.

In his book, Stephens notes that influential citizens helped promote the inoculations by participating. Additionally, philanthropists funded an allowance, known as a “batta,” for those who received the vaccine, enabling poorer individuals to attend without jeopardising their income.

An interesting aspect of the planning of Fraser Town was the requirement that all principal roads be constructed 1.5 feet below the soil level, with drains positioned an additional 1.5 feet below the lowest point of the roads. This design aimed to ensure water and moisture flowed away from the houses on either side. Additionally, the use of Mangalore tiles for roofing was mandated to promote proper ventilation.

The impact of these measures on plague prevention is still debated. However, it can be argued that a dry, well-ventilated environment would certainly aid in recovering those who are ill. Buildings were required to be constructed on a basement layer at least 1.5 feet thick, with floors made of tiles or stone slabs. This design aimed to prevent burrowing rodents carrying plague-infested fleas from entering homes. Additionally, only one-third of any given plot of land could be developed, which helped to reduce the congestion that was common during that time.

Stephens also notes some interesting details on the early days of Fraser Town. Initially, one-acre plots would be split up into twenty sites to build housing – or ten for those who had more to spend. Regarding the construction of the houses, he credits English and local businessmen – namely “Mr. Lindley, Rao Bahadur Mr. Annaswamy Mudaliar, c . i .e ., the Honorable Khan Bahadur Hajee Ismail Sait, Mr. Rutna Singh, Rao Bahadur Mr. Maigandadeva Mudaliar, Mr. Kumaraswami Naidu, and some others”.

On the condition of the area before Fraser Town was built, Stephens notes, “Fraser Town at first was only ragi fields and the poorer man, with just enough money to build his own house, probably did not care to risk his little all in building in such a place; so people who desired to build their own houses avoided Fraser Town. If one had waited for them to change their minds the place would probably still be ragi fields.”

Ultimately, Fraser Town proved to be a “plague-proof” area, remaining significantly free from the disease, while outbreaks occurred in Halasuru and Knoxpet as late as 1913.