My thesis examines the changing nature of ecological and social vulnerabilities of the urban social ecological system represented by lake commons within the rapidly growing south Indian city of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). It specifically explores the history and dynamics of access to ecosystem services from urban lake commons in Bangalore within the contexts of equity and sustainability. With an interdisciplinary research approach, this work is built upon the foundation that nature and its components – both social and ecological are complex, interconnected, and remain affected by events, which historically have helped to shape the landscape. Thus, my research has especial focus upon the contextual histories of a landscape and its relation with the range and diversity of ecosystem services and the users of urban commons. In this regard, my focus is further centred on the political nature of conflicts around perceptions surrounding utility of urban commons, and their role in the production of today’s landscape.