Kempe Gowda was a chieftain who ruled over most parts of
Karnataka for the better part of the 16th century. History credits him with
being a just and humane ruler and he is also widely accepted by historians as
being the founder of Bangalore.
His Early Years
Kempe Gowda I was born in 1513 in a village near Yelahanka.
He was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara kings, and was as ambitious as he was
capable. He studied for nine years in a Guru Kula near Aigondapura (present day
Hessaraghatta) where he learnt statecraft and martial skills.
The Origins of
Bangalore
The planned city had eight access gates and wide roads and
the settlement spread across present day Avenue Road, Ulsoor, Yelahanka, K R
Market and Malleswaram. Kempe Gowda built a number of tanks and ensured the
just and equitable collection of revenue and taxes. Agriculturists and traders
could operate without fear under Kempe Gowda’s reign.
He built a watchtower on a granite hillock which stands to
this day in present day Lalbaug. He is also credited with building the
Basavanagudi Bull temple, Ulsoor Someshwara temple and Gavi Gangadhareshwara
temple, all of which stand strong to this day.
His Arrest and Later
Developments
He incurred the displeasure of the Vijayanagara kings for
this and was imprisoned for five years. On being released, he was awarded back
his territories. After his release from prison, Kempe Gowda built the steps
leading to the Shivasamudra temple as a mark of gratitude.
Kempe Gowda was a patron of the arts and authored
‘Ganga-Gouri Sallapamu’ in Telugu. Kempe Gowda died after a reign of three
decades in 1570.
As a mark of respect to Kempe Gowda, the Government has
named one of the main roads in Bangalore as Kempe Gowda Road. A metal statue to
commemorate the founder of Bangalore has been installed at Corporation Circle
in Bangalore where it overlooks the bustling metropolis that has grown from the
disparate hamlets which Kempe Gowda once ruled over.
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