Kempegowda: The Visionary Founder of Bangalore

The Noble Prince in Gurukula

Ageless majesty in a boy. Even when he was engaged in studies in the Gurukula, noble qualities like dignity, bravery, prowess, courage, patriotism, politeness, protection, and evil education were evident in him as a nobleman. He is the eye of all the Gurukula. Once, knowing that thieves had stolen the cows of the Gurukula, that boy bravely punished the thieves and saved the cows. Became the Guru's love. Who's he?

Empathy for the Common People

This young prince who did not care about sun, rain, and cold to understand the hardships and joys of the subjects went to the hut of the poor and sat near them and clearly understood their hardships. He ate in the house of the poor without any sense of superiority or inferiority. I talked freely with them.

He promised to solve their problems. At the same time, he understood the administrative system of the state and people's lives. Who is he?

Admiration from Krishnadevaraya

Sri Krishnadevaraya admired the bravery, self-respect, national pride, loyalty to the kingdom of Vijayanagara, and selfless service to the kingdom in this prince. This young prince couldn't be a mediocre person who was admired by a unique ruler like Vijayanagara emperor Srikrishna Deva Raya. Who's he?

The Identity Revealed

This is none other than Kempegowda, a Bangalore city founder. His biography is always a role model for the youth. Kempegowda's adventure, patriotism, piety, and love for the Kannada language are unique.

The Founding of Bangalore

History tells us that Bangalore, the proud capital of Karnataka, was built by Kempegowda I of the Yalahanka dynasty in 1537 and made it his capital. Although some historians say that Bangalore existed before the birth of Kempegowda and that it has thousands of years of history, it is strongly believed today that Yalahanka Prabhu founded Bangalore and settled there so he became known as 'Bangalore Kempegowda'. His father is Kempanjegowda, Mother is Lingamambe. Lingamambe's father used to live in the village of Koduge near Bangalore. It is said that Kempegowda was born in this house.

Family Background and Early Life

Kempanjegowda was the sixth ruler of the Yalahanka kingdom. He ascended to the throne in the middle of the 15th century. Very powerful. He was well-versed in administration and warfare. He was doing the work of building an army for the Vijayanagara Empire. To him three sons. Kempegowda was the first son born with the blessings of Goddess Kempamma. The second one is Basavegowda, and the third one is Somegowda. Kempanjegowda brought up all three children with great love. Kempegowda has a charming personality; Beautiful enough to be happy to see again and again. He was initiated into the Gurukula system of education at the age of six.

Education in Shivagange Gurukula

Belonging to Shivagange's gurukul, Kempegowda studied religion, literature, poetry, grammar, philosophy, martial arts, etc. What qualities are required for someone to become a good citizen of a state were systematically taught here. This education became the basis for Kempegowda to develop a good personality and grow as a city builder in Bangalore. Although the son of a king, he led a very simple life in the Gurukula. Because of this, he was introduced to another side of life at an early age. Despite being a rich man, he has a non-superiority friendship with his classmates in the Gurukula, Caste, religion, and wealth were not given importance.

Character and Personality

Kempegowda was very brave as a child known for its demanding adventure games. He used to climb the dangerous places of Shivaganga hill and also encouraged his friends to climb the hill. A good education, adventurous spirit, and broad qualities of treating everyone as equal made him wise and a leader. At the age of eighteen, he was ready to shoulder the burden of his father's rule.

Marriage and Family Life

As soon as Kempegowda returned to Yalahanka, Kempanjegowda decided to marry him. A beautiful young woman named Chennamambe took Kempegowda's hand. She is his brother-in-law's daughter. Her ancestors were brave and valiant. In one of the folklore works, Chennamambe is described as a beautiful and courageous girl. Chennamambe, who entered as the eldest daughter-in-law of the Yalahanka palace, won everyone's attention within a few days; She also made her hometown famous for her cultured behavior.

Leadership Qualities

Kempegowda was adventurous as a child, but he was a normal person with ordinary people. This behavior of his was not acceptable to the senior officials of the palace. But one who becomes a king must know the rules. Kempegowda knew that the officers must have understood. Also, at a young age, he was calculating how far and how he should expand his kingdom if he became a king. He is a sentient being. Responding to the difficulties of others. To gain experience in life, he observed and listened closely to people's words, stories, behavior, and thoughts, so he came to know the fact that human beings give more importance to what matters.

Spiritual Inclination

While studying in Kempegowda Gurukula, he used to see thousands of devotees coming to Shivaganga Kshetra with curiosity. As he was also a great devotee of God, he used to be ecstatic to see the piety of the people who gathered during the fair. While in the palace, he was deeply engrossed in worshiping God and praying for hours. His piety attracted the hearts of elders and religious leaders. Historians firmly state that Kempegowda had a rare and charming personality.

Inspiration from Vijayanagara

Time rolled by. Kempegowda became an adult. His curiosity and interest in life doubled. During this period he went to Hampi many times with his father. The kingdom of Vijayanagara attracted him like no other. Walking the streets of Hampi is a kind of thrill for him. He often thought that this city was so beautiful. Later he also dreamed of building a capital like this.

Yalahanka's Prosperity

When Kempegowda's father Kempanjegowda came to power the Vijayanagara Empire reached its peak and became very famous. Besides, it had gained immense fame beyond Hindustan as well. Thus it attracted foreign tourists. Likewise the young Kempegowda too. Kempanjegowda had good relations with the Vijayanagara Empire. He also decided to develop his kingdom systematically and started working hard in that direction. He often had serious discussions with the feudal lords about the development of the kingdom. Yalahanka developed a lot as the days went by. Such was the extent of these developmental works that they gave Yalahanka Nadi a special place and recognition. Mainly because during his time there was no war, famine, or disease attacks, the economic condition of Yalahanka Nadi was also prosperous like Vijayanagara.