Who is Kempegowda of Bangalore?
On the same day, Narendra Modi inaugurated Terminal 2 of the Kempegowda International Airport which was built at a cost of around ₹5,000 crores and flagged off two trains. One is South India's first Vande Bharat Express and the second one is the Gaurav Kashi Darshan train.
The 108 feet tall bronze statue of Kempegowda statue termed the 'Statue of Prosperity.' This is the first and tallest bronze statue of a founder of a city. So, who is Kempegowda of Bangalore? What is the history of Kempegowda?
History of Kempegowda
Nadaprabhu Hiriya Kempegowda was the original name of Kempegowda. He was also known as Kempegowda or Kempegowda I. He was a chieftain and founder of Bangalore. He founded Bangalore in the 16th century. Kempegowda came from a dominant agricultural Vokkaliga community in South Karnataka.
Muddappa Gowda, father of Kempegowda was the ruler of Yelahanka. It is a town on the outskirts of Bangalore. After his father's death, Kempegowda inherited the chieftainship of Yelahanka. Kempegowda was the chieftain of the Vijayanagara empire in the 16th century.
Kempegowda expanded his territory and founded many towns that include Bangalore. He named Bangalore "Gandu Bhoomi," which means "Land of Heroes." In 1537, Kempegowda fortified Bangalore as the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka.
Kempegowda built a strong fort around the town and established a well-planned layout. It has four gates facing each direction. He erected many Kannada inscriptions in the region. Kempegowda was of Telugu origin and also well-versed in the Telugu language. He authored the play called Ganga Gouri Sallapamu or Gangagourivilasam in Telugu.
Kempegowda was a patron of arts and culture. He encouraged the construction of temples, tanks, and other public works. He also built a temple dedicated to his family deity, Nandeeshwara in Bangalore. Kempegowda conceived the idea of having a new city while hunting with his minister and later marked its territory by erecting towers in all corners of the proposed city.
He was also known for the development of around 1,000 lakes in the city to cater to drinking and agricultural needs. For his great works, the people of Karnataka veiled many statues in the Karnataka state. Kempegowda's reign was famous for his diplomatic skills. He negotiates alliances with neighboring rulers. With his diplomatic skills, he made the neighboring rulers have a peaceful relationship with the Vijayanagara Empire.
After the death of Kempegowda in 1569, his descendants continued to rule Bangalore till it was conquered by the British in 1831. Today, Kempegowda is celebrated as the founder of Bangalore. His legacy is commemorated with statues and memorials throughout the city. The international airport in Bangalore is named after him. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a statue too.
Achievements of Kempegowda
Kempegowda contributed more to the development and growth of Bangalore. He laid the foundation for the city's modern infrastructure and culture.
One of the major achievements of Kempegowda was the construction of tanks and lakes in and around Bangalore. These water bodies helped in irrigation and other purposes. They also serve as a source of recreation and aesthetic value. Kempambudhi Lake is the most famous tank built by Kempegowda himself.
Another notable achievement of Kempegowda was the construction of a fort and several watchtowers in and around Bangalore. These structures were to protect and secure the city from invaders. They also played a crucial role in safeguarding the region during his time.
Kempegowda I was also a patron of the arts and culture. He encouraged the development of local literature, music, and dance forms. His court was known for its patronage of artists and scholars. Under his reign, Bangalore became a center of artistic and cultural excellence. This legacy continued to this day too.
How did Kempegowda Die?
Kempegowda, the founder of Bangalore's death was a mystery. No one has been able to find out how he died. It is believed that his death occurred in the year 1569. There are different accounts of his death mystery.
According to the legend, Kempegowda was assassinated by his son, Immadi Kempegowda. Kempegowda's son was jealous of his father's popularity and power. This leads to the motive of killing Kempegowda. But it is a part of the story, some say that this is just a story.
Another legend says that Kempegowda died due to an illness. Also, some say that he was killed in the battle while fighting against the Bijapur Sultanate. Despite the varying accounts of his death, there is no denying the impact that Kempegowda had on the region.
Kempegowda is remembered as a visionary leader who contributed greatly to the development of Bangalore and the surrounding areas. His legacy can be seen in the numerous landmarks and institutions that bear his name.
Kempegowda's death was the end of the era in the history of Karnataka. His contributions to the region are still remembered and celebrated today. He remains a revered figure in the state's history and culture.
Also read: Great Temples Built By Raja Raja Chola (Ponniyin Selvan)
Kempegowda's Death Mystery
As mentioned above, the death mystery is unknown. A research team has started searching into the death mystery of Bangalore's founder. How he died? Where he died?
A team led by Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences director in this search mission. They studied many sculptures and inscriptions found on the tomb.
After a vigorous study, the team found historical evidence that proved that Kempegowda died during a battle. But, they can't able to predict the exact year of the death. They suspect that he might die between 1599 and 1608.
Submitting the research, the director said that 48 sculptures were found, linking the presence of Kempegowda in Kunigal at the time of his death. He also said about the most prominent one-line inscription that led the team to believe the tomb was none other than Kempegowda's.
Conclusion
To remember the great king and ruler, Karnataka people named every street, and place after the name of Kempegowda. Kempegowda's name is everywhere in the city, say the Kempegowda International Airport, and the Kempegowda Bus Stand.
Even the main metro station of Bangalore is called Nadaprabhu Kempegowda metro station. An important road in the city is called the K G Road or the Kempegowda Road.
