Bengaluru and Jayanagar celebrate 517th birth anniversary of founder Kempegowda

Bengaluru, including the neighbourhood of Jayanagar, celebrated the 517th birth anniversary of the city's founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, on June 27. The annual Kempegowda Jayanti was marked by cultural programmes and official commemorations across Karnataka to honour the 16th-century chieftain's legacy in urban planning, water conservation, and governance.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar paid tribute to Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, who lived from 1510 to 1569 and is widely credited with founding Bengaluru in 1537. Kempegowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagara Empire, is revered as the architect of modern Bengaluru for laying the foundations of a planned urban settlement.

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byregowda highlighted Kempegowda’s pioneering contributions to city planning, water management, and civic organisation. Inspired by the layout of Hampi, Kempegowda designed a fortified settlement with clearly defined market zones, known as petes, including Chickpet and Doddapet, which were dedicated to specific trades.

Kempegowda also focused extensively on water sustainability, constructing numerous tanks and lakes to support the growing settlement. Water bodies such as Kempambudhi Lake and Ulsoor Lake are linked to his era, forming part of an early urban water network that supported civilian life and defence.

In addition, Kempegowda is credited with establishing four boundary watchtowers that marked the intended limits of Bengaluru’s early expansion. These towers, located at Lalbagh, Mehkri Circle, Ulsoor Lake, and Kempambudhi Lake, remain significant heritage markers of the city’s original layout.

Beyond his administrative and infrastructural contributions, Kempegowda was a patron of culture and learning, with historical references attributing to him the authorship of the Telugu play Ganga-Gouri Sallapamu.

Today, Kempegowda's legacy is deeply interwoven with the city's identity and modern infrastructure. Key transport hubs and landmarks named after him include the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli, which features a 108-foot bronze statue of the founder, the Kempegowda Bus Station in Majestic, and the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Metro Station interchange.