Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | History

Why in News?

Recently, Vice-President pays tributes to Nadaprabhu Sri Kempegowda on his 517^th birth anniversary in Bengaluru.

Nadaprabhu Sri Kempe Gowda – A 16^th-century chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire, who displayed leadership skills since his childhood.
Born on– 1510.
Died on – 1569.
Historical Background – Founder of Bengaluru in 1537.
He obtained permission from Vijayanagara Emperor Achyuta Devaraya to build the Bengaluru Fort and shifted his capital from Yelahanka to the new Bengaluru Pete.

Pete – The historic, foundational heart of Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Key Details

Urban Planning – Founded Bengaluru in 1537 CE; built a mud fort with four watchtowers marking the city’s boundaries.
Infrastructure – Established lakes, tanks, and temples and promoted irrigation and water management.
Governance – Introduced revenue collection systems and administrative reforms under Vijayanagara patronage.
Social Reform – He is credited with abolishing the practice among the Morasu Vokkaligas community where unmarried women had to amputate the last two fingers of their left hand during the Bandi Devaru custom.
Cultural Patronage – strengthened Kannada identity by encouraging arts, literature, and local traditions.
Social Vision – Promoted inclusive development, integrating agrarian communities with urban settlements.
Recognition –
- Statue of Prosperity – It is a 108-foot bronze statue of Kempe Gowda towering in Kempe Gowda International Airport, Bangalore, Karnataka.
- Commemoration – The naming of Kempe Gowda International Airport and the institution of the Kempe Gowda Award.

References