Kempe Gowda I Biography 
Kempe Gowda I was a feudatory ruler under the Vijayanagara Empire who established the city of Bangalore. Gowda is known to be the founder of Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. One of the well-educated and successful rulers of his time he was a descendant of Gowda lineage. He succeeded Kempananje Gowda and ruled Vijayanagara Empire for long 46 years since 1513. Apart from several social reforms, he is also noted for building many temples and water reservoirs in his kingdom.
His full name is Hiriya Kempe Gowda, born as the son of Kempananje Gowda, a ruler of 70 years. Hiriya was educated at Gurukula in Aivarukandapura for 9 years. It’s believed that he had a vision of the fort and city, which he constructed later. He conquered Sivaganga principality and annexed Domlur to build his dream project. He changed his capital from Yelahanka to the new Bengaluru Pete, once he built the fort and township in 1537 A D. He built a red fort with eight gates, a moat surrounding it and two roads running between the poles. These roads are the present Nagarthapete and Chikka-pete; and Doddapete respectively. He reconstructed streets for business as well as residences. Commodity markets and agraharas for priests were also established. He invited skilled artisans and craftsmen from neighbouring states as well, for its construction.
He abolished the custom of amputating the last two fingers of the left hand of the married women during "Bandi Devaru". In the later life he was imprisoned for 5 years for minting his own coins without the Emperor's prior approval. He died in 1569 after ruling the kingdom for 56 years. He was succeeded by his elder son - Gidde Gowda.
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Updated: November 16, 2015
