The founder of Bangalore is Kempe Gowda I, a chieftain of the Vijayanagara Empire, who established the city in 1537. He built a mud fort & laid the foundation of what would later grow into Bengaluru, one of India’s largest cities.

Kempe Gowda I – The Visionary Founder

Kempe Gowda I was a feudatory ruler under the Vijayanagara kings. He belonged to the Yelahanka Nayaka dynasty, which controlled parts of present-day Karnataka. In 1537, Kempe Gowda chose a central location to build a fortified town. His idea was to create a strong trading and cultural centre.

He built a mud fort with four towers in different directions, which marked the city boundaries. These towers can still be seen in Bangalore today. The areas near these towers later became important neighbourhoods.

The Foundation of the Fort

Kempe Gowda’s fort was located in the modern-day area called K.R. Market. The fort was the nucleus of the city. Inside the fort, he built roads, markets, and residential zones. He divided the town into pete areas (marketplaces), where traders and artisans settled. Each pete was dedicated to a specific trade, like cotton, jewellery, or food grains.

The town planning was advanced for its time. Streets were laid in straight lines, and separate areas were created for different communities. This structured design helped Bangalore grow faster compared to other settlements of that period.

Contribution of Kempe Gowda

Kempe Gowda is remembered not only for founding Bangalore but also for his development work. He built tanks (lakes) such as the Dharmambudhi Tank and the Kempambudhi Tank to provide water to the city. He encouraged agriculture and trade, which made the city self-sufficient.

He promoted culture, literature, and temples. Under his rule, Bangalore became known for fairness and planning. His vision set the base for Bangalore’s future growth.

Influence of the Vijayanagara Empire

Though Kempe Gowda is credited with founding Bangalore, the Vijayanagara Empire played a role too. The empire allowed local chieftains like Kempe Gowda to manage and develop their regions. With the empire’s support, Kempe Gowda had the resources and authority to build the city.

The Vijayanagara period was known for economic strength and urban planning. This influence is seen in Bangalore’s early markets and layouts.

Later Growth After Kempe Gowda

After Kempe Gowda’s time, Bangalore passed through different rulers. In the 17th century, the Marathas captured it. Later, it came under the control of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, the rulers of Mysore. Tipu Sultan strengthened the fort and built palaces in Bangalore.

In 1799, after Tipu Sultan’s death, the British took over Bangalore. They built the Cantonment area in the 19th century, which became a major hub for military and trade activities. This created two parts of the city—Bangalore Pete, founded by Kempe Gowda, and Bangalore Cantonment, built by the British.

Timeline of Bangalore’s Growth

• 1537 – Kempe Gowda I: Founded Bangalore, built a mud fort, created petes, and established markets.
• 1600s – Marathas: Controlled Bangalore for a short period.
• Late 1600s – Wodeyars of Mysore: Took charge of the city.
• 1761 – Hyder Ali: Captured Bangalore and strengthened its defences.
• 1782 – Tipu Sultan: Expanded Bangalore, built palaces, and made it an important military base.
• 1799 – British Takeover: After Tipu Sultan died in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British gained control.
• 1809 – British Cantonment: The British established a separate settlement east of Kempe Gowda’s Bangalore Pete. This created two parts of the city—Pete and Cantonment.
• 1947 – Independent India: Bangalore became part of Mysore State after independence.
• 2000s – Global IT Hub: Bangalore transformed into India’s Silicon Valley. Areas like Whitefield turned into posh residential and IT zones.

The Four Watchtowers of Kempe Gowda

The most visible legacy of Kempe Gowda’s foundation is the four watchtowers. They are located at:

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• Kempambudhi Lake
• Ulsoor
• Mekhri Circle

These towers defined the original limits of Bangalore city. Even today, they stand as historical markers of Kempe Gowda’s vision.

Why Kempe Gowda Chose This Location

Kempe Gowda selected Bangalore’s site because of its natural advantages. The land was fertile for farming. The area had many water sources, making it ideal for settlement. It was also located at a central point connecting major trade routes in South India. These factors made the location perfect for a growing city.

Recognition of Kempe Gowda

Kempe Gowda is honoured as the founder of Bangalore in many ways. The Kempegowda International Airport is named after him. Statues of Kempe Gowda are installed at important locations like the airport and near Vidhana Soudha. The city also observes his birth anniversary with cultural events.

Modern Bangalore and Whitefield

From the small fort town founded in 1537, Bangalore has grown into a global city. Today, it is the IT capital of India and is home to millions of people. Areas like Whitefield have become posh zones, with high-rise apartments, tech parks, malls, and premium housing. The vision of Kempe Gowda laid the base, and later rulers and modern developers shaped Bangalore into a global hub.

Conclusion

Kempe Gowda I, the chieftain of the Vijayanagara Empire, founded Bangalore in 1537 by building a mud fort and organising markets. His contributions in urban planning, water systems, & trade helped the city prosper. Over centuries, Bangalore saw rulers like Tipu Sultan, the British, and later, independent India, shaping its identity. From a fortified town to a global IT hub with posh areas like Whitefield, Bangalore’s journey began with the vision of Kempe Gowda, the true founder of the city.