Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, also known as Kempegowda I, was a 16th-century ruler and the founder of Bangalore (now Bengaluru), the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. He is often referred to as the "Nadaprabhu" (Master of the land) due to his significant contributions to the development and establishment of the city. Kempegowda was a chieftain under the Vijayanagar Empire, and during his tenure, he envisioned and built a well-planned city with a strong fort, temples, reservoirs, and marketplaces. The foundation stone for the Bangalore Fort, which played a crucial role in the city's defense, was laid by Kempegowda in 1537. Kempegowda's vision for Bangalore included a well-organized layout, with specific areas designated for residential, commercial, and religious purposes. He is celebrated for his foresight in urban planning and his efforts in creating a thriving city that has grown into one of India's major metropolitan areas.