Nadaprabhu Hiriya Kempegowda, also known as Kempegowda, was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara Empire. He is also known as the founder of Bengaluru in the 16th century. A descendant of Morasu Gowda lineage, Kempegowda is considered one of the most educated and successful rulers of his time. Kempe Gowda I was a Vijayanagara governor who founded Bengaluru in the 16th century. He built a fort, temples, and inscriptions in the city and is revered as Nadaprabhu. Kempegowda International Airport (IATA: BLR, ICAO: VOBL) is an international airport serving Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Spread over 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi), it is located about 35 km (22 mi) north of the city, near the suburb of Devanahalli.
