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| Nov 06, 2006 9:45 am |
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re: re: re: re: re: re: The History of Bangalore..Excellent - Kempegowda Towers |
Srimatesh K
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Here is some info on the Kempegowda Towers.
One of the oldest monuments of Bangalore history and representative heritage structures of the city are Kempegowda towers. The general belief is that the Kempegowda I who built the city also erected 4 towers in 4 directions as the borders towers of the city. However a close study of these monuments reveals the fact that they were built for some other purpose during Kempegowda II's period. By the time he took over the reins of administration from his father, the city had been so prosperous that the neighbouring chieftains envied the grace of the city. Any time they could attack the town. Kempegowda I had already taken all the necessary development measures for his subjects. Thus for Kempegowda II security of the city became foremost important task. For this purpose he selected a few elevated points in and around the city. They were all located by the side of water resources and also the roads which were leading in and out of the city. Then he erectedtowers on these high grounds and placed guards to oversee the entry or exit of any strangers. In case of any such events he would blow the bugle which would alert the army inside. THus they were all considered as watch towers. The towers were also built with excellent carvings over the dome. Except one, we can see all of them even today. The tower to the south of Kempambudhi tank (1), by the side of Ulsoor tank (2), in Mahanagara Palike park by the side of Bellary road (3), on the geological monument behind glass house in Lalbagh (4) are the 4 prominently mentioned towers. The other 3 towers are found near Gavigangadhareshwara temple(5), on the other side of Kempambudhi tank (6), behind bull temple on Basavanagudi(7) another tower is said to have been near Binny mill tank but now it is no more. Except the Bellary road and Ulsoor tank towers the others are not in the proper shape. When Hyder Ali took over Bangalore he had altered the structure of the tower in Lalbagh so that he could sit and watch the vast landscape in front of him. However in 1954 the BCC re-built it and we are seeing the same today. The towers near Kempambudhi tank and Gavigangadhareshwara temple are not in good conditions. In 1949 when BCC was formed Kempegowda's tower was made its insignia and remains the same even today.Private Reply to Srimatesh K (new win) |
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