The ancestors of Kempe Gowda I of the Yelahanka Nadaprabhus are recorded to be Morasu Vokkaliga Chiefs who migrated to these districts from Alur of Kanchi around the 15th century under Rana Bhaire Gowda, who built the fort at Devanahalli. This fort would remain in their family for 3 centuries, until it was conquered by Mysore in 1749. Bhaire Gowda founded other forts at Palyapet and Doddaballapur. Other leaders of the community were in Hoskote, Kolar, Anekal and Koratagere who were subdued by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, and some received pensions after Tipu's defeat and the Wodeyar restoration.