Nearly 500 years ago, Kempegowda, the visionary founder of Bengaluru, found inspiration in the grandeur of Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. With his father, he witnessed the spectacular Dasara celebrations — a 10-day festival filled with music, dance, wrestling and royal splendour. The final day, Vijayadashami, was when kings and princes gathered at the Mahanavami Dibba to pay their taxes in a grand ceremonial display. They brought their wealth — elephants, horses and all assets —