 He was a scion of the famous Kalale family (near Mysore) who served as the traditional Dalvoy's (Army Commander) to the Mysore Royal family in the 16th and 17th century.He was from a branch of the family which had settled in Maddur, Karnataka.His eldest Sister Kempa Nanjammani was married to Maharaja of Mysore Chamaraja Wodeyar and went on to become known as Maharani Kempa Nanjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana.