A Warrior Queen

Rani Chennamma

(1778 – 1829)

Rani Chennamma was the Queen of the princely state of Kittur in Karnataka. The first woman independence activist of India who stood alone fearlessly against the British to drive them off form our land. She urged both men and women masses to rise against the Western Imperialistic power in India.

Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in Kakati, Karnataka near Belgaum. She undertook training in archery, horse riding and sword fighting even from a very young age. She was well-known for her bravery and audacity among the people of Kakati. She got married to the King of Kittur, Mallasarja Desai in 1793 at the age of 15. They had only one son but destiny took him away in 1824 after which she adopted Shivalingappa. The British East India Company challenged Shivalingappa as the heir of King Mallasarja Desai and ordered the King’s expulsion. The order was based on Doctrine of Lapse, a policy enforced on native states where the rulers were not allowed to adopt a child if they had no children. The British Empire took over authority in the territories which had no biological heirs. Henceforth, the state of Kittur came under the administration of Dharwad collectorate in charge of Mr. St. John Thackeray and Mr. Chaplin as the commissioner of the region.

Rani Chennamma and the Kannadiga people were outraged at this takeover of power by the British and sent a letter to the Governor in Bombay to appeal for justice. The request was turned down and the war broke out. The British seized valuables which included treasures and jewels valued around Rs. 15 lakhs from Kittur. They attacked Kittur with a force of 200 men and 4 guns from the Madras Native Horse Artillery. British forces were defeated by Rani Chennamma and her troops in the first round of war which took place in October 1824. Collector Mr. Thackeray and his political agent were killed by Amatur Balappa, a lieutenant of Rani Chennamma. Two British officials, Mr. Stevenson and Sir Walter Elliot were caught as captives and were later released with an understanding with Mr. Chaplin that the war would be dismissed. However, the British could not accept defeat at the hands of a native ruler which triggered them to continue the war with more militaries.

During the second war, Mr. Munor, the sub-collector of Sholapur and nephew of Sir Thomas Munro was killed. The Queen along with her lieutenant, Sangolli Rayanna fought with all their might in the battle guarding the fort of Kittur. The British deployed all crooked measures to defeat her and their tactics included mixing mud and dung in gunpowder in the cannons of Rani Chennamma’s force. She was finally captured and was imprisoned for life in Bailhongal Fort. She died on 21 February 1829. Sangolli Rayanna continued to fight against the British troops until he was captured in 1829 and was hanged. Shivalingappa, the adopted son of Rani Chennamma was also detained by the British.

Kittur Rani Chennamma was a legend with an exceptionally bold character. She was the first woman freedom fighter who came forward to fight for the freedom of our country. A number of plays and songs were written inspired by her courageous acts against the British which revived multitudes instilling patriotism. Chennamma who was born 56 years before the rebel Queen Rani Lakshmi Bai carved her life in the Indian history as an icon of bravery. Her legacy and triumph are still celebrated during the Kittur Utsava in Karnataka in the month of October every year. Hail, Rani Chennamma!

Jai Hind.