Celebrating Rani Chennamma’s 200th Death Anniversary

This year marks the 200th death anniversary of Rani Chennamma, the brave queen of Kittur in Karnataka who valiantly fought against the British East India Company in 1824 to defend the independence of her kingdom. Her rebellion serves as an enduring symbol of courage and resistance against colonial rule in India.

• On the occasion of this milestone, several events and campaigns have been organized to honor Rani Chennamma’s legacy and renew her memory as an icon of the Indian freedom struggle.
• The observations of her 200th death anniversary across India has already begun, as social groups have launched campaigns like ‘Naanoo Rani Chennamma’ while also analyzing her background role in combating the British during her rule.

Key Highlights of 200th Death Anniversary Observations

• Commemorative Events: Rallies, processions, and cultural events held in major cities like Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka as well as Kittur. Artists performed folk dances like lavani while tributes were paid.
• ‘Naanoo Rani Chennamma’ Campaign: Launched by various social groups on 21st February to invoke Chennamma’s memory and show that women can safeguard dignity and justice. Campaign title means “I am Rani Chennamma too”.
• Focus on Inspiring Role: Activities have spotlighted how Chennamma’s bravery and quick thinking to defend Kittur inspires women across India even today.

Background of Rani Chennamma

Early Life and Accession

• • Born on 23rd October 1778 in Kagati village of Belagavi district, Karnataka
  • Married Raja Mallasarja, ruler of Kittur at age 15
  • Became queen regent in 1816 after death of husband

Threatened by Doctrine of Lapse

• • Adopted a child heir but British refused to accept him under this doctrine
  • Doctrine allowed annexation of princely states without natural male heirs

Key dates

• • October 1824: British forces under John Thackeray attacked Kittur
  • December 1824: Captured after valiant fight but imprisoned in Bailhongal Fort

Battle of Kittur: Fiery Resistance Against the British

Strengths at Chennamma’s disposal before battle

• • Fortifications around Kittur provided strategic advantage
  • Knowledge of local terrain helped in planning guerilla attacks
  • Support from local people buoyed morale against larger British force

Battle highlights displaying Chennamma’s courage

• • Killed British official John Thackeray while combatting initial invasion
  • Led army to counter repeated British attacks for first three days
  • Refused to surrender even when outmatched in numbers and firepower
• Final siege forced surrender but enhanced legacy as a defiant queen

Key Statistics – Battle of Kittur, October 1824

Historical References

• Though imprisoned, never capitulated to British hegemony
• Indian government recognized her contributions by issuing postage stamp in 2007
• Inspired folk art forms like Kittur Chennamma lavanis (songs) praising her protection of kingdom
• Sacrifice sparked greater resistance after initial annexation attempts by British

Rani Chennamma’s Enduring Legacy

• Inspiration for Indian Women: Chennamma’s martyrdom has served as a beacon of courage for Indian women through the ages. Stories of her bravery have been passed down generations.
• Unyielding Spirit Against Injustice: Despite military defeat and imprisonment, Chennamma never surrendered to British terms and remained defiant. This refusal to compromise represents the unbending Indian spirit.
• Fierce Protectiveness of Land and People: Chennamma’s main goal was preserving her kingdom’s autonomy and safeguarding the well-being of subjects in Kittur. Her protective zeal is unanimously praised.
• Statues and Memorials Venerate her Sacrifice: Life-size bronze statues of Rani Chennamma have been installed in Kittur and other sites while memorials preserve public remembrance.
• Belagavi Airport named in her Honor: To mark enduring greatness, the airport serving major heritage centre Belagavi was renamed as Rani Chennamma Airport by central government in October 2022.

Through celebrating Rani Chennamma’s extraordinary courage 200 years after she valiantly opposed the imperial British forces, this iconic queen has reemerged in public memory as a revered figure of Karnataka’s cultural history and India’s wider freedom struggle. Her determined resistance serves as a continuing inspiration to follow the path of dharma and stand up against injustice just as she did in 1824. Though defeated in battle by the larger imperial power, Rani Chennamma ultimately achieved the moral victory of defending her kingdom’s sovereignty to the end, upholding the ideals of swaraj.