In a recent development, the Karnataka government has established ‘Onake Obavva Jayanti’ on 11th November to be annually celebrated throughout the state, starting this year (2021). The key focus of this event is to honour the legacy and heroism of Onake Obavva, a powerful woman warrior who single-handedly combated the forces of Hyder Ali. This article details her remarkable story and the significance of this day.
Who was Onake Obavva?
Onake Obavva emerged in the 18th century as a formidable woman warrior in Chitradurga, a town located 200km northwest of Bengaluru. She is memorialized for her fearless stand against Hyder Ali’s invasion. Hyder Ali, the then-ruler of the Mysore Kingdom and the father of Tipu Sultan, sought to conquer the Chitradurga Fort, governed by Madakari Nayaka at the time.
Known as Elusuttina Kote locally, or ‘the fort of seven circles’ in Kannada, this fortress was under the security of Kahale Mudda Hanuma, a soldier who happened to be Obavva’s husband. With only a pestle (‘onake’ in Kannada) as her weapon, Obavva bravely faced the invading forces of Hyder Ali on her own.
Significance of Obavva
Beyond just her courageous act, Obavva holds a revered position in Karnataka’s cultural history and identity. She is widely regarded as the embodiment of Kannada pride, sharing this distinction with other celebrated women warriors of the state.
Among these notable figures are Abbakka Rani, Ullal’s first Tuluva Queen who valiantly resisted the Portuguese; Keladi Chennamma, the queen of the Keladi Kingdom renowned for her conflict against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb; and Kittur Chennamma, the Queen of Kittur who led the 1824 revolt against the British East India Company.
Onake Obavva’s Legacy Today
The tale of Onake Obavva’s heroism still resonates profoundly in present-day Karnataka. In fact, her story served as the inspiration behind the formation of ‘Obavva Pade’ in 2018. This is a squad composed of women police constables spearheaded by the Chitradurga police.
This special force has been established with two key objectives. Firstly, it aims to protect women within the district and ensure their safety. Secondly, it seeks to empower and educate women, further bolstering the significance of Onake Obavva’s legacy in contemporary society.
The celebration of Onake Obavva Jayanti represents an important recognition of female strength and bravery in Karnataka’s history. Through this event, the state not only remembers the courage of Onake Obavva but also uses her memory to inspire present and future generations.