Republic Day 2023 Special: Kittur Rani Chennamma who rebelled against the British

In the war for independence, Rani Chennamma held the same position in the South Indian state of Karnataka as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. In 1824, she assembled her own army and became the first queen to engage in battle with the British. 

On October 23, 1778, Chennamma was born in Kakati, Karnataka. She ruled as queen of southern India's Karnataka province's Kittur kingdom. Rani Chennamma suffered extreme grief upon the death of her husband. The only son also passed away after a while. The state faced a crisis over the king's status in such a situation. Kittur's throne was now vacant. Rani Chennamma adopted a son as a response to this. But the British denied accepting him as a King.

Who was Kittur Rani Chennamma?

Kittur Rani Chennamma was a queen and warrior of the Indian state of Karnataka, in the early 19th century. Known for leading an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824 she is regarded as one of the strongest figures in the history of India.

Rani Chennamma was born into a royal family in 1778 and became the queen of Kittur, a small princely state in present-day Karnataka, following the death of her husband Raja Mallasarja. She was known for her intelligence, courage and leadership skills. In 1824, the British East India Company attempted to take control of Kittur and its surrounding areas. Rani Chennamma, along with her army, fought bravely against the British forces in the Battle of Kittur, but ultimately lost the battle. However, her resistance to British rule inspired many other Indian rulers to do the same.

Rani Chennamma was arrested and imprisoned by the British for her rebellion. She died in prison in 1829, but her legacy lived on. Her contribution in Indian history is widely celebrated in Karnataka.