The much-anticipated Kittur Utsav October 23 to 25, 2024 will mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Rani Chennamma’s historic victory over the greedy British East India Company rule in this part. Sri Babasaheb Patil, MLA made the announcement during a press conference at Belagavi. The event, to be held at the historic fort premises of Kittur town, will honor the legacy of the valiant queen who led India’s first rebellion against British rule in 1824 and fought a a huge army of about 20000 soldiers with powerful cannons.
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| Statue of Rani Chennamma. .hindujagruti.org |
Kittur Rani Chennamma was one of the earliest Indian rulers to fight against British colonial rule, making her a key figure in India’s resistance to the East India Company. Born in 1778 in the small village of Kakati, Belagavi (Karnataka), she was married to Raja Mallasarja of Kittur. After the death of her son in 1824, Chennamma adopted Shivalingappa and declared him her heir. However, the British East India Company, under the Doctrine of Lapse, refused to recognize the adoption and sought to annex Kittur.
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| woman patriot Kittur Rani Chennamma rewelr.com |
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| .Earliest woman patriot Kittur Rani Chennamma civilsdaily.com |
Above image: Kittur Rani Chennamma's legacy and first victory are celebrated in Kittur, during the 'Kittur Utsava' held on 22–24 October every year.
The Doctrine of Lapse, later formalized by Lord Dalhousie in 1848, allowed the British to annex princely states without a male heir. Though Chennamma’s resistance occurred before the doctrine was officially implemented, her defiance made her a symbol of early opposition to British policies. She sent an appeal to Lord Elphinstone, the British governor of Bombay, pleading for Kittur’s autonomy, but her request was denied. This led to an armed rebellion in 1824, with Rani Chennamma leading her forces against the British consisting of 24,000 soldiers and powerful cannons camped near the foot hills to attack the small princely kingdom Undeterred, Kittur rani fased the mighty army along with Sangolli Rayanna and Gurusiddappa,
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| Kittur rani's damaged fort, near Belgaum, KA alamy.com |
In the first battle, Chennamma's forces secured a significant victory. They killed St. John Thackeray, the British political agent, and took two British officers as hostages. Despite her initial success, the British deceitfully broke their promise to cease hostilities. They returned with reinforcements led by Chaplin, and after a fierce struggle, Chennamma was ultimately defeated. She was captured and imprisoned at Bailhongal Fort, where she died in 1829.
Despite her defeat, Rani Chennamma remains a potent symbol of resistance. She is often regarded as the first Indian ruler to rebel against the British, predating figures like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi. Her efforts laid the foundation for future rebellions, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and she continues to inspire generations with her courage and tenacity.
Kittur Rani Chennamma’s legacy is commemorated in numerous ways. Statues of her stand tall across Karnataka and even in New Delhi, where a statue was unveiled at the Parliament complex in 2007 by then-President Pratibha Patil. In her hometown, the annual Kittur Utsava celebrates her life and resistance every October. Moreover, her story is told through folk songs, literature, and films, preserving her memory as one of India’s earliest warriors against British colonialism .
Efforts to preserve her legacy continue, including restoration projects of sites associated with her life. Her bravery remains a source of inspiration in the cultural and historical memory of Karnataka and India.
https://www.navrangindia.in/2015/03/joan-of-arc-of-karnataka-kittur-rani.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Kittur-Rani-Chennammas-samadhi-lies-in-neglect.
https://pib.gov.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=148944
https://oralhistory.ws/resources/kittur-rani-chennamma-the-beacon-of-resistance-against-british-rule
https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/200-years-of-kittur-uprising-commemorating-rani-chennamma/