Kittur Rani Chennamma Utsav

The Kittur Rani Chennamma Utsav, a three-day celebration honouring the bravery and legacy of Rani Chennamma of Kittur, began on October 23 in Kittur, Karnataka.

Key Highlights:

• Early Life:
  • Born on October 23, 1778, in Kakati village (present-day Belagavi district, Karnataka) to a Lingayat family.
  • Married at the age of 15 to Raja Mallasarja of Kittur.
• Struggle Against the British:
  • After her husband’s death in 1816 and her son’s demise in 1824, Chennamma adopted Shivalingappa as heir to the Kittur throne.
  • The British East India Company rejected his claim, citing it as illegitimate, in what became an early instance of the Doctrine of Lapse.
  • When John Thackery, the British official at Dharwad, attacked Kittur in October 1824, Chennamma led her forces courageously, killing Thackery in the battle.
  • She was eventually captured and imprisoned, where she died in 1829.
• Symbol of Resistance and Feminism:
  • Rani Chennamma is remembered as one of India’s first women freedom fighters, predating the 1857 Revolt.
  • Her story, immortalised in folk songs, plays, and political discourse, continues to inspire movements for women’s empowerment and social justice in Karnataka.
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
  The Utsav commemorates her courage, patriotism, and leadership, reinforcing her status as a feminist and nationalist icon in Indian history.

Source: IE