Kittur Chenamma… The real warrior whose birth and death anniversary must be observed. Not Tipu Sultan’s.

We had Brahmavadini Gargi, Lopamudra, Maitreyi.

We had the wise learned Ubhaya Bharati, wife of Mandana Mishra.
So committed to knowledge she was that she was unbiased in declaring the verdict during the famous debate between Adi Sankaracharya and Mandana Misra on Karma Kanda vs Gyana Kanda.
Mandana Misra and Ubhaya Bharati could be called an ideal couple in modern sense of the word.

When it comes to Shakti we had warrior queens like Kelladi Chenamma who fought Aurangzeb and gave shelter to Rajaram, Shivaj’s son; Abbakka Rani who fought forces of Portuguese for decades; Onakke Obavva who fought forces of Hyder Ali; Rani Durgavati against Mughal forces; Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga who fought against British forces. These were women who fought barbarians.
They were Abhayam Ammas of the country.

Today is the death anniversary of the very famous Kittur Chenamma who led rebellion against British East India Company.

Kittur was a Maratha vassal. Chenamma married Mallasaraja and due to misfortune lost her son thus leaving no heir. Chenamma adopted Shivalingappa and declared him as the successor.

The British imposed Doctrine of Lapse it did not recognize Shivalingappa as rightful heir. Thus, policy of paramountcy was imposed.
Chenamma defied that order. She requested to Lt-Governor of Bombay presidency but her plea was turned down.
The events that led to this are quite a lot with bad moves on Shivalinga’s part but this is the gist.
The British attacked her kingdom and was followed series of assaults where Kittur forces showed their mettle. This was led by Chennamma and Sangolli Rayyana who fought tooth and nail.
Sangolli died in the battlefield. Eventually, Chenamma was captured and died at Bailhongal (at present day Belgavi district).

Rani Laxmibai can be called Chenamma of Jhansi and Chenamma can be called Jhansi of Kittur.

But, Karnataka wanted to celebrate Tipu Sultan’s birthday?