Rani Chennamma

Various social groups have organized the “Naanoo Rani Chennamma” campaign across the country to commemorate 200 years since Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British East India Company.

About the “Naanoo Rani Chennamma” Campaign:

• This campaign aims to celebrate the legacy of Rani Chennamma and mobilize women to fight against patriarchal, anti-democratic, and casteist forces in the nation.
• The “Naanoo Rani Chennamma” campaign seeks to release the ‘Kittur Declaration’, emphasizing women’s fighting spirit and demanding equal rights and representation.

About the Rani Chennamma:

• Born in 1778 in present-day Karnataka, Rani Chennamma was the queen of Kittur who led a valiant resistance against the British East India Company in the Kittur Rebellion of 1824.
• She became queen of Kittur, in preset day Karnataka, when she married Raja Mallasarja of Desai family.
• Facing the British refusal to recognize her adopted heir and the annexationthreat under the ‘doctrine of lapse’, Rani Chennamma bravely defended her kingdom.
  • This was the first instance when Doctrine of Lapse was imposed, even before it was officially articulated.
• Despite initial victory of queen in 1824, the British eventually captured Kittur Fort in 1824, leading to Rani Chennamma’s imprisonment and eventual demise in 1829.

Historical Significance:

• While imperial records downplay her role, Kannada folklore and lavanis glorify Rani Chennamma as a fearless protector who fought the British bravely.

Other key facts:

• Kittur Revolt (1824-29) is regarded as the first Indian armed rebellion against British East India Company.
• Rani Chennamma defied British order to exile adopted child and sent letter against the order to Lord Elphinstone, the then Lieutenant-Governor of Bombay, which was turned down.

Ref: Source