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Reminiscence of Kittur

         Indian history tells of some heroic women who played a significant part in the making of it. The first Indian woman to lead on army into battle against an invader was Rani Channamma of Kittur.
The Kittur dynasty had its early beginnings in 1585. Its founders were Hire Mallashetty and Chikka-Mallashetty from sagar in Mysore state, who got this territory as a gift from the Adilshahi Kings of Bijapur.
         Among the 12 rulers of dynasty, Mallasarja was the most illustrious. He ruled over Kittur state from 1752 to 1816. Undoubtedly, it was a glorious period from all accounts found in history. He had two wives Rudramma and Channamma. Channamma was Mallasarja’s second wife.
         Channamma was deeply interested in the State-craft. She accompanied Mallasarja in all his expeditions and battles. She was in every way a friend, a philosopher and guide to her husband. It was, therefore, not surprising that after his death, political power naturally shifted to her and she assumed the control of the affairs of state keeping Shivalingrudra Sarja as the nominal head.
         Shivalingarudra Sarja’s health continued deteriorates and his condition was so bad that he sent for his confidential assistants and confided in them about his intention to take some boy in adoption. Shivalingarudra Sarja selected Shivalingappa, son of Balappagouda of Mastmaradi.
         Thackeray ordered that Shivalingappa, the adopted son , should forth with be sent away from Kittur. There was a sinister motive behind this move: Shivalingappa’s presence in Kittur would keep alive the hopes of the people of Kittur to regain sovereignty for the state. Rani Channamma was very annoyed by this order. She finally made up her mind to face the crisis boldly. She called all the Sardars and officers of the court and addressed them. In an impassioned speech, she declared, “Kittur is ours. We are the masters of our own country. The british say that the adoption is not valid because we did not take their permission. Where is it stipulated that we should take their permission for taking a son in adoption. The people of Kittur love freedom more than life. Kittur will fight to the last man of soil. They would die rather than be slaves of the British”. This inspiring speech of Rani Channamma roused the valour of the people assembled. The swords of Kittur Soldiers flashed. The call to battle had beeen sounded.
In the first war, Rani Channamma won over the British forces on 23rd October 1824. This day is now remembered by observing it as the Women’s Day in the Country.