Keladi Rani Channamma
Keladi Rani Chennamma
*Keladi Rani Chennamma*
Rani Chennamma was the Queen of Keladi who ruled for 25 years and successfully fought wars against Aurangzeb, Adil Shah, Portuguese and Mysore rulers. She gave political asylum to Chatrapathi Rajaram and thereby gave a second life to Shivaji's Swarajya Movement.
*Nayakas of Keladi*
Nayaka of Keladi were the ruling dynasty in Karnataka, India in 1499–1763 CE.
After the defeat of Vijaynagar empire, many Samant kings (subordinate kings) became independent rulers. The Nayakas of Keladi became the most prominent among them. Of the later chiefs of this dynasty, two became well known in the second half of the seventeenth century the brothers Bhadrappa Nayaka and Someshekhara Nayaka (I) (1664-1679 CE). It was at this time that the latter's wife Rani Chennamma attained eminence. It may be surmised that the two brothers were ruling jointly round about 1661 A.D. and that Rani Chennamma also held authority along with her husband. She was a woman of great administrative ability. Towards the later part of her husband's life, Chennamma carried on administration of the kingdom in the name of her husband. After his sudden death in 1677 CE., she assumed full command and ruled wisely and well for twenty-five years. She is well known for fighting and defeating Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
She ruled from1672 to 1696 CE. Poet writer Linganna has written a history book (grantha) "Keladi Nrapa Vijaya" from which we learn about her life history. Hiriya Basappa Nayaka (Keladi Basava Bhoopal) the adopted son of Chennamma has written a great encyclopedic work in Sanskrit called "Shivatattwa-Ratnakara".
There are many Janapada songs in Karnataka to eulogize her victories against Mughal and other armies.
Spouse : Somashekhara Nayak
Her father Siddappa Shetty, was a native merchant in the region of Kundapur, Karnataka. She was from the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. Chennamma married King Somashekara Nayaka in 1667 CE. After Somashekhara Nayaka's death in 1677 CE , Bijapur (now Vijaypur) Sultan and other neighbouring Samant kings tried to attack and rule Keladi kingdom. She escaped from capital and with the help of her minister Gurubasappadeva and her supreme commanders Krishnappayya and Timmarasa she defeated her enemies and recaptured the fort. and thus she saved her kingdom. She repelled the advances of Mysore Odeyar's army. Chennamma efficiently handled the administration of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty and Ikkeri kingdom. Rani Keladi Chennamma was known to be a very virtuous and pious woman, and a pragmatic administrator of her times. She protected her kingdom with strong determination, valor and
far sightedness. During her reign of 25 years, She provided shelter to Rajaram Chhatrapati, son of Shivaji who was fleeing from Raigarh fort and was hotly pursued by the armies of Aurangzeb. After a meeting with her cabinet she provided shelter and treated Rajaram with respect. The enraged Aurangazeb attacked Keladi in 1690. Keladi Chennamma fought the war with guerrilla tactics and Mughals had to accept defeat and the battle with Mughals ended in a treaty. It is said that she routed 9 lakh soldiers army of Aurangzeb. She repelled the Mughal Army and Aurangzeb was forced to accept defeat and settelled for negotiations. From Bednur Rajaram was helped to escape to the strong fortress of Jinji. Aurangzeb was struck with her heroism. He honoured her by sending her valuable gifts. A subordinate of Keladi Kingdom, Sadasiva of Swadi also helped Rajaram through a loan. Her cabinet was headed by Timmanna Naik, who was the descendant of a commander of Vijayanagar..
She rendered a trade agreement with the Portuguese involving commodities like pepper and rice.
She also permitted Portuguese to establish churches at Mirjan, Honnavara, Chandravara and Kalyanpura. The town Channagiri, Chennammabapur is named after her.
She was a good administrater and liberal in religious views and encouraged all religions with donations. She was deeply religious and benevolent. She constructed maths for Veerashaiva jangams and their followers. She established many temples. Chennamma founded a agrahaar in her husband's name Somashekarapura on the banks of the Tungabhadra, and presented it to the Brahmins for Veda study. She respected knowledge and learning. She established permanent charities in her own name at a number of places such as Banaras, Rameshwaram, Tirupati and Srishail. She patronized both Advaita and Dwaita sect temples. She constructed Dattapeeth of Chandradrona hill temple. The flag pole of Keladi Veerabhadra temple is constructed by her. She was famous for her donations, charity to poor and offerings to temples. She made huge donation to Mukaambika temple.
As she was childless, she adopted Basavappa Nayaka, one of her close relatives who succeeded and later became well known as a great king Hiriya Basappa Nayaka. She gave knowledge of war tactics and administration to him and coronated him in 1694. He became well known as Keladi Basava Bhoopal and a great king and a great writer who has written encyclopaedia named "Shivatattwa-Ratnakara" in sanskrit. Two years after his coronation Rani Keladi Chennamma took her last breath in 1696. Her gaddige or resting place is in Bidanuru, Hosanagara Karnataka.
21st August is celebrated as Keladi Chennamma day In Karnataka. She is celebrated along with Abbakka Rani, Rani Kittur Chennamma, Rani Belawadi Mallamma and Onake Obavva, as the foremost women warriors and patriots. She is considered as the epitome of the Kannada women's valor along with Rani Abbakka, Onake Obavva and Kittur Chennamma.
Keladi Chennamma TV series was broadcasted as a Kannada historical series.
-✍️ Dr Prema Pangi
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