Today in History

Delhi 23 October (VNI) Rani Chennamma, born on October 23, 1778, in the Lingayat community of Karnataka, holds a prominent place in Indian history as one of the first women to lead an armed rebellion against British colonial rule. Long before the famous Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Chennamma's courage inspired generations of freedom fighters. As the queen of Kittur, she faced personal tragedy early in life, losing her husband and son. Determined to preserve her kingdom’s sovereignty, she adopted Shivalingappa as her heir, which angered the British East India Company due to their "Doctrine of Lapse," a policy designed to annex states without a biological male heir. In 1824, the British demanded that Kittur surrender, but Rani Chennamma refused. What followed was a fierce confrontation between her forces and a British army of 20,000 soldiers. Despite being vastly outnumbered, she emerged victorious in the first battle, even capturing British officers. However, this victory was short-lived. The British retaliated with even greater force, and due to betrayal within her ranks, she was eventually captured and imprisoned in Bailhongal Fort, where she died in 1829. Rani Chennamma’s bravery and determination are celebrated annually in Kittur during the Kittur Utsava, held from October 22-24. Statues of her have been installed across India, including at the Indian Parliament. Though less well-known compared to other figures in India's struggle against British rule, her legacy remains a powerful symbol of resistance and leadership, especially for women​