Belagavi is all set to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the glorious victory of Rani Channamma against the British. A fund of 5 crores has already been granted to them by the Karnataka government.
It is 200 years now, on 23 October 1824, Rani Channamma marked her victory over the British as they seized the state of Kittur. An army led by the Ranu Channamma fought fiercely and saved the state.
The victory of Rani Channamma is celebrated every year on October 24 but this year will be a grand celebration. However the people are a bit dissatisfied with the government as the preparation of the celebration must have started 6 months ago, and now the time is very little to make it a grand celebration.
| Birth | 23 October 1778, Kakati, Belagavi District, Karnataka |
| Significance | First queen in India to lead an armed rebellion against the British East India Company |
| Reign | Queen of Kittur from 1817 to 1829 |
| Major Conflict | Fought against the Doctrine of Lapse imposed by the British, which denied her adopted son the right to the throne after her husband’s death |
| Battle | Fought the British forces in 1824, defeating them initially |
| Legacy | A symbol of resistance and bravery in Karnataka and across India; her efforts inspired future freedom fighters |
| Death | February 21, 1829, Kittur |
| Commemoration | Statues, memorials, and annual celebrations in Karnataka; her story is part of local folklore and Indian history textbooks |
Rani Chennamma was born on 23 October 1778 in the district of Belagavi. She was a brave woman and became queen of Kittur from 1817 to 1829. She was the first queen in India to lead an entire army against the British. Not only did she fight, but snatched victory from them.
References:
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/200th-anniversary-of-kittur-war-victory-celebrated/article67871034.ece
- https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rani-chennamma
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/demand-for-national-level-celebration-of-200th-anniversary-of-channammas-rebellion/articleshow/111739872.cms