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On the 200th anniversary, a commemorative postage stamp was released to celebrate Rani Channamma’s glorious victory on 23rd October, 1824 against the British rule.

About:

Rani Chennamma (1778–1829) was a pioneering Indian queen and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule in India. As the ruler of the principality of Kittur in present-day Karnataka, she is celebrated for her courage and leadership in challenging British authority.

Her efforts to protect her kingdom and her people have made her an important figure in India's freedom struggle. Here is an overview of her life and legacy:

Early Life:

1. Rani Chennamma was born in 1778 in a small village called Kakati in the Belgaum district of Karnataka.
2. From an early age, she was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery, unusual skills for a woman of her time. She also exhibited a strong sense of leadership and courage.

Ascension to Power

1. Chennamma was married to Mallasarja Desai, the ruler of Kittur, a small but strategically significant princely state.
2. In 1816, her husband passed away, leaving the throne to their son, who unfortunately died shortly afterward.
3. With no biological heir, Rani Chennamma adopted a boy named Shivalingappa to be the future ruler of Kittur. This act was meant to ensure continuity in governance and protect Kittur's independence.

Conflict with the British (The Doctrine of Lapse)

1. The British East India Company, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, had implemented the Doctrine of Lapse, a policy that allowed the British to annex any princely state without a biological heir.
2. When Rani Chennamma adopted Shivalingappa, the British refused to recognize him as the legitimate heir and demanded the annexation of Kittur. Chennamma resisted, leading to a direct conflict with the British.

The Battle of Kittur (1824)

1. In 1824, Rani Chennamma openly defied the British, leading her forces in a series of battles against them.
2. She fought bravely, personally commanding her soldiers and rallying local support to defend Kittur.
3. The British suffered heavy losses in the initial battles, and Chennamma's forces successfully repelled them. Her military leadership and strategic acumen put the British on the defensive.

Capture and Imprisonment

1. Despite initial success, Chennamma’s forces were eventually overpowered due to British reinforcements and superior weaponry.
2. She was captured and imprisoned in Bailhongal Fort, where she remained until she died in 1829.

Rani Chennamma is widely regarded as one of India's first female freedom fighters, predating other famous leaders like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.

She is celebrated in Karnataka and other parts of India as a symbol of bravery, resilience, and resistance to oppression.

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