Context:

The Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava.

About the Stamp

It is designed by Shri Brahm Prakash, the stamp shows Rani Channamma on her horse, sword in hand, charging forward bravely. Surrounding her image are forts that symbolize Kittur’s rich history and the strength of its people. The words “200 Years of Kittur Vijayotsava” are printed as a tribute.

About Kittur Vijayotsava

Kittur Vijayotsava is the celebration of the brave and powerful Rani Channamma and her victory over the British. 200 years ago, on 23rd October, Rani Channamma led a battle against British rule right at Kittur Fort. She’s celebrated as one of India’s first female freedom fighters.

About Rani Chennamma

She was a queen of Kittur (present-day Karnataka), who stood against British rule.

She was born in a noble Lingayat family. From a young age, she trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery.

At the age of 15, she married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur, after her husband passed away in 1816, followed by her son’s death in 1824, Chennamma was left alone to rule Kittur during challenging times.

Conflict with British

The British East India Company wanted to control Kittur and opposed her when Rani Chennamma adopted a young boy, Shivalingappa, to make him her heir. The British refused to accept him as the next ruler and demanded control over Kittur. This led to tensions, and soon, war broke out.

She defended her kingdom and managed to defeat the British forces in the first battle, her victory inspired many people, making her one of the first women to fight against British colonization.

The British returned with a larger army, and despite Chennamma's efforts, they managed to capture her, and she was imprisoned in Bailhongal Fort. She passed away on February 21, 1829, as a prisoner.

Kittur Fort

The fort was built by Allappa Gowda Sardesai (ruler of the Desai dynasty) between 1650 and 1681. Many temples and spiritual sites are located Inside the fort complex and its surroundings, including the Nathapanthi matha and temples dedicated to Maruti (Hanuman), Kalmeshwara, Dyamavva, and Basavanna (built during the Chalukyan period).

Source:

PIB

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of Rani Channamma:

1. She led the revolt against the British in Kittur.

2. She was the first woman to fight against British rule.

3. She was part of the 1857 Revolt alongside Jhansi ki Rani.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) All three

D) None

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: She led the revolt against the British in Kittur in 1824. She is regarded as one of the first women to lead an armed resistance against British rule.

Statement 2 is incorrect: "Veeramangai" Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730 – 1796), the queen of Sivaganga estate, was the first Indian queen to wage war with the East India Company in India.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Rani Channamma was not part of the 1857 Revolt. She fought against the British in 1824.

KITTUR VIJAYOTSAVA