Daurama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daurama II |
|
|---|---|
| Kabaras of Daura | |
| Reign | c. 9th century |
| Predecessors | Kabara Hamata |
| Successor | office dissolved |
| Born | Tsohon Birni, Katsina, Northern Nigeria |
| Died | Daura, Northern Nigeria |
| Burial | Birni Ta Kusheyi |
| House | Kabara Banu Habe |
| Mother | Hamata |
| Religion | Hausa animist |
Daurama or Magajiya Daurama was a powerful queen who lived around the 9th century. She was the last female ruler of the ancient Daura kingdom, a land in what is now northern Nigeria. Daurama played a key role in a big change in how the Hausa people were ruled. Before her, women often held the highest power. After her, the leadership shifted to men.
Many old stories say that Queen Daurama was the "founding queen grandmother" of the Hausa Kingdoms. These kingdoms grew into a large empire in parts of modern-day Niger and Nigeria. Her story is also part of the famous legend of Bayajidda, which tells how the Hausa states began.
Who Was Queen Daurama?
Magajiya Daurama ruled a kingdom called Daura. This kingdom was named after the town of Daura, which is now an important area in Katsina State, Nigeria. The first capital city of her kingdom was called Tsohon Birni, meaning "Old Town."
During her time as queen, Daurama decided to move the capital. She moved it to a new town, which was then named Daura in her honor. This shows how important she was to her people.
The Legend of Bayajidda
The story of Queen Daurama is closely linked to the legend of Bayajidda. This legend explains how the seven original Hausa states were formed. According to the story, Bayajidda was a prince from Baghdad who traveled to Daura.
When he arrived, he found that the people of Daura could only get water from a well once a year. A giant snake named Sarki guarded the well and stopped them. Bayajidda bravely killed the snake, freeing the people.
How Daurama Met Bayajidda
Queen Daurama was very impressed by Bayajidda's courage. She married him and gave him a son named Bawo. Bawo later had six sons, and these seven grandsons of Daurama became the first rulers of the seven original Hausa states. These states are known as the "Hausa Bakwai," or "Seven True Hausa States."
This legend highlights Daurama's role not just as a queen, but as a mother figure to the founding rulers of a major West African civilization.
Daurama's Legacy
Queen Daurama is remembered as a strong leader who oversaw a major shift in her kingdom's history. Her reign marked the end of a long period where women held the main royal power among the Hausa people. She is a symbol of strength and change in West African history.
Her story, passed down through generations, helps us understand the ancient traditions and origins of the Hausa people. She remains a celebrated figure in the history of Nigeria and the wider West African region.
