Keladi Chennamma facts for kids

Keladi Chennamma was a brave queen who ruled the Keladi Kingdom in Karnataka, India. She was born to Siddappa Shetty, a merchant from Kundapur. Chennamma belonged to the Lingayatha community.

In 1667 CE, she married King Somashekhara Nayaka. After his death in 1677, Queen Chennamma took charge of the Keladi kingdom. She ruled for 25 years. During her reign, she bravely fought off the powerful Mughal Army. This army was led by Emperor Aurangzeb. Her military base was in Sagara, Karnataka.

Queen Chennamma adopted Basavappa Nayaka, a close relative. He later became King Hiriya Basappa Nayaka. She also made a trade deal with the Portuguese. This deal involved important goods like pepper and rice. The town of Channagiri is named after her.

She also allowed the Portuguese to build churches. These churches were in places like Mirjan, Honnavara, Chandravara, and Kalyanpura. In Karnataka, she is celebrated as a great warrior. She is honored alongside other brave women like Abbakka Rani, Kittur Chennamma, Belawadi Mallamma, and Onake Obavva. They are all seen as symbols of courage and patriotism.

Queen Chennamma Fights Aurangzeb

Queen Chennamma gave shelter to Rajaram Chhatrapati. He was the son of the great Maratha ruler Shivaji. Rajaram was running away from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After talking with her advisors, Queen Chennamma welcomed Rajaram with respect.

Because of this, Emperor Aurangzeb attacked Keladi. But Queen Chennamma fought fiercely. She did not lose the battle. The war with the Mughals ended with a peace treaty. A ruler from Swadi, who was under Keladi, also helped Rajaram. He gave Rajaram a loan. The Keladi kingdom was one of the last to remain independent. It later came under the rule of Mysore and then the British. Queen Chennamma's main advisor was Timmanna Naik. He was a descendant of a commander from the Vijayanagara Empire.

Her Lasting Legacy

Queen Chennamma is remembered as a symbol of bravery for Kannada women. She is often mentioned with other heroes like Belwadi Mallamma, Rani Abbakka, Onake Obavva, and Kittur Chennamma.

People knew Chennamma as a very good and wise woman. She was also a smart ruler for her time.