Rangita facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rangita |
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Symbolic tomb of Rangita in Imerimanjaka
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| Queen of Alasora | |
| Reign | 1520–1530 |
| Predecessor | Andrianmpandramanenitra |
| Successor | Rafohy |
| Died | 1530 Merimanjaka, Madagascar |
| Dynasty | Hova dynasty |
Queen Rangita was an important ruler from the Vazimba people in Madagascar. She ruled in a place called Merimanjaka in the central highlands. Rangita became queen around 1520, taking over from her father, King Andrianmpandramanenitra. She ruled for about ten years until her death in 1530.
After Queen Rangita passed away, her daughter, Queen Rafohy, became the next ruler. Some stories say Rafohy was Rangita's adopted sister, not her daughter.
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Who Was Queen Rangita?
Queen Rangita was also known by a longer name: Rangitamanjakatrimovavy. She was a queen of the Vazimba, who were the earliest people to live in the central highlands of Madagascar. They are known for their unique traditions and way of life.
Her Family and Successor
The old stories about Queen Rangita and Queen Rafohy can be a bit confusing. It's not always clear if Rangita was Rafohy's mother, or if they were sisters. The stories also don't always agree on who ruled first or who was the mother of another important leader named Andriamanelo.
One version of these stories says that Queen Rangita had two sons. It also suggests that Rafohy might have been her daughter.
What We Know About Her
According to the old tales, Queen Rangita had physical features that were typical of the Vazimba people. She was said to be small in height and had dark skin. Her name, "Rangita," actually means "kinky-haired," which might describe her hair.
Vazimba Burial Customs
The Vazimba people had special ways of burying their dead. They would often place their deceased loved ones in bodies of water that they considered sacred.
When Queen Rangita died, it is said that she was placed in a special silver coffin. This coffin was made to look like an outrigger canoe, which is a type of boat. After she was placed inside, the coffin was then lowered into a sacred bog, which is a type of wetland. Queen Rafohy was also said to have been buried in a similar way.
