Tomasa Tito Condemayta facts for kids

Tomasa Ttito Condemayta Hurtado de Mendoza (1729 – May 18, 1781) was a brave leader in Peru. She helped lead a big uprising against the Spanish rulers in the 1700s. This fight was led by Tupac Amaru II. Tomasa was a powerful leader, known as a cacica, for her people. She was a smart planner and a strong military officer during the rebellion. Sadly, she was put to death for her part in the fight. This happened along with Tupac Amaru II, his wife Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua, and their son.

Who Was Tomasa Ttito Condemayta?

Tomasa Tito Condemayta was born in 1729. She came from an important Inca noble family. Her family lived in what is now the Acomayo Province in the Cusco Region of Peru. Her father, Sebastián Tito Condemayta, was a kuraka, a leader of his community. He was also a godfather to Tupac Amaru II. Her mother was Alfonsa Hurtado de Mendoza.

Her Family Life

There are different stories about Tomasa's family life. Some say she married Tomas Escalante. They had a daughter who married Evaristo Delgado. Other stories say she was married to Faustino Delgado. What is clear is that her family, the Tito Condemayta ayllu (a traditional community), had a long history of leaders. Tomasa became the cacica after her father. This made her the most powerful leader in her area.

Leading the Rebellion

In 1780, Tupac Amaru II and his wife Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua started a rebellion. They wanted to fight against Spanish rule in Peru. Tomasa Condemayta left her family to join them. She went to Tinta District to help the rebels. Not everyone in her family agreed with her choice. Her son-in-law, Evaristo Delgado, stayed loyal to the Spanish.

Tomasa's Role in the Fight

Tomasa Condemayta was very important to the rebellion. She worked with Tupac Amaru to get indigenous women involved. She was a clever military planner. She also led her own group of women soldiers. Tomasa was a wealthy woman. She used her money to help the rebellion. She gave silver and important supplies to the fighters.

Key Battles and Defenses

In the Battle of Sangarará, Tomasa led an army of women. They bravely defeated a Spanish army. She also successfully defended the Pillpintuchaka bridge. This bridge was on the Apurímac River. Spanish soldiers were trying to cross it. Thousands of women fought with slingshots and arrows. They faced armored Spanish soldiers. Under Tomasa's command, her troops held the Pilpinto pass for over a month.

Capture and Legacy

In 1781, the Spanish forces became stronger. They had much better weapons. On April 7, Tomasa Condemayta was captured. Tupac Amaru II, Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua, and their sons were also captured. On May 18, 1781, Tomasa was put to death. This happened in the main square of Cusco. She was the only native noble executed alongside the rebel leader. Her bravery and leadership are still remembered today.

See also

In Spanish: Tomasa Tito Condemayta para niños