200 YEARS OF RANI CHENNAMMA’S REBELLION

1. Social groups across India such as National Federation of Indian Women commemorate (honour) the 200th anniversary of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British East India Company (EIC).

2. These groups are organizing the campaign ‘Naanoo Rani Chennamma’ (I am Rani Chennamma too).

1. It aims to empower women against patriarchal, anti-democratic, and casteist forces, inspired by Rani Chennamma’s legacy of courage and resistance.

About Rani Chennamma (1778-1829)

1. Born in Kakati village, Belagavi district, Karnataka.
2. Became queen of Kitturu (now in Karnataka) through marriage to Raja Mallasarja of Desai family.
3. Adopted Shivalingappa after her son's death, making him heir (successor) to the throne.
4. British East India Company refused to recognize her adopted son and rejected her adoption under the Doctrine of Lapse.
5. Known for values like courage, perseverance, leadership, and selflessness.

Doctrine of Lapse

1. One of the British EIC's three major annexation (seizure/usurp) policies, alongside Ring Fence Policy and Subsidiary Alliance.

• The Ring-Fence policy was a defensive strategy used by Warren Hastings, the Governor General of India, from 1765 to 1813.
• The policy involved defending the frontiers (borders) of neighbouring states to protect the British territories.
• The Subsidiary Alliance was a treaty between the British EIC and Indian princely states. The treaty transferred sovereignty from the Indian kingdoms to the British.
• The French East India Company Governor Joseph Francois Dupliex introduced the Subsidiary Alliance with the Nizam of Hyderabad in India.

2. The doctrine stated that if a ruler of a princely state under the East India Company's control died without a male heir, the British would annex the state's territory.
3. The British also prohibited Hindu rulers without a natural heir from adopting a successor.

Kittur Revolt (1824-29)

1. Regarded as the 1^st Indian armed rebellion against the British EIC.
2. It is considered one of the first anti-colonial struggles led by women.
3. Rani Chennamma refused to exile (forced to leave one's country) her adopted child, challenging the British order by sending letter to Lord Elphinstone, the Lieutenant-Governor of Bombay.
4. The imposition of the Doctrine of Lapse was first seen in this instance, even before its official usage by Lord Dalhousie.
5. The revolt began when the British demanded Chennamma to accept their suzerainty (control) and pay tribute in 1824.
6. The British suffered a heavy loss in the initial battle in 1824 but her army was overpowered due to the British's superior weaponry and numerical strength.
7. Chennamma was captured and imprisoned along with her lieutenant, Sangolli Rayannan, at Bailhongal Fort until her death in 1829.
8. Chennamma's bravery and courage inspired many others to join the freedom struggle against colonial rule despite her defeat and she became a symbol of resistance against oppression and exploitation.
1. In 1956, the government of India posthumously (after death) awarded her the title of 'Rani' (queen). This title served as recognition of her bravery and contribution to the Indian freedom struggle.