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'''Abbakka Rani''' or Abbakka Mahadevi was the queen of ] who ruled from ]. She was one the earliest Indian freedom fighters who fought the ] in the 16th century. She had two equally valiant daughters who fought alongside her in her furious wars against the Portugese. Tradition however treats all three - mother and two daughters as the same person. The Portuguese made several attempts to capture Ullal as it was strategically placed. But Abbakka each of their attacks. Though Abbakka was a ] by faith, her administration was well represented by ] and ]. Her army too consisted of people of all sects and castes including the ], a fisher folk community.
{{use Indian English|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox royalty
| title = Rani of Ullal
| image = File:Abbakka Chowta 2023 stamp of India.jpg
| caption = Abbakka Chowta on a 2023 stamp of India
| reign = 1525&nbsp;– 1570<ref>{{cite book|title=Hiding in Plain Sight: Women Warriors Throughout Time and Space|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=POpDEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA17|page=17|year=2021|isbn=978-1538162729| last1=Potholm | first1=Christian P. | publisher=Rowman & Littlefield }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nandakumar |first=J. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=beejEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA11 |page=11|title=Swa: Struggle for National Selfhood Past, Present and Future |date=2022-12-10 |publisher=Indus Scrolls Press |language=en}}</ref>
| predecessor = Tirumala Raya Chowta
| spouse = Banga Lakshmappa Arasa
| royal house = ]
| religion = Jainism
}}
'''Rani Abbakka Chowta''' was the first ] of ] who fought the ] in the latter half of the 16th century. She belonged to the ], an indigenous Tuluva dynasty who ruled over parts of coastal Karnataka (]), India. Their capital was Puttige.<ref group=Note>There are four places in Karnataka and Kerala whose modern name is ] or similar. None seems to have ever been larger than a village. Another candidate for the place is ], a town which is the seat of a modern ] (which also includes one of the villages called Puttige). An unsourced statement in the ] calls Puttur "the capital of a dynasty of kings" ({{langx|kn|ವಂಶದ ಅರಸರ ರಾಜಧಾನಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು}}).</ref> The port town of ] served as their subsidiary capital. The Portuguese made several attempts to capture Ullal as it was strategically placed. But Abbakka repulsed each of their attacks for over four decades. For her bravery, she came to be known as ''Abhaya Rani'' (The fearless queen).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/rel_print_page.asp?relid=6707 |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title= Queen Abbakka's triumph over western colonisers|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Govt., of India }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boloji.com/history/028.htm |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title=The Intrepid Queen-Rani Abbakka Devi of Ullal |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807132003/http://www.boloji.com/history/028.htm |archivedate=7 August 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She was also one of the earliest Indians to fight European colonialism and is sometimes regarded as the 'first woman freedom fighter of India'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/feb/17tara.htm |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title=Include Tulu in Eighth Schedule: Fernandes|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/29664181.cms |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title=Blend past and present to benefit future|work=]}}</ref> In the state of ], she is celebrated along with Rani ], ], ] and ], as the foremost women warriors and patriots.<ref> Wordpress. 1 July 2007</ref>


==Early life== == Early Life ==
Born into the Chowta dynasty, Abbakka received extensive training in warfare and statecraft from a young age. The dynasty followed a matrilineal system of inheritance called Aliyasantana.<ref>{{cite book|title=Cultural History of Karnataka|author=P.B. Desai|year=1970|publisher=Karnatak University|page=357}}</ref>
According to local legends, Abbakka exhibited precocious talent for military science and warfare even as a child. Her father extended her full encouragement and she got trained in all areas of military science. In course of time she was married to the king of neighbouring Bangher. The marriage, however was short lived and Abbakka returned to Ullal. Her husband thus pined for revenge against Abbakka and was to later join the Portuguese in their fight against Abbakka.

== Military Campaigns ==
Under her leadership, Ullal successfully repelled several Portuguese attacks. Notable battles included:
* The 1555 victory against Admiral Dom Álvaro da Silveira
* The 1557 defense of Ullal against Portuguese naval forces
* The 1568 triumph over Portuguese army and navy<ref>{{cite book|title=Medieval Karnataka|author=S. Chandni|year=2018|publisher=University Press|pages=156-158}}</ref>

== Administration and Trade ==
Abbakka established Ullal as a major trading port, dealing primarily in pepper, cardamom, and rice. She maintained strong diplomatic relations with Arab merchants and the Zamorin of Calicut.<ref>{{cite book|title=Maritime Trade in Medieval Karnataka|author=K.V. Ramesh|year=1975|publisher=Karnataka Historical Research Society|pages=89-92}}</ref> Her administration was marked by:
* Strategic naval alliances with the Mogaveeras
* Development of trade routes along the Malabar coast
* Fortification of coastal defenses
* Promotion of local industries and commerce<ref>{{cite journal|title=Economic Systems of Medieval Coastal Karnataka|journal=Proceedings of Indian History Congress|author=B.N. Prasad|year=1980|volume=41|pages=182-189}}</ref>

== Religious and Cultural Patronage ==
As a follower of Jainism, Abbakka was known for her patronage of Jain temples and institutions. During her reign:
* Several Jain basadis were renovated
* Religious texts were translated into local languages
* Art and architecture flourished
* Cultural exchanges were promoted through trade relations<ref>{{cite book|title=Jainism in Coastal Karnataka|author=P.N. Narasimha Murthy|year=1990|publisher=Manohar Publications|pages=145-148}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
=== Modern Commemorations ===
Abbakka's legacy continues to inspire:
* Annual Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava in Ullal
* Commemorative stamp issued by India Post in 2023
* Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Centre at MGM College
* Awards and scholarships in her name<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/abbakka-utsava-from-april-15/article65320843.ece|title=Abbakka Utsava celebrates legacy of fearless queen|publisher=The Hindu|date=2022-04-12|accessdate=2024-01-20}}</ref>

=== Historical Significance ===
Her resistance against Portuguese colonialism set several precedents:
* First documented instance of successful naval defense against European powers in the region
* Pioneering role in organizing coastal defense systems
* Example of indigenous resistance to colonial expansion
* Model of women's leadership in medieval India<ref>{{cite book|title=Women Warriors of India|author=Yugal Joshi|year=2019|publisher=Rupa Publications|isbn=9789353334079|pages=78-82}}</ref>

== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Abhaya Rani Abbakka, by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat
* Maritime History of Karnataka, by Dr. S.U. Kamath
* Tulu Nadina Veeravanite, by Kushalappa Gowda

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==Early life{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}==
Ullal was the capital of the Chowta king Thirumala Raya III. Feudatories of the Vijayanagar kingdom, the Chowtas were Tuluva kings who practiced Jainism alongside Tuluva Animism (Būtaradhane). The ]s followed the system of ] inheritance (]) of ] community by which Tirumala Raya, Abbakka's uncle, crowned her the queen of Ullal.

He also forged a matrimonial alliance for Abbakka with Lakshmappa Arasa Bangaraja II, king of ] principality in ].<ref name="Prabhu">{{cite book|last1=K. Sanjiva Prabhu|title=Special Study Report on Bhuta Cult in South Kanara District|date=1977|publisher=Controller of Publications, 1977|pages=9–12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xwgaAAAAMAAJ|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref> This alliance was to later prove a source of worry for the Portuguese. Tirumala Raya also trained Abbakka in the different aspects of warfare and military strategy. The marriage, however, was short-lived and Abbakka returned to Ullal. Her husband thus longed for revenge against Abbakka and was to later join the Portuguese in their fight against Abbakka.<ref name="biobook">{{cite book |last1=Ponvannan |first1=Gayathri |title=Unstoppable : 75 stories of trailblazing Indian women |date=31 January 2019 |publisher=Hachette Book Publishing India Pvt Ltd |isbn=9789388322003 |pages=272}}</ref>

==Historical background==

After overrunning ] and taking control of it, the Portuguese turned their attention southwards and along the coast. They first attacked the ] coast in 1525 and destroyed the Mangalore port. Ullal was a prosperous port and a hub of the spice trade to Arabia and other countries in the west. Being the profitable trading center that it was, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British vied with one another for control of the region as well as the trade routes. They, however, had not been able to make much headway as the resistance from the local chieftains was very strong. The local rulers even forged alliances cutting across caste and religious lines.<ref name="admiralqueen">{{cite book |last1=Garodia Gupta |first1=Archana |title=The women who ruled India : leaders, warriors, icons |date=Jan 2019 |publisher=] |isbn=9789351951520 |pages=312}}</ref>

Abbakka was crowned as the queen in 1525.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z1K3EAAAQBAJ&pg=PA53 |page=53|title=South Canara: Kingdom of Delight |date=2021-01-03 |publisher=RG Kannada e-Publisher |language=en}}</ref> Abbakka's administration was well represented by ], ] as well as ]. Historical research also reveals that during her rule in the 16th century, ] men had served as seamen in the naval force. Rani Abbakka had personally supervised the construction of dam at ]; she had appointed ]s for boulder work. Her army too consisted of people of all sects and castes. She even forged alliances with the ] of ]. Together, they kept the Portuguese at bay. The marital ties with the neighbouring Banga dynasty added further strength to the alliance of the local rulers. She also gained support from powerful king Venkatappanayaka of ] and ignored the threat of Portuguese forces.<ref name=shintri>{{cite book|last=Sarojini Shintri|first=Kurukundi Raghavendra Rao|title=Women freedom fighters in Karnataka|year=1983|publisher=Prasaranga, Karnatak University|location=Dharwad|pages=13, 14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-05uAAAAMAAJ}}</ref>


==Battles against the Portuguese== ==Battles against the Portuguese==
The Portuguese first attacked the ] coast in 1525 and destroyed the Mangalore port. Abbakka, alerted of the incident, started preparing to protect the sovereignity of her kingdom. In 1555, the Portuguese sent Admiral Don Alvaro da Silvereira to fight her after she refused to pay them tribute. In the battle that followed, Rani Abbakka once again managed to hold her own and repulsed the attack successfully. The Portuguese, clearly upset by Abbakka's tactics, demanded that she pay them tribute but Abbakka refused to yield. In 1555, the Portuguese sent Admiral Dom Álvaro da Silveira to fight her after she refused to pay them tribute.<ref name=kudva>{{cite book|last=Kudva|first=Venkataraya Narayan|title=History of the Dakshinatya Saraswats|year=1972|publisher=Samyukta Gowda Saraswata Sabha|location=Madras|pages=107–110|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x0NuAAAAMAAJ&q=ullal}}</ref> In the battle that followed, Rani Abbakka once again managed to hold her own and repulsed the attack successfully.<ref name=ignca>{{cite web |last1=Kumar Mishra |first1=Kailash |title=ABBAKKA RANI : THE UNSUNG WARRIOR QUEEN |url=http://ignca.gov.in/PDF_data/Abbakka_Rani.pdf |publisher=] |date=Jan 2002}}</ref>


In 1557, the Portuguese plundered ] and laid it waste. In 1568, they turned their attention yet again to ] but Abbakka Rani resisted it yet again. Joao Peixoto, a Portuguese general and a fleet of soldiers wer sent by the Portuguese Viceroy Antony Norohna. They managed to capture the city of Ullal and also entered the royal court. Abbakka Rani, however, escaped and took refuge in a mosque. The same night, she gathered around 200 of her soldiers and mounted an attack on the Portuguese. In the battle that ensued, General Peixoto was killed, seventy Portuguese soldiers were taken prisoners and many of the Portuguese retreated. In further attacks, Abbakka Rani and her supporters killed Admiral Mascarenhas and the Portuguese were also forced to vacate the Mangalore fort. In 1557, the Portuguese plundered ] and laid waste to it. In 1568, they turned their attention to ] but Abbakka Rani resisted them yet again. João Peixoto, a Portuguese general and a fleet of soldiers were sent by the Portuguese Viceroy António Noronha. They managed to capture the city of Ullal and also entered the royal court. Abbakka Rani, however, escaped and took refuge in a mosque. The same night, she gathered around 200 of her soldiers and mounted an attack on the Portuguese. In the battle that ensued, General Peixoto was killed,<ref name=ignca/> seventy Portuguese soldiers were taken prisoners and many of the Portuguese retreated. In further attacks, Abbakka Rani and her supporters killed Admiral Mascarenhas and forced the Portuguese to vacate the Mangalore fort.<ref name=ignca />


In 1569 however, the Portuguese not only regained the Mangalore fort but also captured ] (Basrur). In spite of these gains, Abbakka Rani continued to remain a source of threat. With the help of the queen's estranged and treacherous husband, they mounted attacks on Ullal. Furious battles followed and Abbakka Rani held fort. In 1570, she formed an alliance with the Bijapur Sultan of Ahmed Nagar and the Zanmorine of Calicut, who where also opposing the Portuguese. Kutty Pokar Markar, the Zamorine's general fought on behalf of Abbakka and destroyed the Portuguese fort at Mangalore but while returning he was killed by the Portuguese. Following these losses and her husband's treachery, Abbakka lost the war, was arrested and jailed. However, even in prison she revolted and died fighting. The Portuguese captured Mangalore fort again and ] (Basrur). Despite these gains, Abbakka Rani continued to remain a source of threat. With the help of the queen's estranged husband, they mounted attacks on Ullal. Furious battles followed, but Abbakka Rani held her own. In 1570, she formed an alliance with the Bijapur Sultan of Ahmed Nagar and the Zamorin of ], who were also opposing the Portuguese. Kutty Pokar Markar, the Zamorin's general fought on behalf of Abbakka and destroyed the Portuguese fort at Mangalore, but was killed by the Portuguese on his return. Following these losses and her husband's treachery, Abbakka lost the war, was arrested, and went to jail. However, even in prison, she revolted and died fighting.<ref name=ignca />


==Folklore and legend== ==Folklore and legend==
According to traditional accounts, she was an immensely popular queen and this is attested by the fact that she is even today a part of folklore. The queen's story has been retold from generation to generation through folk songs and ], the popular folk theatre of ]. In ], a local ritual dance, the persona in trance recounts the great deeds of Abbakka Mahadevi. Abbakka is portrayed as dark and good looking, always dressed in simple clothes like a commonner. She is portrayed as a caring queen who worked late into the night dispensing justice. Legends also claim that Abbakka was the last known person to have the used the Agnivana (fire-arrow) in her fight against the Portuguese. According to traditional accounts, she was an immensely popular queen and this is also attested by the fact that she is even today a part of folklore. The queen's story has been retold from generation to generation through folk songs and ], a popular folk theatre in ].<ref name=ignca/> In Büta Kola, Tuluva Animism, the persona in trance recounts the great deeds of Abbakka Chowta. Abbakka is portrayed as dark and good looking, always dressed in simple clothes like a commoner. She is portrayed as a caring Queen who worked late into the night dispensing justice. Legends also claim that Abbakka was the last known person to have used the fire-arrow in her fight against the Portuguese. Some accounts also claim that she had two equally valiant daughters who fought alongside her in her wars against the Portuguese.

<!--==Legacy==
==Memory==
Abbakka Rani is today held in -->
] Queen Abbakka in ]]]
Abbakka's memory is much cherished in her home town of ]. The "Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava" is an annual celebration held in her memory. The Veera Rani Abbakka Prashasti award is given to distinguished women on the occasion.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/09/stories/2006010914610300.htm |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title= M.P. Prakash calls for revival of local culture |location=Chennai, India |date=9 January 2006| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070809201529/http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/09/stories/2006010914610300.htm| archivedate= 9 August 2007 |work=] | url-status= dead}}</ref> On 15 January 2003, the Indian postal department issued a special cover on Rani Abbakka. There have been calls to name the ] airport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/32796607.cms |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title= Name Mangalore airport after Rani Abbakka: Dhananjaya |work=]|date=30 December 2002}}</ref> A bronze statue of the queen has been erected in ] and another in ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/27/stories/2007012721710400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024165435/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/27/stories/2007012721710400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2012|accessdate=25 July 2007|work=] | title= Highlight freedom fighters' role in books, says Ashok|location=Chennai, India|date=27 January 2007}}</ref> Amar Chitra Katha published a book named 'Rani Abbakka- The Queen who knew no fear'. The ''Karnataka Itihasa Academy'' has called for renaming the Queen's road in the ] as 'Rani Abbakka Devi road'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/__e5256852001e3a90.nsf/0/69721135fc4ba8e765256942002e3db2!OpenDocument&Highlight=0,abbakka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927014830/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/__e5256852001e3a90.nsf/0/69721135fc4ba8e765256942002e3db2%21OpenDocument%26Highlight%3D0%2Cabbakka |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 September 2007 |accessdate=25 July 2007 |title=Academy demands awards for historians |work=]}}</ref> Actress ] portrays Rani Abbakka in Tv series ] of ]. Indian Railways Has An Locomotive Engine Dedicated To Queen Abbakka Chowta.

== Rani Abbakka-class patrol vessel ==
The ] ship ], the 1st of a series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built at ] is named after Abbakka Mahadevi was commissioned in ] on 20 January 2012, and is based in ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livefistdefence.com/2012/01/coast-guard-inducts-new-indigenous-ipv.html|title=Coast Guard Inducts New Indigenous IPV Rani Abbakka|newspaper=Livefist|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="pib">{{cite news|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79763|title=1st Inshore Patrol Vessel Commissioned into Coast Guard|last=Ministry of Defence|date=20 January 2012|newspaper=Press Information Burea|accessdate=20 January 2012}}</ref>

== Veer Rani Abakka Festival and Award ==
The festival of "Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava" is celebrated in ] every year in memory of Rani Abakka during which the Veera Rani Abbakka Award is given to distinguished women in recognition of their contributions in various fields.<ref name="DH">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=4 March 2018|title=Veera Rani Abbakka Utsav to be held in Delhi between March 11–18|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/662729/veera-rani-abbakka-utsav-held.html|newspaper=Deccan Herald| access-date= 24 October 2022}}</ref>

The Abbakka Award 2018–19 was given to Dr. Sandhya Pai, for achievement in the field of literature and to Urmila Ramesh Kumar, for her achievement in various field except literature.

==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=Note}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
*


==External links== ==External links==
{{Commons category|Abbakka Chowta}}
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{{Jainism Topics}}


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Latest revision as of 05:16, 10 January 2025

Rani of Ullal
Abbakka Chowta
Rani of Ullal
Abbakka Chowta on a 2023 stamp of India
Reign1525 – 1570
PredecessorTirumala Raya Chowta
SpouseBanga Lakshmappa Arasa
HouseChowta
ReligionJainism

Rani Abbakka Chowta was the first Tuluva Queen of Ullal who fought the Portuguese in the latter half of the 16th century. She belonged to the Chowta dynasty, an indigenous Tuluva dynasty who ruled over parts of coastal Karnataka (Tulu Nadu), India. Their capital was Puttige. The port town of Ullal served as their subsidiary capital. The Portuguese made several attempts to capture Ullal as it was strategically placed. But Abbakka repulsed each of their attacks for over four decades. For her bravery, she came to be known as Abhaya Rani (The fearless queen). She was also one of the earliest Indians to fight European colonialism and is sometimes regarded as the 'first woman freedom fighter of India'. In the state of Karnataka, she is celebrated along with Rani Kittur Chennamma, Keladi Chennamma, Rani Chennabhairadevi and Onake Obavva, as the foremost women warriors and patriots.

Early Life

Born into the Chowta dynasty, Abbakka received extensive training in warfare and statecraft from a young age. The dynasty followed a matrilineal system of inheritance called Aliyasantana.

Military Campaigns

Under her leadership, Ullal successfully repelled several Portuguese attacks. Notable battles included:

  • The 1555 victory against Admiral Dom Álvaro da Silveira
  • The 1557 defense of Ullal against Portuguese naval forces
  • The 1568 triumph over Portuguese army and navy

Administration and Trade

Abbakka established Ullal as a major trading port, dealing primarily in pepper, cardamom, and rice. She maintained strong diplomatic relations with Arab merchants and the Zamorin of Calicut. Her administration was marked by:

  • Strategic naval alliances with the Mogaveeras
  • Development of trade routes along the Malabar coast
  • Fortification of coastal defenses
  • Promotion of local industries and commerce

Religious and Cultural Patronage

As a follower of Jainism, Abbakka was known for her patronage of Jain temples and institutions. During her reign:

  • Several Jain basadis were renovated
  • Religious texts were translated into local languages
  • Art and architecture flourished
  • Cultural exchanges were promoted through trade relations

Legacy

Modern Commemorations

Abbakka's legacy continues to inspire:

  • Annual Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava in Ullal
  • Commemorative stamp issued by India Post in 2023
  • Rani Abbakka Tulu Study Centre at MGM College
  • Awards and scholarships in her name

Historical Significance

Her resistance against Portuguese colonialism set several precedents:

  • First documented instance of successful naval defense against European powers in the region
  • Pioneering role in organizing coastal defense systems
  • Example of indigenous resistance to colonial expansion
  • Model of women's leadership in medieval India

See also

References

  1. Potholm, Christian P. (2021). Hiding in Plain Sight: Women Warriors Throughout Time and Space. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 17. ISBN 978-1538162729.
  2. Nandakumar, J. (10 December 2022). Swa: Struggle for National Selfhood Past, Present and Future. Indus Scrolls Press. p. 11.
  3. "Queen Abbakka's triumph over western colonisers". Press Information Bureau, Govt., of India. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  4. "The Intrepid Queen-Rani Abbakka Devi of Ullal". Archived from the original on 7 August 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  5. "Include Tulu in Eighth Schedule: Fernandes". Rediff.com. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  6. "Blend past and present to benefit future". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  7. Freedom Fighter of the Coast, Rani Abbakka. Wordpress. 1 July 2007
  8. P.B. Desai (1970). Cultural History of Karnataka. Karnatak University. p. 357.
  9. S. Chandni (2018). Medieval Karnataka. University Press. pp. 156–158.
  10. K.V. Ramesh (1975). Maritime Trade in Medieval Karnataka. Karnataka Historical Research Society. pp. 89–92.
  11. B.N. Prasad (1980). "Economic Systems of Medieval Coastal Karnataka". Proceedings of Indian History Congress. 41: 182–189.
  12. P.N. Narasimha Murthy (1990). Jainism in Coastal Karnataka. Manohar Publications. pp. 145–148.
  13. "Abbakka Utsava celebrates legacy of fearless queen". The Hindu. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  14. Yugal Joshi (2019). Women Warriors of India. Rupa Publications. pp. 78–82. ISBN 9789353334079.

Further reading

  • Abhaya Rani Abbakka, by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat
  • Maritime History of Karnataka, by Dr. S.U. Kamath
  • Tulu Nadina Veeravanite, by Kushalappa Gowda

Early life

Ullal was the capital of the Chowta king Thirumala Raya III. Feudatories of the Vijayanagar kingdom, the Chowtas were Tuluva kings who practiced Jainism alongside Tuluva Animism (Būtaradhane). The Chowtas followed the system of matrilineal inheritance (Aliyasantana) of Bunts community by which Tirumala Raya, Abbakka's uncle, crowned her the queen of Ullal.

He also forged a matrimonial alliance for Abbakka with Lakshmappa Arasa Bangaraja II, king of Banga principality in Mangalore. This alliance was to later prove a source of worry for the Portuguese. Tirumala Raya also trained Abbakka in the different aspects of warfare and military strategy. The marriage, however, was short-lived and Abbakka returned to Ullal. Her husband thus longed for revenge against Abbakka and was to later join the Portuguese in their fight against Abbakka.

Historical background

After overrunning Goa and taking control of it, the Portuguese turned their attention southwards and along the coast. They first attacked the South Kanara coast in 1525 and destroyed the Mangalore port. Ullal was a prosperous port and a hub of the spice trade to Arabia and other countries in the west. Being the profitable trading center that it was, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British vied with one another for control of the region as well as the trade routes. They, however, had not been able to make much headway as the resistance from the local chieftains was very strong. The local rulers even forged alliances cutting across caste and religious lines.

Abbakka was crowned as the queen in 1525. Abbakka's administration was well represented by Jains, Hindus as well as Muslims. Historical research also reveals that during her rule in the 16th century, Beary men had served as seamen in the naval force. Rani Abbakka had personally supervised the construction of dam at Malali; she had appointed Bearys for boulder work. Her army too consisted of people of all sects and castes. She even forged alliances with the Zamorin of Calicut. Together, they kept the Portuguese at bay. The marital ties with the neighbouring Banga dynasty added further strength to the alliance of the local rulers. She also gained support from powerful king Venkatappanayaka of Bidnur and ignored the threat of Portuguese forces.

Battles against the Portuguese

The Portuguese, clearly upset by Abbakka's tactics, demanded that she pay them tribute but Abbakka refused to yield. In 1555, the Portuguese sent Admiral Dom Álvaro da Silveira to fight her after she refused to pay them tribute. In the battle that followed, Rani Abbakka once again managed to hold her own and repulsed the attack successfully.

In 1557, the Portuguese plundered Mangalore and laid waste to it. In 1568, they turned their attention to Ullal but Abbakka Rani resisted them yet again. João Peixoto, a Portuguese general and a fleet of soldiers were sent by the Portuguese Viceroy António Noronha. They managed to capture the city of Ullal and also entered the royal court. Abbakka Rani, however, escaped and took refuge in a mosque. The same night, she gathered around 200 of her soldiers and mounted an attack on the Portuguese. In the battle that ensued, General Peixoto was killed, seventy Portuguese soldiers were taken prisoners and many of the Portuguese retreated. In further attacks, Abbakka Rani and her supporters killed Admiral Mascarenhas and forced the Portuguese to vacate the Mangalore fort.

The Portuguese captured Mangalore fort again and Kundapur (Basrur). Despite these gains, Abbakka Rani continued to remain a source of threat. With the help of the queen's estranged husband, they mounted attacks on Ullal. Furious battles followed, but Abbakka Rani held her own. In 1570, she formed an alliance with the Bijapur Sultan of Ahmed Nagar and the Zamorin of Calicut, who were also opposing the Portuguese. Kutty Pokar Markar, the Zamorin's general fought on behalf of Abbakka and destroyed the Portuguese fort at Mangalore, but was killed by the Portuguese on his return. Following these losses and her husband's treachery, Abbakka lost the war, was arrested, and went to jail. However, even in prison, she revolted and died fighting.

Folklore and legend

According to traditional accounts, she was an immensely popular queen and this is also attested by the fact that she is even today a part of folklore. The queen's story has been retold from generation to generation through folk songs and Yakshagana, a popular folk theatre in Tulu Nadu. In Büta Kola, Tuluva Animism, the persona in trance recounts the great deeds of Abbakka Chowta. Abbakka is portrayed as dark and good looking, always dressed in simple clothes like a commoner. She is portrayed as a caring Queen who worked late into the night dispensing justice. Legends also claim that Abbakka was the last known person to have used the fire-arrow in her fight against the Portuguese. Some accounts also claim that she had two equally valiant daughters who fought alongside her in her wars against the Portuguese.

Memory

Life size statue of the Chowta Queen Abbakka in Ullal

Abbakka's memory is much cherished in her home town of Ullal. The "Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava" is an annual celebration held in her memory. The Veera Rani Abbakka Prashasti award is given to distinguished women on the occasion. On 15 January 2003, the Indian postal department issued a special cover on Rani Abbakka. There have been calls to name the Bajpe airport. A bronze statue of the queen has been erected in Ullal and another in Bangalore. Amar Chitra Katha published a book named 'Rani Abbakka- The Queen who knew no fear'. The Karnataka Itihasa Academy has called for renaming the Queen's road in the state capital as 'Rani Abbakka Devi road'. Actress Barkha Sengupta portrays Rani Abbakka in Tv series Swaraj of DD National. Indian Railways Has An Locomotive Engine Dedicated To Queen Abbakka Chowta.

Rani Abbakka-class patrol vessel

The Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Rani Abbakka, the 1st of a series of five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) built at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd is named after Abbakka Mahadevi was commissioned in Visakhapatnam on 20 January 2012, and is based in Chennai.

Veer Rani Abakka Festival and Award

The festival of "Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava" is celebrated in Ullal every year in memory of Rani Abakka during which the Veera Rani Abbakka Award is given to distinguished women in recognition of their contributions in various fields.

The Abbakka Award 2018–19 was given to Dr. Sandhya Pai, for achievement in the field of literature and to Urmila Ramesh Kumar, for her achievement in various field except literature.

See also

Notes

  1. There are four places in Karnataka and Kerala whose modern name is Puttige or similar. None seems to have ever been larger than a village. Another candidate for the place is Puttur, a town which is the seat of a modern taluk (which also includes one of the villages called Puttige). An unsourced statement in the corresponding article in Kannada Wiki calls Puttur "the capital of a dynasty of kings" (Kannada: ವಂಶದ ಅರಸರ ರಾಜಧಾನಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು).

References

  1. K. Sanjiva Prabhu (1977). Special Study Report on Bhuta Cult in South Kanara District. Controller of Publications, 1977. pp. 9–12. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  2. Ponvannan, Gayathri (31 January 2019). Unstoppable : 75 stories of trailblazing Indian women. Hachette Book Publishing India Pvt Ltd. p. 272. ISBN 9789388322003.
  3. Garodia Gupta, Archana (January 2019). The women who ruled India : leaders, warriors, icons. Hachette Books. p. 312. ISBN 9789351951520.
  4. South Canara: Kingdom of Delight. RG Kannada e-Publisher. 3 January 2021. p. 53.
  5. Sarojini Shintri, Kurukundi Raghavendra Rao (1983). Women freedom fighters in Karnataka. Dharwad: Prasaranga, Karnatak University. pp. 13, 14.
  6. Kudva, Venkataraya Narayan (1972). History of the Dakshinatya Saraswats. Madras: Samyukta Gowda Saraswata Sabha. pp. 107–110.
  7. ^ Kumar Mishra, Kailash (January 2002). "ABBAKKA RANI : THE UNSUNG WARRIOR QUEEN" (PDF). Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
  8. "M.P. Prakash calls for revival of local culture". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 9 January 2006. Archived from the original on 9 August 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  9. "Name Mangalore airport after Rani Abbakka: Dhananjaya". The Times of India. 30 December 2002. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  10. "Highlight freedom fighters' role in books, says Ashok". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 January 2007. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  11. "Academy demands awards for historians". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 25 July 2007.
  12. "Coast Guard Inducts New Indigenous IPV Rani Abbakka". Livefist. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  13. Ministry of Defence (20 January 2012). "1st Inshore Patrol Vessel Commissioned into Coast Guard". Press Information Burea. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  14. "Veera Rani Abbakka Utsav to be held in Delhi between March 11–18". Deccan Herald. 4 March 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2022.

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