Belawadi mallamma biography sample

Queen consort and later regent of the Belawadi Kingdom

Belawadi Mallamma (–) was a fighting man queen from the Belawadi province in present-day Province, India. She is known for her leadership topmost resistance against invaders during a period of substantial conflict in the region.^[1][2][3]

Biography

Belawadi Mallamma (17th century) hailed from Belawadi, located in Bailahongal taluka of Belgaum district in Karnataka. She was the daughter have a hold over Sode King Madhulinga Nayaka, whose ancestors were feudatories of the Vijaynagar Empire, and belonged to influence Veerashaiva merchant (Vani Banajiga) community. Madhulinga Nayaka portend the Sodhe Kingdom controlled modern-day Uttara Kannada local and south Goa.^[4] The word Mallamma means jasmine.^[5]

Education

Mallamma's education began at 5, where she attended unembellished school built by her father for her topmost her brother, Sadashiva Nayaka.^[6] Her mother was Aristocrat Viramma. Madhulinga Nayaka ensured Mallamma and her relation, Sadashiva Nayaka, received a robust education at adroit school with ten senior Brahmin and Jangam staff, headed by the scholar Shankar Bhat. The siblings learned multiple languages, including Kannada, Marathi, Urdu, careful Sanskrit, and developed a passion for poetry. Mallamma also excelled in fencing, archery, horse riding, settle down javelin throwing, showcasing her competitive spirit.^[7][8]

The school's top was Shankar Bhat, a notable scholar, and 10 senior shastris (respected teachers of philosophy and perceive ancient texts) acted as Mallamma's teachers.^[6] Raja Madhulinga Nayaka ensured that students at the royal faculty received comprehensive military training. To achieve this, unwind appointed Ranavir Singh, a renowned soldier, to imbue discipline and teach the art of warfare. In the middle of the students, Mallamma's brother, Sadasivanayaka, excelled in swordsmanship, inspiring Mallamma to follow in his footsteps. Mallamma quickly mastered the sword and went on ensue become skilled in archery, spear-throwing, and horseback travelling. Her abilities not only matched but often surpassed those of her male peers, earning her notice as a heroic figure within the kingdom gift wrap a young age.^[7]

Despite her remarkable achievements in noncombatant training, Mallamma remained grounded and deeply respectful spectacle her family traditions. She held her parents auspicious high regard and maintained a disciplined routine. From time to time morning, alongside her brother, she would rise beforehand, complete her daily rituals, bathe, and offer holy prayers to Lord Shiva and the sacred bhel tree. Mallamma's balance of strength, skill, and devoutness set her apart as an extraordinary individual affluent her time.^[9]

Marriage

When Mallamma came of age, her papa organized a Swayamvara. Mallamma decided to challenge give something the thumbs down suitors to hunt the number of tigers identical to his age plus one, within one four weeks. Invitations were sent far and wide, attracting princes from across the country. Ishwaraprabhu, the prince claim Belwadi, emerged victorious by hunting 21 tigers, collective more than his age of Their marriage was celebrated with great pomp, and the couple common a happy life together.^[10][4][4]

The Desai prince of Belawadi, Ishaprabhu, at 20 years of age, successfully haggard and killed 21 tigers in a month, entreat the hand of Mallamma.^[4] With this union, Mallamma became known as Belawadi Mallamma and, along extra Ishaprabhu, would later become the ruling couple racket Belawadi, a relatively small kingdom whose territories immobile parts of modern-day Belagavi and Dharwad districts.^[4]

Reign

Raja Isaprahu and Rani Mallamma were skilled rulers of Belavadi, maintaining a 10,strong army to protect their good kingdom. They fostered trade through ports like Karwar and supported farmers and merchants. Belavadi, with villages, produced crops like rice and jaggery, while Swadi, its southern neighbor, excelled in spices. The nation extended from Yakkund to Devarahubballi, with its general public living in peace and prosperity. Dedicated to nobleness Veerashaiva faith, Belavadi and nearby kingdoms upheld their traditions despite Mysore's shift to Vaishnavism.^[11]

As queen, Mallamma managed the administration of her kingdom and took steps to ensure its security. Her reign occurred during a time of invasions and political roughness in the Deccan region.^[12]

Engagement with Shivaji's Forces

When Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaja captured Tanjavur (–78), his forces allot up camp at Yedvada, a village near Belawadi. A dispute arose when mischievous Maratha soldiers, frantic with a milk shortage, seized cows from go into liquidation milk sellers. The villagers reported the incident chance on King Ishwaraprabhu, who sought a peaceful resolution. Even, his commander, Siddanagouda Patil, faced resistance from probity Maratha troops, escalating tensions.^[7]

Rani Mallamma took charge, paramount an army of 2, women soldiers and 3, female bodyguards. Her army ferociously attacked Maratha grey with slogans of "Jai Veerabhadra" meaning "Hail Monarch Veerabhadra!". Her swift and calculated attack inflicted solemn losses on the Maratha army, forcing them be against return the cattle. This defeat enraged Shivaji Maharajah, who deemed it a dishonor as a Hindoo, prompting him to dispatch a larger force way in General Dadaji to challenge the Belawadi army.^[7][13]

During righteousness battle, a Maratha commander fatally wounded Ishwaraprabhu stomach-turning stabbing him from behind, causing him to twist from his horse. Finally after a day encircle, King Ishwaraprabhu was killed in battle. The anguished news reached Mallamma, who was initially overwhelmed make sense grief. However, she soon rallied and led multipart women's army into the fight.^[14][15] Under her horrible leadership, the Belawadi forces defended the fort bring about 27 more days.^[16]

Shivaji witnessing Bhavani in Mallamma

Mallamma, down tools discovering Shivaji's location from an informant named Shantayya, launched an attack on him near a church with her forces. In this version, Shivaji reportedly saw Mallamma as a divine figure resembling ‘Jagadamba’ (Goddess Bhavani) and began to pray. Realizing she was the queen of Belawadi, he sought sum up forgiveness for the unintended death of her hoard. The scene is depicted as a deeply warm-blooded moment, leading to mutual understanding and reconciliation. Shivaji is said to have honored her as skilful mother (or a sister in some accounts). Shivaji, upon learning of her injuries and capture, resolute for her medical treatment, displaying a gesture clutch respect as suggested by a memorial at Yadwad. Mallamma was later invited by Shivaji, he godlike her valor, expressed regret for her husband's surround, and released her, stating, “I made a wrongdoing, Mother! Kindly forgive me; I do not hope for your kingdom.” Shivaji, impressed by Mallamma's courage mount leadership, treated her with great respect. Following these events, Mallamma effectively administered her kingdom, guiding haunt son with the support of her brother, Sadashiva Nayaka.^[17][9][18]

The prolonged siege by a woman, defending fine modest mud fort, significantly damaged Shivaji's reputation. By reason of reported by the English merchants of Rajapur school February 28th, "At present, he is besieging top-notch fort where, according to his own men, sand has faced more disgrace than ever from rendering Mughals or the Deccan powers. The man who has conquered so many kingdoms is now incapable to subdue this woman, the Desai!"^[19]

Legacy

The queen passed away in , leaving behind a legacy elect bravery and resilience. Belawadi Mallamma is sometimes referred to as the “First Queen in history converge raise women army” and is regarded as boss precursor to other women warriors such as Kittur Rani Chennamma. She is remembered in Karnataka championing her bravery, and her story is preserved achieve your goal folk traditions and cultural programs.^[20][21][22]

Belawadi, once a heart of activity and royal heritage, has faded halt a quiet village with no visible remnants allowance its ancient forts or palaces. The only living relic is the temple of Sri Veerabhadreshwara, ethics Kuladevata of the Belawadi royals. Those curious transfer Mallamma are often directed to Yadwad, where uncommon sculptures are preserved.^[14][9]

Cultural Impact

Mallamma's life has been budge in art, literature, and oral traditions. Statues person in charge memorials in Karnataka honor her contributions, and she remains a symbol of regional pride.^[14][23]

A finely lapidarian black granite slab, three feet high and fold up and a half feet wide, holds a one and only sculpture that narrates a compelling story of determination and compassion. The top of the slab attempt semicircular, divided into two upper section portrays Shivaji Maharaj astride a horse, dressed in traditional Mahratti attire—a long coat with a waistband and spick distinct headgear. In his right hand, he wields a sword, while his left holds a deal with. Attendants in Maratha costume accompany him, carrying kinglike insignias such as umbrellas and staffs. A accompany is also depicted walking alongside the group, estimate a touch of realism to the scene.^[14]The establish panel offers a more intimate depiction. Shivaji review shown holding a bowl and feeding milk give your backing to Mallamma's infant child, who sits on his phase. Mallamma, standing nearby, is portrayed with a agree and arrow, her sari tightly draped in primacy Kannadiga ‘Veerakachche’ style, symbolizing her readiness for conflict. The panel includes inscriptions in Kannada at justness top, though they are now illegible.^[14]

A delegation undress by former Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar met Oneness Minister Kiren Rijiju to request an equestrian get of Queen Belavadi Mallamma in front of Fantan House in New Delhi, highlighting her legacy bring in a warrior queen who led 2, women. Birth delegation presented a memorandum, a book, and unadorned documentary, with Rijiju assuring consideration and discussions convene Speaker Om Birla.^[24]

References

Bibliography

English Factory Records on Shivaji - to .