Queen Chennamma of Keladi

Keladi is a small village (population 2125) in Shimoga district. But it was capital city of a kingdom ruled by Nayakas for more than 260 years between 1500-1756 CE. Chennamma was wife of Somashekhara Nayaka the 8th ruler of Keladi, which is also known as principality of Ikkeri or Bidnur, named after two other capitals.

Somashekhara Nayaka was a tyrant, had vices and became insane. Finally he was murdered and in the absence of a child, his wife Chennamma took up the reins.

Her first job was to suppress the Generals who themselves wanted to take over and rule. Next she had to take to arms, to defeat smaller palegars (chieftains) who wanted to become independent. But her act of valor lies in providing temporary shelter to Rajaram, second son of Chhatrapati Shivaji and incurring wrath of the ruthless emperor, Aurangzeb.

After treacherously killing Sambhaji who succeeded Shivaji as king of Marathas, Aurangzeb wanted to take over by annihilating the second son of Shivaji, Rajaram also and annex Maratha kingdom. But the powerful and trusted Generals guarded the region and their new king Rajaram. Within a month they found themselves surrounded by Mughal army at Raigad the capital. It was decided to send Rajaram to safer place in South India where Marathas had a strong hold in Ginji and Tanjore.

But the route was long and passed through difficult terrain with rivers and dense forest. The small principalities fortunately enjoyed cordial relations developed by Shivaji. Rajaram safely reached Honnali in Keladi Kingdom and asked for shelter and protection for onward journey to Ginji from the Queen.

© K.L.Kamat

Queen Chennamma and Courtiers
Town of Keladi, 17th century

Chennamma faced the greatest dilemma in her life. As a ruler, she wanted to extend all necessary help to a guest, who is treated as visiting god ([atithideva]) in Indian tradition. On the other hand she had to face displeasure of the mighty Mughal emperor, who was considered one of the most powerful rulers of the contemporary world. She knew very well that her kingdom and her very life were at stake by providing shelter to the fugitive king. But she took the risk. Rajaram went into hiding and reached Ginji safely under the kind protection of Chennammaji.

Meanwhile the Mughal army, which was chasing the Maratha King, surrounded Keladi. Chennamma had taken precaution to move her capital and readied to face the Mughal army. Battle ensued as expected.

The Mughal army though equipped with better arms and well-trained soldiers, was used to fight only in plains. The hilly terrain and dense forests in an unknown region were against them. The army suffered a big set back. It had to retreat.

According to Portuguese sources the Keladi Queen was defeated and forced to accept a treaty. Kannada sources claim that Mughal Badshah’s army was defeated. In all probability, Queen Chennamma agreed for a compromise to avoid further danger. Aurangzeb was not a person to face slightest humiliation. The small kingdom of Keladi was no match to waiting army of Emperor of India. Before the big army arrived, a treaty was struck whereby Chennamma had to pay 18 lakhs of Varahas(gold coins) and cede three border forts.

By this wise move, Chennamma saved herself and her kingdom. Aurangzeb called her a "female bear". He was perhaps aware of her insight and popularity. An inscription, contemporary literary sources and folksongs speak about the fighting tactics of the brave queen.

One wonders whether other men rulers in her place would ever show the courage to provide shelter to a fleeing royal and risk loosing life and kingdom?

The answer could be no! Some would have even handed over the fugitive to the waiting Mughal army and earned the good will of emperor of India for ever and ever. Chennamma’s neighbors were never friendly, including the Wodeyars of Mysore. Friendship w