Freedom Fighters of Karnataka

First Online: Golden Jubilee of Karnataka State
Page Last Updated: February 17, 2024

Introduction

This is a list of prominent leaders from Karnataka who assumed leadership roles during India's epic freedom struggle against the British. When available, the names have been hyper-linked to the portraits or biographies on Kamat's Potpourri website.

It is important to remember that at the time of India's freedom (in 1947) there was no Karnataka as we know today. Instead, it was scattered in twenty different administrative blocks, kingdoms and administrations. Many historians have felt that in fighting for India, the people of Karnataka were fighting for Karnataka itself.

This is a long list, and an incomplete one at that (please suggest additions to Contact Kamats). But I felt compelled to start this list to remember the people who sacrificed their careers, savings, and family lives to build the nation of India and unite Karnataka as a state. It includes lawyers, teachers, social workers, and many journalists and writers who took to activism to spread the gospel of freedom in rural Karnataka.

-Vikas Kamat

Not listed in any particular order.

 

 

Women Freedom Fighters of Karnataka

  • Umabai Kundapur
  • Krishnabai Panjekar
  • Kamaladevi Chattopadhaya
  • Yashodhara Dasappa
  • Tayamma Veerannagowda
  • Mahadevitayi Dodmane
  • Bellary Siddamma
  • Gowramma Venkataramayya
  • Bommakka of Kanagil village  near Ankola who protested against the Goveror or Mumbai at Karwar.
  • Nagamma Patil
  • Vishalakshamma
  • Mahadavi Tayi Hegde of Siddapur participated in freedom ovements of 1930. Later she founded  "Vishwaneedam" Trust. (Her cousin Ramakrishna Hegde was a leader of post-independent Karnataka , and served as its Chief-minister)

 

References

  • Kamath Suryanath U., "Karnatakada Sanksipta Itihasa", Bapco Publications, Bangalore, 1973
  • Kamat Research Database -- Online Encyclopedia of India