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KELADI CHENNAMMA |
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Introduction
She ruled over a small state, Keladi, for twenty five years (1671-1696), but proved
herself a great and heroic queen. She protected the kingdom when her husband failed in his
duty. And she faced the wrath of the mighty Aurangazeb, and gave shelter to Rajaram,
Shivaji's son.
Author - Shantadevi Malwad
Keladi Chennamma
She was the Queen of an ancient State. She had no husband. Still she fought with the many
foes around and freed the kingdom from several dangers. But soon she had to face another
danger.
Aurangzeb was the Moghul Emperor then. 'Alamgir' was his title. Alamgir means one who has
conquered the whole world.
Aurangzeb had conquered manykingdoms in North India and had turned his eyes towards the
South. His thirst for expansion was not yet quenched and his vast: powerful army attacked
this small State. The reason given was that the Queen had given shelter to the son of
Maharaja Shivaji.
But the Queen was not afraid. Nor did she feel sorry. She did not ask for pardon. She
fa6ed the attack like a heroic woman. When the enemies themselves withdrew their attack
and begged for a treaty, she was quite generous.
This heroic Queen and noble lady was Queen Chennamma of Keladi.
Chennamma ruled the kingdom of Keladi for twenty-five years. She had the complexion of a
pearl, with bright eyes and a broad forehead. A long nose and curly hair adorned a face of
royal dignity. The beautiful Queen was full of good qualities too. And she had the ability
to kill her enemies in the battles, like Durga (the goddess of power). Beauty, valour,
piety and generosity all blended in this great Queen.
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