Belawadi Mallamma was a warrior queen from the Belawadi province in present-day Karnataka, India.
18 Facts About Belawadi Mallamma
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Belawadi Mallamma is known for her leadership and resistance against invaders during a period of significant conflict in the region.
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Belawadi Mallamma hailed from Belawadi, located in Bailahongal taluka of Belgaum district in Karnataka.
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Belawadi Mallamma was the daughter of Sode King Madhulinga Nayaka, whose ancestors were feudatories of the Vijaynagar Empire, and belonged to the Veerashaiva merchant community.
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Belawadi Mallamma excelled in fencing, archery, horse riding, and javelin throwing, showcasing her competitive spirit.
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Belawadi Mallamma quickly mastered the sword and went on to become skilled in archery, spear-throwing, and horseback riding.
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Belawadi Mallamma held her parents in high regard and maintained a disciplined routine.
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When Belawadi Mallamma came of age, her father organized a Swayamvara.
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Belawadi Mallamma decided to challenge her suitors to hunt the number of tigers equal to his age plus one, within one month.
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Raja Isaprahu and Rani Belawadi Mallamma were skilled rulers of Belavadi, maintaining a 10,000-strong army to protect their prosperous kingdom.
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Belawadi Mallamma's reign occurred during a time of invasions and political instability in the Deccan region.
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Rani Belawadi Mallamma took charge, leading an army of 2,000 women soldiers and 3,000 female bodyguards.
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The tragic news reached Belawadi Mallamma, who was initially overwhelmed with grief.
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Under her spirited leadership, the Belawadi Mallamma forces defended the fort for 27 more days.
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Belawadi Mallamma, upon discovering Shivaji's location from an informant named Shantayya, launched an attack on near a temple with her forces.
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Belawadi Mallamma is remembered in Karnataka for her bravery, and her story is preserved through folk traditions and cultural programs.
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Those curious about Belawadi Mallamma are often directed to Yadwad, where rare sculptures are preserved.
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Belawadi Mallamma's life has been commemorated in art, literature, and oral traditions.