12 Facts About Keladi Chennamma

Keladi Chennamma was queen regnant of Keladi Nayaka Kingdom in Karnataka between 1677 and 1696.

Keladi Chennamma took birth in the household of a man called Siddappa Shetty, who was a native merchant in the region of Kundapur, Karnataka.

Keladi Chennamma adopted Basavappa Nayaka, one of her close relatives who succeeded as Hiriya Basappa Nayaka.

Keladi Chennamma rendered a trade agreement with the Portuguese involving commodities like pepper and rice.

Keladi Chennamma permitted Portuguese to establish churches at Mirjan, Honnavara, Chandravara and Kalyanpura.

However, the Ikkeri kingdom, under the regency of Queen Keladi Chennamma who ruled on behalf of her adopted minor son Basava Raja, mounted a formidable defense.

Keladi Chennamma provided shelter to Rajaram Chhatrapati, son of Shivaji who was fleeing from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after a meeting with her cabinet and treated Rajaram with respect, but Aurangazeb attacked Keladi.

Keladi Chennamma kingdom was probably the last to lose autonomy to Mysore rulers and subsequently to British.

Keladi Chennamma's cabinet was headed by Timmanna Naik, who was the descendant of a commander of Vijayanagara.

Keladi Chennamma is considered as the epitome of the Kannada women's valor along with Belwadi Mallamma, Rani Abbakka, Onake Obavva and Kittur Chennamma.

Keladi Chennamma built a fort on the hill, and later the town was renamed Channagiri, after her.

Keladi Chennamma was known to be a very virtuous and pious woman, and a pragmatic administrator of her times.