On the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava a commemorative Postage stamp was released at the historic Kittur Rani Channamma Stage, Kittur Fort Premises on 23rd October, 2024.
- The commemorative stamp designed by Shri Brahm Prakash features a striking portrait of Rani Channamma, on her horse drawing a sword, fighting against the British, embodying her strength and bravery.
- The stamp is rendered in vibrant colors, capturing the spirit of resistance and resilience exemplified by Rani Channamma.
- Accompanying the artwork is the inscription “Kittur Vijayotsava – 200 Years” to honor this historic milestone, making it a poignant tribute to her enduring legacy in India’s freedom fight.
- This stamp pays tribute to her indomitable spirit and leadership during a crucial period in India’s fight for independence and serves as a reminder of Kittur’s rich history and its enduring impact on the nation’s freedom struggle.
Rani Chennamma
- Rani Chennamma, the queen of Kitturu was one such warrior who led a war against British forces in the early part of 19th Century when not many rulers were familiar with the evil designs of the British.
- She was the first Indian ruler to lead an armed rebellion against the British East India Company.
- She was outnumbered and arrested, but she is still remembered for leading the revolt against British rule in India.
- Chennamma was born in Kakati, a small village in today’s Belagavi district of Karnataka. She became queen of Kitturu (now in Karnataka) when she married Raja Mallasarja of the Desai family.
- The princely state of Kitturu was taken over by the British East India Company in 1824 by imposing the ‘doctrine of lapse’, even before it was officially articulated by Lord Dalhousie, Governor General for the British East India Company, between 1848 and 1856.
- It was probably the first instance of its application. Lord Dalhousie merely made it official in 1848 by documenting it officially.
- Dalhousie’s annexations and the doctrine of lapse caused great anger among the ruling princes in India, making it one of the causes of the Indian Mutiny of 1857.
