2025 - Rani Channamma's Victory at Kittur | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹200 will be issued to mark the 200th Anniversary of Rani Channamma's Victory at Kittur. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on October 22, 2025.

Rani Chennamma’s victory at Kittur stands as one of the earliest and most inspiring episodes of resistance against British colonial rule in India. Long before the uprising of 1857, she emerged as a fearless leader who challenged the might of the British Empire with extraordinary courage and conviction. Her defiance in 1824 not only made her a revered figure in the history of Karnataka but also secured her place among the pioneers of India’s struggle for freedom. The story of Kittur is one of bravery, determination, and sacrifice, embodying the spirit of self-rule that would later ignite the nation.

Born in 1778 in Kakati, a small village in present-day Belagavi district, Chennamma showed signs of courage and leadership even in her youth. She was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and archery—skills that would later shape her destiny as a warrior queen. Married to Raja Mallasarja of Kittur, she became the queen of a principality known for its rich culture and strong sense of independence. After the death of her husband and only son, she adopted a boy named Shivalingappa as her heir, following local traditions to ensure continuity of rule. However, the British East India Company, enforcing the Doctrine of Lapse, refused to recognize the adoption and demanded control over Kittur.

This unjust interference was the spark that ignited her resistance. When British officials led by Collector St. John Thackeray attempted to seize Kittur’s treasury and take control of the state in 1824, Rani Chennamma refused to surrender. She rallied her forces and confronted the British troops with unmatched resolve. The ensuing battle at Kittur was fierce and decisive. The British suffered heavy losses, including the death of Thackeray himself, while Chennamma’s troops successfully defended their land. Her strategic acumen and leadership astonished both her allies and adversaries, making her one of the first Indian rulers to achieve victory over British forces in open combat.

Although the British later regrouped with reinforcements and laid siege to Kittur, eventually capturing the queen, her initial triumph resonated throughout the region. Her bravery inspired neighboring rulers and common people alike to question British authority. Even after her imprisonment, Rani Chennamma remained dignified and resolute, earning the respect of both her captors and her subjects. She continued to be a symbol of moral strength, embodying the ideals of justice, self-respect, and national pride.

The victory at Kittur was more than a military success—it was a declaration of sovereignty and defiance against foreign rule. At a time when women were rarely seen in leadership or military roles, Rani Chennamma shattered conventions and proved that courage knows no gender. Her legacy transcends regional boundaries, representing the indomitable will of Indians to protect their land and dignity. In Karnataka, her story has been passed down through generations in folklore, songs, and ballads, keeping alive the memory of her valiant stand.

Rani Chennamma’s triumph continues to inspire modern India as a reminder of the power of conviction and the cost of freedom. Her resistance at Kittur marked the beginning of a long journey toward independence, setting an example for countless patriots who followed. Even two centuries later, her name evokes pride and admiration—a queen who dared to stand against an empire and became a symbol of India’s unyielding spirit.