Karnataka   

A grand legacy in neglect

IN RUINS: A view of Rani Chennamma’s Palace on the Kittur Fort premises.

The three-day cultural extravaganza, Kittur Utsav 2007, took off in Kittur on Tuesday showcasing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the erstwhile Kittur principality and celebrating the role of the region’s most popular heroine and anti-colonial fighter, Rani Chennamma. In the early 19th century, the small principality of Kittur was ruled by Shivalinga Rudradasa, although the power was wielded by his step-mother, Rani Chennamma. She opposed the policy of Do ctrine of Lapse that the British introduced to usurp Indian principalities. In the famous battle that was fought between Rani Chennamma and the British on October 22, 1824, Amatur Balappa, Rani Chennamma’s bodyguard, killed Thackeray, the then Collector of Dharwad, who was commanding the British Army. In the next aggression by the British against the queen in December 1824, Chennamma was captured and taken into custody. The queen languished in jail for five years, dreaming incessantly of freedom. However, she died in jail on February 2, 1829. Rani Chennamma’s heroic battle against the British Empire contributed to the sense of patriotism during the freedom struggle. The palace of Kittur, though built in 1691, is popularly called Rani Chennamma’s Palace. This beautiful building built of red stone was demolished during the battle against the British. Yet its ruins speak of its past grandeur. Still standing are structures such as the main gate, a darbar hall, guards cells, living rooms, water fountain, rest rooms, dining hall, kitchen, store, backyard, kitchen garden, open water tank, bathrooms and four watch towers. These are set in a vast garden with fountains. A notable feature is the water supply and underground drainage system. The occasion serves to highlight the neglect of the monument.

Vijaykumar Patil in Kittur, Belgaum District

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