Kittur today is a tiny town in Karnataka. It was the capital of a small princely state for nearly 164 years. Rani Chennamma was the first head of a princely state in India to rise against the mighty British empire. She was a woman of indomitable courage and patriotism. Her life is an inspiring story which will thrill freedom lovers in any country, at all times. Chennamma (1778-1829) received training in horse riding, sword fighting and archery in her young age. She was married to Raja Mullasarja of Kittur, a princely state of Belgaum in what is today Karnataka. Her husband died in 1816, followed by only son in 1824. Chennamma adopted Shivalingappa as her son and made him heir to throne. The British did not accept this and ordered expulsion of Shivalingappa. The Rani defied the order. A great battle ensued.

The Rani fought the British with great courage and skill. she could not, however, hold out for long. She was taken captive and lodged in Bailhongal fort where she died on 21-02-1829. She was ably aided in her struggle by her Lieutenant Sangolli Rayanna.

She considered as the epitome of the Kannada woman pride. One of India's first freedom fighters, the queens heroic resistance is still commemorated locally-in song and story. Her statue stands sentinel over Belgaum at a prominent square.