Rani Channamma, the warrior queen of Kittur who waged a heroic freedom struggle  against the British was born  in  1778. She received training in archery, sword fghting, horse riding and statecraft.

Rani Channamma  was married to  Raja  Mallasarja, one of the most illustrious rulers  of  Kittur a small princely state in Belgaum District. A  devoted  wife,  Rani Channamma  was an asset to Mallasarja both on the battlefield and in the affairs of the State. After her husband's death in 1816, Rani Channamma  took  over  the  reins of the State though  the  nominal head was Mallasarja's  son Shivaling Rudrasarja who was an invalid. After the latter's death in September 1824, she continued as Regent of' the State on behalf of Shivalinga  Rudrasarja's adopted son, Shivalingappa.

The British authorities questioned the validity of the adoption of Shivalingappa and  ordered his expulsion which was defied by Rani Channamma. Thereupon the members of the royal family were  kept  under watch and humiliated. Exasperated, Rani Channamma personally led her forces to resist the alien domination. In a grim battle that ensued, the British army was defeated and Thackeray, their Chief, was killed on October 23, 1824. Several British soldiers and' their families were taken captives but they were treated generously by Rani Channamma.

Chaplin, Commissioner of Deccan thereupon collected a considerable force from Pune, Madras, Mysore, etc. and again attack Kittur In December 1824. The British followed a 'divide and rule' policy and overpowered the Kittur army. Rani Channamma was kept as prisoner in Bail-hongal Fort where she died on February 21, 1829.

Even in captivity Rani Channamma pined for Kittur's freedom and tried to organize the forces of neighbouring rulers to carry on the fight. The valour, sacrifice and indomitable spirit displayed by her form a glorious chapter in the nation's history.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department salutes the memory of one of the brave and distinguished daughters of India by issuing this Commemorative Postage Stamp.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India