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{{Short description|Queen consort and later regent of the Belawadi Kingdom}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix = [[Rani]]
| name = Belawadi Mallamma
| image = Map of Belawadi province.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Map of Belawadi province
| birth_name = Mallamma
| birth_date = 1624
| birth_place = [[Sodhe]], Karnataka
| death_date = 1678
| death_place =
| predecessor = [[Raja]] Ishwaraprabhu
| spouse = Raja Ishaprabhu
| known_for =
| occupation = [[Queen regnant]]
}}

'''Belawadi Mallamma''' (1624–1678) was a warrior queen from the [[Belawadi]] province in present-day [[Karnataka]], India. She is known for her leadership and resistance against invaders during a period of significant conflict in the region.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/26/stories/2008102652370300.htm |title=Ensure Belwadi Mallamma of Belgaum district gets her place in international history |accessdate=2008-11-17 |location=Chennai, India |date=2008-10-26 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030010412/http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/26/stories/2008102652370300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archivedate=30 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popline.org/node/274560 |title=Women of prominence in Karnataka. |accessdate=2008-11-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108233858/http://www.popline.org/node/274560 |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Queen MALLAMA of Belawadi, Karnataka |url=https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/About-Queen-MALLAMA-of-Belawadi,-Karnataka---1.aspx?sectionname=History&subsectionname=Great-Indian-Leaders&topicname=About-Queen-MALLAMA-of-Belawadi,-Karnataka--&chapter=1 |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=www.esamskriti.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

Under her leadership, the Belawadi forces fought against invading Maratha soldiers of Shivaji and defeated them.

==Biography==
Belawadi Mallamma (17th century) hailed from [[Belawadi]], located in [[Bailhongal|Bailahongal]] taluka of [[Belgaum]] district in Karnataka. She was the daughter of [[Sonda, Karnataka|Sode]] King Madhulinga Nayaka, whose ancestors were feudatories of the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijaynagar Empire]], and belonged to the [[Veerashaiva]] community. Madhulinga Nayaka of the [[Sonda, Karnataka|Sodhe Kingdom]] controlled modern-day [[Uttara Kannada]] district and south [[Goa]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=About Queen MALLAMA of Belawadi, Karnataka |url=https://www.esamskriti.com/essay-chapters.aspx?sectionname=History&subsectionname=Great-Indian-Leaders&topicname=About-Queen-MALLAMA-of-Belawadi,-Karnataka--&chapter=1 |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=www.esamskriti.com |language=en-us}}</ref> The word ''Mallamma'' means ''[[jasmine]]''.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Hegde |first1=Shakila |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=myZREAAAQBAJ&dq=Mallamma&pg=PT55 |title=Women Empowerment |last2=K |first2=Nagappa Gowda |date=2021-11-09 |publisher=Prowess Publishing |isbn=978-1-5457-5447-4 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Education ===
Her mother was Rani Viramma. Madhulinga Nayaka ensured Mallamma and her brother. Mallamma also excelled in fencing, archery, horse riding, and javelin throwing, showcasing her competitive spirit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India@75: Meet 7 Brave Warrior Queens of South India Who Fought for Freedom from British |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india75-meet-7-brave-warrior-queens-of-south-india-who-fought-for-freedom-from-british-5751061.html |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

The school's principal was Shankar Bhat, a notable scholar, and 10 senior [[shastri]]s (respected teachers of philosophy and of ancient texts) acted as Mallamma's teachers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Kamat's Potpourri: Appendix A |url=https://www.kamat.com/database/books/kareducation/appendix_a.htm |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=www.kamat.com}}</ref> Raja Madhulinga Nayaka ensured that students at the royal school received comprehensive military training. To achieve this, he appointed Ranavir Singh, a renowned soldier, to instill discipline and teach the art of warfare. Among the students, Mallamma's brother, Sadasivanayaka, excelled in swordsmanship, inspiring Mallamma to follow in his footsteps. Mallamma quickly mastered the sword and went on to become skilled in archery, spear-throwing, and horseback riding. Her abilities not only matched but often surpassed those of her male peers, earning her recognition as a heroic figure within the kingdom at a young age.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Mallamma was respectful of her parents and family traditions. She maintained a disciplined routine, rising early, bathing, and praying to [[Shiva|Lord Shiva]] and the [[Aegle marmelos|bhel tree]].<ref name="Naikar">{{Cite book |last=Naikar |first=Basavaraj S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZiOBi3DNj5kC |title=The Rebellious Rani of Belavadi and Other Stories |date=2001 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist |isbn=978-81-269-0127-2 |language=en}}</ref>

=== Marriage ===
When Mallamma came of age, her father organized a [[Svayamvara|Swayamvara]]. Mallamma decided to challenge her suitors to hunt the number of tigers equal to his age plus one, within one month. Invitations were sent far and wide, attracting princes from across the country. Ishwaraprabhu, the prince of Belwadi, emerged victorious by hunting 21 tigers, one more than his age of 20. Their marriage was celebrated with great pomp, and the couple shared a happy life together.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Naikar |first=Basavaraj S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZiOBi3DNj5kC&dq=Mallamma&pg=PA40 |title=The Rebellious Rani of Belavadi and Other Stories |date=2001 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist |isbn=978-81-269-0127-2 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

The [[Desai]] prince of Belawadi, Ishaprabhu, at 20 years of age, successfully hunted and killed 21 tigers in a month, earning the hand of Mallamma.<ref name=":0" /> With this union, Mallamma became known as Belawadi Mallamma and, along with Ishaprabhu, would later become the ruling couple of Belawadi, a relatively small kingdom whose territories covered parts of modern-day [[Belagavi district|Belagavi]] and [[Dharwad district|Dharwad]] districts.<ref name=":0" />

== Reign ==
Raja Isaprahu and Rani Mallamma were skilled rulers of Belavadi, maintaining a 10,000-strong army to protect their prosperous kingdom. They fostered trade through ports like [[Karwar]] and supported farmers and merchants. Belavadi, with 160 villages, produced crops like rice and jaggery, while Swadi, its southern neighbor, excelled in spices. The kingdom extended from [[Yakkanchi|Yakkund]] to [[Devarhubli|Devarahubballi]], with its people living in peace and prosperity. Dedicated to the [[Veerashaiva]] faith, Belavadi and nearby kingdoms upheld their traditions despite [[Mysore State|Mysore]]'s shift to [[Vaishnavism]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Naikar |first=Basavaraj S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZiOBi3DNj5kC&dq=belawadi+mallamma+reign&pg=PA10 |title=The Rebellious Rani of Belavadi and Other Stories |date=2001 |publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Dist |isbn=978-81-269-0127-2 |language=en}}</ref>

As queen, Mallamma managed the administration of her kingdom and took steps to ensure its security. Her reign occurred during a time of invasions and political instability in the Deccan region.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Hallad |first1=Jyoti S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M8jieEnjCT4C&dq=Mallamma&pg=PA60 |title=Inviting Menopause |last2=Khan |first2=C. G. Hussain |date=2010 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-7835-807-9 |language=en}}</ref>

== Engagement with Shivaji's Forces ==
[[File:Shivaji's March to Jinji.jpg|thumb|Shivaji's Southern Campaign]]
When [[Shivaji]] captured [[Thanjavur|Tanjavur]] (1676–78), his forces set up camp at [[Yerawada|Yedvada]], a village near [[Belawadi]]. A dispute arose when mischievous [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha]] soldiers, struggling with a milk shortage, seized cows from local milk sellers. The villagers reported the incident to King Ishwaraprabhu, who sought a peaceful resolution. However, his commander, Siddanagouda Patil, faced resistance from the Maratha troops, escalating tensions.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Rani Mallamma took charge, leading an army of 2,000 women soldiers and 3,000 female bodyguards. Her army ferociously attacked Maratha army with slogans of "''[[Virabhadra|Jai Veerabhadra]]''" meaning "Hail Lord Veerabhadra!". Her swift and calculated attack inflicted heavy losses on the Maratha army, forcing them to return the cattle. This defeat enraged Shivaji, prompting him to dispatch a larger force under General Dadaji to challenge the Belawadi army.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ramesh |first=K. V. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gPdtAAAAMAAJ&q=Mallamma |title=Gauravaṁ: Recent Researches in Indology : Prof. B.K. Garuraja Rao Felicitation Volume |date=1996 |publisher=Harman Publishing House |isbn=978-81-86622-08-7 |language=en}}</ref>
During the battle, a Maratha commander fatally wounded Ishwaraprabhu by stabbing him from behind, causing him to fall from his horse. King Ishwaraprabhu was killed in battle. The tragic news reached Mallamma, who was initially overwhelmed with grief. However, she soon rallied and led her women's army into the fight.<ref name="Nayak">{{Cite web |last=Nayak |first=Dinesh |title=Belawadi Mallamma: a Kannadiga braveheart queen |url=https://dipr.karnataka.gov.in/storage/pdf-files/Publication/MoK-Dec-2021.pdf |website=dipr.karnataka.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Chandran |first=Praphulla Satish |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sVotAAAAMAAJ&q=Mallamma |title=Folk Tales of Karnataka |date=1973 |publisher=Sterling Publishers |language=en}}</ref> Under her spirited leadership, the Belawadi forces defended the fort for 27 more days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Great-Indian-Leaders |url=https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/About-Queen-MALLAMA-of-Belawadi,-Karnataka---1.aspx |website=esamskriti}}</ref>

The prolonged siege by a woman, defending a modest mud fort, significantly damaged Shivaji's reputation. As reported by the [[East India Company|English merchants]] of [[Rajapur, Maharashtra|Rajapur]] on February 28, 1678: "At present, he is besieging a fort where, according to his own men, he has faced more disgrace than ever from the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] or the [[Deccan sultanates|Deccan powers]]. The man who has conquered so many kingdoms is now unable to subdue this woman, the Desai!"<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sarkar |first=J. |year=1920 |title=Shivaji and his Times |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/Bharatpedia/commons/a/a3/Shivaji_and_his_times_%28IA_cu31924024056750%29.pdf |edition=2nd |publisher=Longmans, Green, and Co.}}</ref>
=== Fictional account ===
Mallamma, upon discovering Shivaji's location from an informant named ''Shantayya'', launched an attack on near a temple with her forces. In this version, Shivaji reportedly saw Mallamma as a divine figure resembling ‘[[Jagdamba|Jagadamba]]’ (Goddess [[Bhavani]]) and Realizing she was the queen of Belawadi, he sought her forgiveness for the unintended death of her husband. The scene is depicted as a deeply emotional moment, leading to mutual understanding and reconciliation. Shivaji is said to have honored her as a mother (or a sister in some accounts). Shivaji, upon learning of her injuries and capture, arranged for her medical treatment, displaying a gesture of respect as suggested by a memorial at Yadwad. Mallamma was later invited by Shivaji, he praised her valor, expressed regret for her husband's death, and released her, stating, “I made a mistake, Mother! Kindly forgive me; I do not want your kingdom.” Shivaji, impressed by Mallamma's courage and leadership, treated her with great respect. Following these events, Mallamma effectively administered her kingdom, guiding her son with the support of her brother, Sadashiva Nayaka.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dodiya |first=Jaydipsinh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kp9lx0YQyAQC&dq=Mallamma&pg=PA335 |title=Perspectives on Indian English Fiction |date=2006 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |isbn=978-81-7625-639-1 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Naikar" /><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Prasad |first1=Amar Nath |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HvhTI1GGIo8C&dq=Mallamma&pg=PA201 |title=Indian Writing in English: Tradition and Modernity |last2=Kanupriya |date=2006 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |isbn=978-81-7625-717-6 |language=en}}</ref>

===Alternate accounts===
A publication titled Shivaji-Mallammaji Samarotsava was published by the Kannada Department of [[Mumbai University]] in 1989, as a Marathi book. It is mentioned by Historians G.B Mehendale and J.D Sarkar, the book was edited by Dr. K. N. Chitnis who wrote that the book is an "early 18th Century Manuscript". This manuscript claims to be written by Shesho Shrinivas Mutalik for a biographical competition about Shivaji, facilitated by Shivaji's daughter-in-law and then regent of Maratha Kingdom, [[Tarabai]], where he secured the 3rd prize. The narrative claims to relate the story of Mallamma, the daughter of Madhulinga Nayak of Sonda, who was married to Ishaprabhu of Belavadi. It details how [[Shivaji]]'s soldiers seized cows from Belavadi in advance of the campaign in [[Karnataka]]. The subsequent conflict, resulted in Ishaprabhu being mortally wounded. Mallamma, after the conflict, refused to accept the aggression from Shivaji's armies and continued the resistance by ambushing him and his few remaining soldiers. It is documented in the Shivaji-Mallammaji Samarotsava, that Shivaji, scared for his life, sought forgiveness from Mallamma, who gave it. The original manuscript is lost, but a [[Marathi language|Marathi]] copy in Kannada letters was apparently located in Belavadi, of which is said to be transferred after Mallamma's death in 1717. Dr. Chitnis did accept that it has numerous modern references and interpolations, including the false reference to Mallamma defeating [[Shivaji]]; he also considered the alternative that the text may be early 18th Century. Some historians believe that text is a Japanese script.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/shivaji-his-life-times-by-gajanan-bhaskar-mehendale_202312|title=Shivaji His Life & Times|last=Gajanan Bhaskar Mehendale|pages=912}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Shivaji_and_His_Times/WYFrgILWbIgC?hl=en|title=Shivaji and His Times|last=Sarkar|first=Jadunath|date=1992|publisher=Orient Longman|isbn=978-81-250-1347-1|language=en}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The queen died in 1678, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and resilience. Belawadi Mallamma is sometimes referred to as the “First Queen in history to raise women army” and is regarded as a precursor to other women warriors such as Kittur Rani Chennamma. She is remembered in Karnataka for her bravery, and her story is preserved through folk traditions and cultural programs.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEBrDS1zp8U |title=Queen Belawadi Mallamma.First Queen to raise Women Army.Fought Shivaji Maharaj of Maratha Empire. |date=2023-12-05 |last=Mohar M Ghosh |access-date=2024-12-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Belawadi Mallamma: महिला सैन्य टुकड़ी बनाने वाली पहली रानी की कहानी है बेहद प्रभावी, शिवाजी बन गए थे प्रशंसक |url=https://www.amarujala.com/shakti/meet-belawadi-mallamma-first-queen-to-form-indian-female-army-2024-06-24 |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=Amar Ujala |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Queen MALLAMA of Belawadi, Karnataka |url=https://www.esamskriti.com/e/History/Great-Indian-Leaders/About-Queen-MALLAMA-of-Belawadi,-Karnataka---1.aspx |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=www.esamskriti.com |language=en-us}}</ref>

Belawadi, once a hub of activity and royal heritage, has faded into a quiet village with no visible remnants of its ancient forts or palaces. The only surviving relic is the temple of [[Virabhadra|Sri Veerabhadreshwara]], the [[Kuladevata]] of the Belawadi royals. Those curious about Mallamma are often directed to Yadwad, where rare sculptures are preserved.<ref name="Nayak" /><ref name="Naikar" />

== Cultural Impact ==
Mallamma's life has been commemorated in art, literature, and oral traditions. Statues and memorials in Karnataka honor her contributions, and she remains a symbol of regional pride.<ref name="Nayak" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bharat |first=E. T. V. |date=2024-02-28 |title=ಇಂದು, ನಾಳೆ ಬೆಳಗಾವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವೀರರಾಣಿ ಬೆಳವಡಿ ಮಲ್ಲಮ್ಮನ ಉತ್ಸವ; ನಾಡಿನ ಸಮರ ಸಿಂಹಿಣಿಯ ಸ್ಮರಣೆ |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/kn/!state/belavadi-mallamma-festival-in-belgavi-kas24022800933 |access-date=2024-12-28 |website=ETV Bharat News |language=kn}}</ref>

A finely carved black granite slab, three feet high and two and a half feet wide, holds a unique sculpture that narrates a compelling story of bravery and compassion. The top of the slab is semicircular, divided into two sections.The upper section portrays Shivaji Maharaj astride a horse, dressed in traditional [[Marathi people|Marathi attire]]—a long coat with a [[waistband]] and a distinct [[Pagri (turban)|headgear]]. In his right hand, he wields a sword, while his left holds a shield. Attendants in Maratha costume accompany him, carrying royal insignias such as umbrellas and staffs. A dog is also depicted walking alongside the group, adding a touch of realism to the scene.<ref name="Nayak" /> The bottom panel offers a more intimate depiction. Shivaji is shown holding a bowl and feeding milk to Mallamma's infant child, who sits on his lap. Mallamma, standing nearby, is portrayed with a bow and arrow, her sari tightly draped in the [[Kannadigas|Kannadiga]] ‘Veerakachche’ style, symbolizing her readiness for combat. The panel includes inscriptions in Kannada at the top, though they are now illegible.<ref name="Nayak" />

A delegation led by former Karnataka CM [[Jagadish Shettar]] met Union Minister [[Kiren Rijiju]] to request an equestrian statue of Queen Belavadi Mallamma in front of [[Parliament House, New Delhi|Parliament House]] in [[New Delhi]], highlighting her legacy as a warrior queen who led 2,000 women. The delegation presented a memorandum, a book, and a documentary, with Rijiju assuring consideration and discussions with Speaker [[Om Birla]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-10-01 |title=Delegation meets Kiren Rijiju with demand for installing Belavadi Mallamma's statue in Delhi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/delegation-meets-kiren-rijiju-with-demand-for-installing-belavadi-mallammas-statue-in-delhi/article68705886.ece |access-date=2024-12-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{cite book |title=English Factory Records on Shivaji - 1659 to 1682 |url=https://archive.org/details/EnglishFactoryRecordsOnShivaji-1659To1682/page/n585/mode/2up?q=suffered}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mallamma, Belawadi}}
[[Category:Indian military leaders]]
[[Category:History of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Indian women in war]]
[[Category:Hindu monarchs]]
[[Category:Kannada people]]
[[Category:Lingayatism]]
[[Category:People from Belgaum]]
[[Category:Women in 17th-century warfare]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian women]]
[[Category:17th-century Indian royalty]]
[[Category:Indian female royalty]]
[[Category:Regents in India]]
[[Category:Indian women warriors]]
[[Category:17th-century women regents]]
[[Category:17th-century regents]]
[[Category:17th-century women rulers]]
[[Category:1624 births]]
[[Category:1678 deaths]]

Belawadi Mallamma - Revision history

imported>RosalieHowes26 at 07:01, 11 March 2026