Chennamma Of Keladi

                                                                                      Rani Chennamma was a strong, fearless and skilful ruler. She ruled over the State of Kelari in south India for 25 years. The State of Kelari was located in the Malnad region of Karnataka. Its first ruler was Chandappa Nayaka, who took over the reins in AD 1500.                                                  There was a great consternation in the court of Keladi, when the king married a commoner. But Chennamma, the merchant's daughter, proved to be a born queen. She became an expert rider and archer. She took great interest in the governing of the kingdom. When a scheming minister poisoned and killed the king, Chennamma was forced to take over as ruler. Before she could calm the troubled kingdom, Keladi came under attack from the powerful armies of Bijapur. Undaunted, Chennamma sold her jewelry to finance the battle. Then she marched out to meet the invaders, at the head of her army.