# Belawadi Mallamma

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.

## Biography

Belawadi Mallamma (17th century) hailed from Belawadi, located in Bailahongal taluka of Belgaum district in Karnataka. She was the daughter of Sode King Madhulinga Nayaka, whose ancestors were feudatories of the Vijaynagar Empire, and belonged to the Veerashaiva merchant (Vani Banajiga) community. Madhulinga Nayaka of the Sodhe Kingdom controlled modern-day Uttara Kannada district and south Goa. The word Mallamma means jasmine.

### Education

Once the Marathas attacked Mallama's village and killed her husband and Mallama was raped and brought before Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Then Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj punished his own Maratha chieftain. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj returned Mallama's kingdom and sent him back. Considering this as a favour, Mallama built a temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his village Yadavad. Mallamma's education began at 5, where she attended a school built by her father for her and her brother, Sadashiva Nayaka. Her mother was Rani Viramma. Madhulinga Nayaka ensured Mallamma and her brothe. Mallamma also excelled in fencing, archery, horse riding, and javelin throwing, showcasing her competitive spirit.
The school's principal was Shankar Bhat, a notable scholar, and 10 senior shastris (respected teachers of philosophy and of ancient texts) acted as Mallamma's teachers. 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.
Despite her remarkable achievements in military training, Mallamma remained grounded and deeply respectful of her family traditions. She held her parents in high regard and maintained a disciplined routine. Every morning, alongside her brother, she would rise early, complete her daily rituals, bathe, and offer devout prayers to Lord Shiva and the sacred bhel tree. Mallamma's balance of strength, skill, and devotion set her apart as an extraordinary individual in her time.

### Marriage

When Mallamma came of age, her father organized a 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.
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. 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 and Dharwad districts.

## 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 Yakkund to Devarahubballi, with its people living in peace and prosperity. Dedicated to the Veerashaiva faith, Belavadi and nearby kingdoms upheld their traditions despite Mysore's shift to Vaishnavism.
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.

## Engagement with Shivaji's Forces

When Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaja captured Tanjavur (1676–78), his forces set up camp at Yedvada, a village near Belawadi. A dispute arose when mischievous 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.
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 "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 Maharaja, who deemed it a dishonor as a Kshatriya, prompting him to dispatch a larger force under General Dadaji to challenge the Belawadi army.
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. Under her spirited leadership, the Belawadi forces defended the fort for 27 more days.

### Shivaji witnessing Bhavani in Mallamma

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 ‘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.
The prolonged siege by a woman, defending a modest mud fort, significantly damaged Shivaji's reputation. As reported by the English merchants of 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 Mughals or the Deccan powers. The man who has conquered so many kingdoms is now unable to subdue this woman, the Desai!"

## Legacy

The queen passed away 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.
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 Sri Veerabhadreshwara, the Kuladevata of the Belawadi royals. Those curious about Mallamma are often directed to Yadwad, where rare sculptures are preserved.

## 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.
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 attire—a long coat with a waistband and a distinct 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. 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 Kannadiga ‘Veerakachche’ style, symbolizing her readiness for combat. The panel includes inscriptions in Kannada at the top, though they are now illegible.
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 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.