Rani Abbakka Chowta

About Rani Abbakka Chowta

• Rani Abbakka Chowta was a courageous queen of Ullal in the 16th century.
• Dynasty: She belonged to the Chowta dynasty, which followed the Tuluvu community’s traditions.
• Region: She ruled Ullal, a prosperous port in Tulunadu, near Mangaluru, Karnataka.
• Matrilineal System: The Chowtas followed a matrilineal tradition, in which inheritance and authority usually passed through the female line.
• Religion: She followed Jainism, but her administration included Hindus and Muslims.
• Title: She is popularly known as Abbakka Mahadevi or Rani Abbakka.
• Key Contributions:
  • Early Resistance to Colonial Expansion: She was one of India’s earliest freedom fighters who resisted Portuguese expansion and defended her kingdom.
  • Military Courage and Skill: She demonstrated exceptional military skills in archery and sword fighting and repeatedly repulsed Portuguese attacks on Ullal.
  • Guerrilla Counterattack: In 1567, she escaped during the Portuguese attack on Ullal and took shelter in a mosque. That night, she launched a counterattack with 200 soldiers, killing General Joao Peixoto and 70 Portuguese soldiers.
  • Religious and Social Unity: Her administration and army included Hindus, Muslims and people from different castes, including the Moggaveeras, a fisherfolk community.
  • Strategic Alliances: In 1570, she allied with Bijapur, Ahmednagar and the Zamorin of Calicut to resist the Portuguese.
  • Resistance and Sacrifice: She continued fighting despite repeated attacks and betrayal by her estranged husband, who shared her military strategies with the Portuguese.
    • After her arrest, she revolted in prison and died fighting.
• Modern Recognition:
  • Museum: The Tulu Baduku Museum in Bantwal Taluk, Karnataka, is named after her.
  • Indian Navy: The Indian Navy named an Inshore Patrol Vessel (ICGS Rani Abbakka) after her to honour her contributions.
  • Award: The Veera Rani Abbakka Prashasti is awarded to distinguished women.