Rani Abbakka Chautha – The Forgotten Warrior Queen of Ullal
Long before India's independence in 1947, around 300 years earlier, a young and fearless queen named Rani Abbakka Chautha of Ullal (near Mangalore) stood as a formidable force against Portuguese colonizers. At just 30 years of age, she led her small kingdom against one of the most advanced naval powers of that era — and made them retreat time and again. Yet, her valiant legacy is sadly absent from most history books.
Rani Abbakka's bravery earned her a unique honor — she remains one of the very few women in the world after whom a naval warship has been named. This distinction speaks volumes about her unparalleled courage, on par with Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Rudrama Devi, and Rani Durgavati.
The Historical Context
India had flourishing maritime trade relations with Arabian countries since the 7th century. By the late 15th century, European powers like Portugal were seeking sea routes to India. In 1498, Vasco da Gama reached Calicut. Within five years, the Portuguese began building ports and soon controlled key maritime routes between India, Muscat, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and even Macau in China.
By the 16th century, the Portuguese were an unstoppable force in the Indian Ocean. They levied taxes on local trade and overpowered native rulers. In 1526, they captured the port of Mangalore and turned their eyes to Ullal.
Rise of Rani Abbakka
Ullal was ruled by the Chautha dynasty under King Tirumala Raya III. A Jain matriarchal kingdom, the Chauthas hailed from Gujarat and had settled in present-day Dakshina Kannada. Abbakka, the king’s niece, was adopted and declared heir. Trained in archery, horse riding, swordsmanship, and diplomacy, she became queen with full authority.
She married Lakshmappa Bangaraja, the King of Mangalore, as a political alliance. However, their union broke when Bangaraja sided with the Portuguese. Abbakka continued ruling independently from Ullal, raising three children while fiercely protecting her kingdom.
Defiance Against the Portuguese
Abbakka refused to bow to Portuguese pressure. Despite taxes and attacks on her ships, she continued trade with the Arabs and maintained a multi-religious army comprising expert archers and sailors.
In 1556, Admiral Don Alvaro de Severia led the first attack on Ullal, which ended in failure. In 1558, a larger Portuguese force was again defeated through Abbakka’s alliance with the Arabs and the Zamorin of Calicut.
Later, General Joao Peixoto managed to temporarily capture Ullal’s fort, but Abbakka escaped and retaliated that very night with 200 soldiers. In a fierce counterattack, she killed the general and 70 Portuguese soldiers, forcing the rest to flee.
Even her estranged husband’s threats did not deter her. Abbakka’s resistance inspired neighboring kingdoms. Angered by her resilience, the Portuguese launched their biggest attack in 1571.
Final Battle and Immortal Legacy
Led by Portuguese Viceroy Anthony D Noronha, a 3,000-strong force attacked Ullal with a powerful warship. Upon hearing the news while returning from a temple visit, Rani Abbakka rode directly to the battlefield. She fought with the fury of a storm — on land, on the beach, and at sea.
Her forces rained down fire arrows, killing many and forcing the Portuguese back to their ships. Even after being wounded, she continued to fight until her last breath. Her courage, patriotism, and sacrifice remain legendary.
Honoring a Forgotten Hero
In 2015, the Indian Navy honored Rani Abbakka by naming a warship after her — a tribute to her indomitable spirit. Though missing from most textbooks, her story lives on in the hearts of those who cherish India's unsung warriors.
Let us remember and celebrate Rani Abbakka, the Queen of Ullal, whose name deserves to be etched in golden letters in our history.
ఇలాంటి వ్యాసాల కోసం ఈ క్రింద ఉన్న వాట్సాప్ గ్రూప్ లో జాయిన అవ్వగలరు. మీ MegaMindsIndia.
