Unsung Women Warriors of India

India’s history is filled with brave queens and fearless women who picked up swords when their kingdoms were under threat. While some names are widely known, many real heroes have been forgotten over time. Let’s remember four such unsung women warriors of India — Rani Durgavati, Rani Abbakka Chowta, Onake Obavva, and Rani Velu Nachiyar — whose courage still echoes through the land.

Rani Durgavati, the warrior queen of Gondwana, ruled with wisdom and strength. After her husband died in battle, she took charge of the kingdom. In 1564, when the powerful Mughal army came to attack, she didn’t back down. Instead, she rode into battle herself. Outnumbered and surrounded, she chose death over surrender. Her sacrifice made her a symbol of true bravery.

Far down south, Rani Abbakka Chowta of Ullal (in present-day Karnataka) was shaking an empire. In the 1500s, she stood firm against the mighty Portuguese. Again and again, they attacked her port city, and every time she pushed them back. Her smart war tactics and local alliances made her a thorn in the side of colonial powers. She was one of the earliest women to fight foreign invaders on Indian soil.

In the 18th century, Onake Obavva, an ordinary woman in Chitradurga, showed extraordinary courage. She was not from a royal family — just the wife of a guard. But when she saw enemy soldiers sneaking in through a secret tunnel, she picked up a wooden club (called onake) and fought them alone. She struck down one soldier after another, protecting the fort until help arrived. Her brave act turned her into a legend.

Long before the 1857 revolt, Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu had already taken on the British. After losing her husband in battle, she escaped, gathered allies including Hyder Ali, built an army, and returned stronger. In the 1780s, she led a fiery campaign and won back her kingdom — making her the first Indian queen to defeat the British.

These women may not be in every textbook, but their courage deserves to be in every heart. They remind us that bravery knows no gender — and true warriors never wait for recognition.

FAQs

1. Who was the first Indian queen to defeat the British?
Rani Velu Nachiyar was the first Indian queen to defeat British forces and reclaim her kingdom.

2. What made Onake Obavva famous?
She single-handedly fought enemy soldiers with a wooden club, saving her fort from attack.

3. Why is Rani Abbakka Chowta important in Indian history?
She was one of the first women to fight European colonizers and resist Portuguese invasions.

4. What did Rani Durgavati do when the Mughals attacked?
She led her army into battle and chose to die fighting rather than surrender.