Abigail D'Mello

Rani Abbakka Chowta (1525–1570)

Apart of the series She is real. This is her story. She fought against colonial powers.

“Rani Abbakka Chowta, the 16th-century queen of Ullal in present-day Karnataka, fought against Portuguese colonial forces. Raised in a matrilineal society and trained from an early age in governance and warfare, Abbakka led a relentless defence of her kingdom, forming strategic alliances and pioneering naval warfare tactics. Despite betrayal from within her court, she fought tirelessly until her capture, becoming one of India's earliest and most formidable freedom fighters.In this painting, Abbakka is depicted with unshakable confidence, sword in hand, standing over drowning Portuguese colonizers to assert her defiance and strength. Her gaze, demands acknowledgment of her power as battleships burn behind her. Around her, two female archers fire flaming arrows that ignite enemy ships, referencing Abbakka’s renowned archery skills and the women warriors who fought alongside her. Beneath them, miniature warhorses, symbols of her cavalry strategies, decorate the arch framing the scene. The arch and gold leaf patterns are influenced by Mughal architecture and the intricate tile patterns along the bottom sides recall the iron latticework of Chowta Palace, a testament to her lingering legacy. Despite betrayal from within her kingdom, Abbakka fought until her capture, becoming one of India's earliest freedom fighters.”