Onake Obavva was a courageous woman warrior from Karnataka who lived in the 18th century. She is remembered for her fearless act of bravery during an attack on Chitradurga Fort. Using a simple household tool called an “Onake” (a wooden pestle used for pounding grains), she fought enemy soldiers single-handedly and protected the fort.
Her story reflects the strength, intelligence, and courage of ordinary women who played an important role in Indian history. Onake Obavva has become a lasting symbol of Kannada pride and women’s bravery.
Onake Obavva and the Siege of Chitradurga Fort
- Onake Obavva lived in the 18th century in present-day Karnataka.
- During this period, Hyder Ali, the ruler of the Mysore Kingdom and father of Tipu Sultan, attacked Chitradurga Fort.
- At that time, Chitradurga Fort was ruled by Madakari Nayaka.
- Chitradurga Fort is locally known as Elusuttina Kote, meaning Fort of Seven Circles in Kannada.
- The fort is located in Chitradurga district, about 200 km northwest of Bengaluru.
- Onake Obavva was the wife of Kahale Mudda Hanuma, a soldier guarding the fort.
- Enemy soldiers tried to secretly enter the fort during the siege.
- Onake Obavva noticed the intruding soldiers and acted with great courage.
- She used a wooden pestle called an Onake as a weapon.
- Obavva fought the enemy single-handedly and stopped them from advancing.
- Her bravery helped in defending the fort and delaying the enemy attack.
- Her action became a historic example of women’s courage in Indian history.
Role of Onake Obavva in the Mysore-Maratha Conflict
- The incident took place during a period of continuous conflicts involving the Mysore Kingdom and regional powers.
- Chitradurga Fort was strategically important in these military struggles.
- Onake Obavva prevented enemy soldiers from secretly entering the fort.
- Her timely action stopped a surprise attack on the fort.
- She strengthened the defense of Madakari Nayaka’s rule.
- Her bravery delayed the enemy advance during the conflict.
- Onake Obavva proved that common people could play a crucial role in warfare.
Onake Obavva Significance
- Onake Obavva is remembered as a powerful symbol of courage and bravery in Indian history.
- She represents the important role played by ordinary women in protecting their land and people.
- Her story is a source of Kannada pride and cultural identity in Karnataka.
- She stands alongside famous women warriors like Abbakka Rani, Keladi Chennamma, and Kittur Chennamma.
- Onake Obavva highlights the idea that presence of mind and courage are as important as weapons in warfare.
- Her legacy continues to inspire modern initiatives like Obavva Pade, a women police squad started in 2018.
She remains a role model for women empowerment and self-defense awareness.
Onake Obavva FAQs
Q1: Who was Onake Obavva?
Ans: Onake Obavva was a brave woman from Karnataka who defended Chitradurga Fort by killing enemy soldiers using an Onake, a wooden pestle.
Q2: Why is she called “Onake Obavva”?
Ans: She is called Onake Obavva because she used an Onake (wooden pounding stick) as a weapon to defeat the enemy.
Q3: Which fort is associated with Onake Obavva?
Ans: Onake Obavva is associated with Chitradurga Fort in Karnataka.
Q4: During which conflict did Onake Obavva play a role?
Ans: She played an important role during the Mysore–Maratha conflicts of the 18th century.
Q5: Why is Onake Obavva important in Indian history?
Ans: She is important because her bravery saved a major fort and highlighted the role of women and common people in defending the nation.
