Born: 18th century
Biography:
Onake Obavva, a valiant warrior from Karnataka, India, lived during the 18th century. Her heroic acts and unwavering courage have made her a celebrated figure in the state of Karnataka, alongside other notable women warriors and patriots such as Abbakka Rani, Keladi Chennamma, and Kittur Chennamma. Belonging to the Holayas (Chalavadi) community, Obavva’s extraordinary tale is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women.
In the kingdom of Chitradurga, Obavva’s husband served as a guard at a watchtower located within the rocky fort. During the reign of Madakari Nayaka, the fort faced a siege by the forces of Hyder Ali. It was during this tumultuous time that Obavva’s bravery shone through. One day, while her husband was away having his lunch, Obavva went to collect water from a nearby pond halfway up the hill, close to a hole in the rocks that led to the fort.
As she approached the pond, Obavva noticed the enemy soldiers attempting to infiltrate the fort through the very hole near her location. Without hesitation, Obavva picked up her trusty pestle, known as an Onake in Kannada, and single-handedly fought off the soldiers. With each carefully calculated blow to the head, she eliminated the invaders, silently moving their lifeless bodies to avoid raising suspicion among the rest of the troops.
When Obavva’s husband returned from his lunch, he was astonished to find her standing with a blood-stained Onake and the lifeless bodies of several enemy soldiers around her. This brave act of Obavva successfully saved the fort from the imminent threat. However, despite her heroics, the fort of Chitradurga ultimately fell to Hyder Ali in 1779 during Madakari Nayaka’s reign.
Obavva’s legacy as the epitome of Kannada female pride lives on. The hole through which Hyder Ali’s soldiers stealthily infiltrated the fort is now known as Onake Obavvana Kindi or Onake kindi, paying homage to her courageous defense. Her inspiring story has also been immortalized in various forms of popular culture, such as a famous song-sequence in the film Nagarahavu directed by Puttanna Kanagal.
To honor Obavva’s remarkable bravery, a sports stadium in Chitradurga was named Veera Vanithe Onake Obavva Stadium. Additionally, a statue sculpted by Ashok Gudigar now stands proudly in front of the District Commissioner’s office in Chitradurga, serving as a constant reminder of her unwavering spirit and the sacrifices she made for her people.
Obavva’s inspiring tale of bravery continues to captivate the imagination of people and serves as a shining example of the role women have played in history, particularly in defending their communities and societies against adversity. Her extraordinary courage and sacrifice rightfully place her among the esteemed ranks of Karnataka’s great women warriors and patriots.