| Postal Stamp Image |
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 |
| Stamp Issue Date |
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23/10/1977 |
| Postage Stamp Dinomination |
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0.25 |
| Postal Stamp Serial Number |
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0864 |
| Postal Stamp Name |
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KITTUR RANI CHINNAMMA |
| Stamp Information |
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Rani Channamma, the warior queen of Kitur who waged a heroic freedom struggle against te British was born in 1778. She received training in archery, sword foghting, horse riding and statecraft.
Rani Channamma was married to Raja Mallasarja, one of the most illustrious rulers of Kittur, a small princely state in Belgaum District. A devoted wife, Rani Channamma was an asset to Mallasarja both on the battlefield and in the affairs of the State. After her husband's death in 1816, Rani Channamma took over the reins of the State though the nominal head was Mallasarja's son Shivalinga Rudrasarja who was an invalied. After the latter's death in September 1824, she continued as Regent of the State on behalf of Shivalinga Rudrasarja's adopted son, Shivalingappa.
The British authorities questioned the validity of the adoption of Shivalingappa and ordered his expulsion which was defied by Rani Channaamma. Thereupon the members of the royal family were kept under watch and humiliated. Exasperated, Rani Channamma personally led her forces to resist the alien dimination. In a grim battle that ensured, the British army was defeated and Thackeray, their Chief, was killed on October 23, 1824. Several British soldiers and their families were taken captives but they were treated generously by Rani Channamma.
Chaplin, Commissioner of Deccan thereupon callected a considerabe force from Pune, Madras, Mysore, etc. and again attacked Kittur in December 1824. The British followed a divide and rule policy and overpowered the Kittur army. Rani Channamma was kept as prisoner in Bailhongal Fort where she died on February 21, 1829.
Even in captivity Rani Channamma pined for Kittur's freedom and tried to organize the forces of neighbouring rulers to carry on the fight. Thevalour, sacrifice and indomitable spirit displayed by her from a glorious chapter in the nation's history.
The Posts and Telegraphs Department salutes the memory of one of the brave and distinguished daughters of India by issuing this Commemorative Postage Stamp. |
| Philatelic Stamp Description |
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The design of the stamp depicts a view of the statue of Kittur Rani Channamma on horse-back erected in Belgaum (Karnataka). |
| Stamp Currency |
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P |
| Stamp Type |
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COMMEMORATIVE |
| Stamp Language |
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English |
| Stamp Overall Size |
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3.91 X 2.90 cms |
| Postal Stamp Print Size |
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3.55 X 2.5 cms. |
| Number of Stamps Per Sheet |
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35 |
| Stamp Perforations |
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13 x 13 |
| Postal Stamp Shape |
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Horizontal |
| Postage Stamp Paper |
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Unwatermarked paper |
| Indian Stamp Process |
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Photogravure |
| Number of stamps printed |
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30,00,000 |
| Stamp Printed At |
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India Security Press |
| Indian Stamp's Color |
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Olive Green |
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