Rani Chennamma, the ruler of Keladi from Karnataka. Aurangzeb was her contemporary. Marathas and Mughals were already in conflict then. Maratha prince Rajaram, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, sought refuge from Rani Chennamma in Keladi. The Rani knew that if she gave shelter to Rajaram, the Mughals would certainly attack her kingdom. Yet she wasn't bothered. She agreed. She welcomed Rajaram with the warmest of hospitality. She not only gave him shelter but also facilitated his safe escape to Jinji Fort. (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had defeated the Bijapuri Sultanate forces in 1677 and captured Jinji fort).
Aurangzeb had sent a messenger to Rani Chennamma ordering her to handover Rajaram to him. But the Rani refused. Aurangzeb sent a huge army.
Rani Chennamma was fully prepared for the war. The brave Keladi soldiers led by the queen were almost winning the battle when clever Mughals, sensing defeat, proposed for peace. And a peace treaty was signed.
Rani Chennamma also defeated the Sultan of Bijapur.
Chennamma was an ardent devotee of Mahadev. She was an expert in warfare; mastered music and literature. She established a colony in her kingdom and facilitated settlement of scholars from across the country to spread knowledge of the Vedas, Puranas, epics, and more ancient Indian wisdom.
Rani Chennamma's story of valor is described in detail in a chapter in book #SaffronSwords along with 51 more episodes of valor.
There is another Rani Chennamma (of Kittur from Karnataka), who resisted British in battle. Her story is included in Vol 2 of Saffron Swords, which will be released in a few months.
Vande Mataram!
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