Mallama - The Warrior

By : Vijay Rawoot

India has produced many women warriors but we know only few of them,  those figured in history books. India is a widely spread land across length and breadth. The fact is Indian History is not limited only to the present geographical India. But we find history has been created by our greats  time to time across the Indian subcontinent. If we talk about queens, we are aware of the valour of Maharani Tarabai, Kittur Rani Channama,  Razia Sultan and Rani Laxmi Bai. They took on their respective enemies and tried to demolish  them though they were not always successful. But their names were permanently engraved in history and will be remembered forever. If we go deep into the interiors of India we find many brave women who created storms during their times. What is  most important to note that, such women across India have proved that they become real Durgas in demanding situations.

Apart from above queens, Begam Hajrat Mahal, Jhalkari Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Onake Obbava, Keladi Chennama and many more women have special place in the history of India. But there was a lingayat lady Mallama Desai who ruled her Belavadi - Bailhongal State must be remembered for her bravery and her special encounter with Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.  It was the year 1678 and by that time king had overpowered most of the deadly enemies. When Maharaj was returning back from the South Indian victory he was camped near Bailhongal near Belagavi where he saw a small fort (Gadhi).  He ordered his commander to raid that fort and merge it into Swarajya. But to his surprise soon he realised that he was into a tough fight.

Actually that fort was of Yeasjiprabhu Desai who had died in the battle against Marathas. But as soon as he fell down his wife Mallama took over the command of Belavadi army. Mallama who was the daughter of  Sode King  Madhuling Nayaka was a brave girl since her childhood. She was very aggressive young lady and went on to form a women army of brave females after marriage. This was considered to be the first women army in the Indian subcontinent. She wanted to take revenge of her husband's death and kept on fighting against maratha army for entire month. Shivaji Maharaj was surprised to see the fight put up by such a small state against his army. Finally one day maratha soldiers surrounded her and cut the leg of her horse. As she fell down on the ground they caught her and arrested. She was produced before Chatrapati Shivaji. Maharaj always had great respect for women. Inspite of a tough battle he showed same respect towards Mallama. Shivaji Maharaj lovingly said "My sister, it was my mistake to fight against you ...". In recognition of her bravery and gallontary fight of a widow to take revenge, Maharaj returned back Belavadi fort and the captured territory to her for the maintenance (Doodh-Bhat ) of her child. Mallama was shocked to see such  noble gesture from her 'enemy' and realised the greatness of  Maratha King. She treated Shivaji Maharaj like her brother and decided to install his sculptures across her state.

She made several sculptures of Shivaji Maharaj and sent them to various places. One such sculpture is still found in a Hanuman Temple  at Yadwad, 10 kms. from Dharwad. Shivaji Maharaj riding a horse and marching along with his soldiers is seen in it. There is also a dog (Vaghya?) walking alongwith him. On the lower portion, Maharaj is holding a bowl in his hand and feeding milk to the Mallama's child  who is seen sitting on his lap. Mallama too is seen standing nearby. This is probably first sculpture or a statue of Shivaji Maharaj that was made during his lifetime itself.  What a fortunate lady Mallama to get brother none other than the great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj !

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