The visual that appears on our minds when we think of battles is men fighting with swords. But have you imagined a woman fighting enemies with an onake (pestle)?
Onake Obavva, a woman exhibiting courage and bravery in the face of adversity, is a name lost in the pages of Indian history. She single-handedly fought the forces of Hyder Ali, sneaking in to capture the Chitradurga Fort situated in Chitradurga, 200 kilometres north-west of Bengaluru.
An epitome of valor
It was during the reign of Madakari Nayaka IV when Hyder Ali of Mysore decided to attack the Chitradurga fort. However, since the walls of the fort were secure and well-built, Hyder Ali’s army could not penetrate the fort despite numerous efforts.
A chance sighting of a man entering the Chitradurga fort through a hole in the rocks led to a plan by Hyder Ali to send his soldiers through that hole.
Kahale Mudda Hanuma, the guard on duty, had gone home for lunch. His wife, Onake Obavva, who had gone to collect water, noticed the army trying to enter the fort through the hole. Gathering all her courage and wit, she used an Onake or pestle to kill the penetrating soldiers one by one by hitting them on the head and then quietly moving the dead without raising the suspicions of the rest of the troops.
With no prior training or experience in warfare, she displayed exemplary courage when the situation demanded.
Her story of bravery is a part of the folklore of Karnataka.
Her legacy
Seen as a symbol of Nari Shakti, the hole she guarded is now known as Onake Obavvana Kindi. There is also a sports stadium with her name called Veera Vanithe Onake Obavva Stadium. Considered the female pride of Karnataka, the Government took the initiative to celebrate her birthday as Onake Obavva Jayanti from 2021.
Obavva Pade is a squad of women police constables (WPCs) to protect and educate women. Two Obavva squads are posted in Chitradurga, while there is one each in Holalkere, Challakere, and Hiriyur. Obavva squads also teach women basic self-defense, educating them about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Watch this space throughout International Women’s Month to know more about some strong and impactful women who shaped India’s history!
