Have you seen grandma’s old photographs?
Some black and white, others blurry perhaps;
Like fleeting clips from a half-forgotten cinema
Such is the story of Queen Keladi Chennamma.
We don’t have a written history with all details
But on examining records and hearing old tales,
We can declare she was amazing in many ways
And earned Keladi Kingdom everlasting praise.
Chennamma was born to a trader, a Lingayata
And was married to King Somashekara Nayaka;
But, widowed young, she became the ruler
She exhibited many rare virtues and used her
Bravery and foresight to reign well and long
For twenty-five years she kept Keladi strong.
When Shivaji’s son requested her for refuge
She agreed knowing well the waiting deluge,
Of Emperor Aurangzeb’s terrible punishment
That made every king quake in fear and relent;
When the Mughal attack on Keladi took place
Chennamma fearlessly led her forces to face.
Her military strength and planning won the day
And this time Aurangzeb could not go “hurray”;
A treaty was drawn up after the attack failed
Shivaji’s son was saved and justice prevailed.
Chennamma assured him safety and freedom
She also ensured that he got a generous sum;
While this historic event was applauded by all
She did kind gestures for people big and small.
Chennamma of Keladi, is such a rare treasure
She set a high standard beyond any measure.