At the time of India’s freedom in 1947, Karnataka was not yet a single state. It was divided into 20 separate administrative blocks, Kingdoms, and administrative departments.

Many leaders from Karnataka were directly or indirectly associated with the freedom movement in India. Here is a list of the few Karnataka freedom fighters who played a pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle against the British Raj and fought for the independence of Karnataka.

We have included these freedom fighters in this article because, when you ask people about their heroes, they will only mention a few names like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandrasekhar Bose, etc., but when you asked about the local region, they won’t remember much, so this article will help educate students and researchers.

Of course, we didn’t get freedom just because of the efforts of a few people. Millions of people contributed towards the freedom struggle.

1. Kittur Rani Chennamma

Rani Rani Rani was born on 23 October 1778 in Belgaum, India. She died on 2 February 1829 in Bailhongala, India. Rani was the first woman freedom fighter. She was the queen of the Princely State of Kittur, Karnataka. She fought against British rule and although she did not succeed in defeating them, she inspired many women freedom fighters to take up arms against the British rule in India.

2. Tipu Sultan

Tipu Sultan was born on November 20, 1750, in Devanahalli, and died on May 4, 1799, in Srirangapatan.He is also known as Mysore Tiger. Tipu ruled the kingdom of Mysore from 1782-1799. He was a great scholar, a great soldier, and a great poet. Tipu is the first son of the first ruler of Mysore, Hyder Ali, and his first wife. Tipu fought many battles against the British and initially took French support.

3. Hyder Ali

Nawab of Mysore, born: Budikote, died: December 7th, 1782, in Chittoor. He was the ruler of Mysore Kingdom and the father of Tipu Sultan, who was a revolutionary leader. He resisted British East India Company forces during the first and second Anglo-Mysorean wars and was the first to introduce the military use of Mysorean iron-shell rockets.

4. Muduvidu Krishna Rao

Mduvidu Krishna Rao was born in 1879 in the Madras Presidency. He passed away on 25 June 1945. He was a well-known journalist who contributed to the unity of the people in Karnataka by spreading awareness through his writings and thoughts. He used to write editorials criticising the British government and educating people about what they were doing.

5. R.S. Hukkerikar

Date of birth: 22nd October 1886, Bangalore. Place of birth: Belgaum. Professorship: Journalist and Social Worker. R.S. Hakkerikar is one of the people who worked for the development of the state of Karnataka. He had good oratory skills in addition to his profession.

6. T. Subramanyam

He was born on August 9th, 1900 in Bellary, India. He worked as a secretary in various organisations and was also an editor. T.Subramanyam influenced many people who worked as secretaries in various organizations. He was also the editor of a weekly Kannada magazine called the ” Karnataka Kesari”.

7. Bellary Siddamma

Siddamma was born in 1903 in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Bellary. She was a devotee of Mahatma Gandhi and a spiritual leader who devoted her entire life to public affairs. Despite the valiant efforts of freedom fighters, they were summarily executed.

8. Abbakka Chowta

Rani was born in 1525 and died in 1570. Before the British settled India, there were a lot of different groups trying to take over the country. One of those groups was the Portuguese, and Rani was one of the first women freedom fighters to fight against them. In the 16th century, the Portuguese tried to take over Ullal because it was in a good spot, but Abbakka fought them off for over 40 years.

Conclusion

Karnataka boasts a rich history of iconic freedom fighters who courageously fought for India’s independence. From the valiant Kittur Rani Chennamma to the visionary Kittur Sainik School cadets, their sacrifice and determination inspire generations. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of freedom and unity.