Rani Chennamma of Kittur was the younger wife of Mallasarja, the Desai of Kittur. Both Mallasarja and his son died. Rani Chennamma, adopted Shivalinga Sarja and started administering Kittur.
The collector of Dharwad, Thakeray objected to the adopting as improper. He recommended the British Government to take over the administration of Kittur. On hearing this Chennamma became extremely angry. She opposed the British policy of suppressing Kittur, and decided to light for the freedom of her land.
