Onake Obavva is indeed one of the most inspiring figures in Karnataka’s history—a symbol of courage, resilience, and patriotism. Her legendary act of defending the Chitradurga Fort single-handedly with a simple onake (a wooden pestle) is a testament to her bravery and quick thinking in the face of adversity.
She stands as a true gem of Karnataka, representing the strength and determination of the people of this land. Her story continues to inspire generations to rise against challenges and protect what is dear to them with unwavering courage.
Onake Obavva is an unsung hero in the history of the Chitradurga dynasty, remembered for her unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. During the reign of Madakari Nayaka, she stood as a lone defender of the Chitradurga Fort against an invading army of Hyder Ali.
Using just a wooden pestle (onake), Obavva single-handedly fought off enemy soldiers who attempted to infiltrate the fort through a secret passage. Her quick thinking and fearless actions delayed the enemy, giving the fort’s forces time to respond. Though she ultimately lost her life, her heroic act remains etched in Karnataka’s history as a shining example of courage and patriotism.
Onake Obavva’s story is a powerful reminder that extraordinary heroism often comes from unexpected quarters, and her legacy deserves greater recognition.
Onake Obavva’s story is deeply intertwined with the history of Chitradurga, a region known for its rugged terrain and strategically significant fort. She lived during the 18th century when the Chitradurga Fort was under the rule of Madakari Nayaka, the last ruler of the Nayaka dynasty.
Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, sought to expand his empire and repeatedly attempted to capture the Chitradurga Fort. The fort was renowned for its massive walls, complex architecture, and numerous secret passages. During one such attempt, Hyder Ali’s forces discovered a narrow crevice, the kindi, which they intended to use for a surprise attack.
Obavva, the wife of a soldier stationed at the fort, noticed the enemy soldiers entering through the crevice while fetching water. Armed with only an onake (a long wooden pestle traditionally used to pound grain), she acted swiftly and decisively. Stationing herself at the crevice, she began striking down the enemy soldiers one by one as they attempted to enter.
Her courageous efforts delayed the attack and bought critical time for the fort’s defenders to organize. Sadly, Obavva was overpowered in the ensuing chaos, but her act of bravery remains a pivotal moment in the fort’s history.
Onake Obavva is celebrated in Karnataka as a symbol of resilience and selflessness. Her story is often recounted in folklore, songs, and plays, but she still remains an unsung hero compared to other historical figures.
Her legacy lives on in Chitradurga, where a part of the fort is named Obavvana Kindi in her honor. She continues to inspire as a figure of strength, particularly for women, exemplifying how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary challenges.
Onake Obavva’s life, though not extensively documented in historical records, has been immortalized through folklore and local narratives as a tale of extraordinary bravery. She was a woman of humble origins, living during the reign of the Nayaka dynasty in the 18th century, and her act of heroism during Hyder Ali’s siege of the Chitradurga Fort remains her defining legacy.
Little is known about Onake Obavva’s early life, as she was not a royal figure or prominent leader of her time. She is believed to have been a simple yet courageous woman, married to Kalanayaka, a soldier serving under the Chitradurga ruler Madakari Nayaka. Her life was rooted in the fort’s community, a bustling hub of activity and defense during frequent wars in the region.
In the 18th century, Chitradurga Fort was a stronghold of the Nayaka dynasty and was under constant threat from Hyder Ali, who sought to expand his Mysore kingdom. Hyder Ali’s forces launched a siege on the fort, but the sturdy architecture and vigilance of its defenders made it difficult to breach.
One day, while fetching water near a crevice known as a kindi, Obavva noticed enemy soldiers attempting to infiltrate the fort through the narrow passage. Without hesitation, she grabbed an onake (wooden pestle) and stationed herself near the opening. As the soldiers tried to squeeze through one by one, she struck them down with incredible precision and strength.
Obavva’s actions were pivotal in delaying the enemy’s advance. Her quick thinking and determination gave the fort’s defenders crucial time to respond to the threat. Unfortunately, historical accounts suggest that she was eventually discovered and killed during the skirmish. Her sacrifice, however, prevented a swift takeover of the fort and exemplified extraordinary courage.
Obavva’s heroism earned her a permanent place in Karnataka’s cultural memory. Though her life before the siege remains largely unknown, her single act of bravery has become a symbol of selflessness and strength. The crevice through which the enemy tried to enter is now called Obavvana Kindi in her honor.
She has inspired countless generations, particularly women, as a figure of empowerment. Her story is preserved through folk songs, plays, and modern tributes. In Karnataka, she is celebrated alongside historical icons such as Kittur Rani Chennamma.
While Obavva’s story is widely revered in Karnataka, efforts to recognize her on a national scale have been limited. Statues and memorials in Chitradurga commemorate her bravery, and her story is taught in schools as an example of extraordinary courage from an ordinary individual.
Her life serves as a reminder that history is not only shaped by kings and rulers but also by individuals who rise to the occasion when their communities need them the most.
Dr Balaji Singh
Founder & CEO of BPT group
