Sangolli Rayanna

Why in news?

• Karnataka government is set to establish a military school in the name of freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna.

About Sangolli Rayanna:

• He was an Indian military Shetsanadi (Sainik) and warrior in the Kittur princely state of the Karnataka.
• He was the Shetsanadi of the Kittur kingdom. He fought against the Doctrine of Lapse along side Rani Chennamma till his death.
• The Britishers killed the king and prince of Kittur kingdom. As there was no legal heir to the throne, they wanted to take control over Kittur kingdom under Doctrine of Lapse.
• Rani Chennamme adopted Shivalingappa as the ruler of Kittur kingdom.
• Sangoli Rayanna wanted to make Shivalingappa as the next ruler.

Against the British:

• Rayanna played a major role in the 1824 rebellion.
• Most of the land in Kittur kingdom was confiscated. And the left over land was heavily taxed. He created a guerrilla army. He and his army moved from place to place, burnt government offices, plundered treasuries. He trained and built army from the common people.
• The British troops could not defeat him in open battle. Hence, by treachery, he was caught in April 1831 and tried by the British and sentenced to death.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Sangolli Rayanna’:

1. He was the Shetsanadi of the Kittur kingdom.

2. He fought against the Doctrine of Lapse along-side Rani Chennamma till his death.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer