An analytical account on Betrayal and Self Betrayal in the Queen of Kittur: a critical study

The Queen of Kittoor portrays the heroism of Rani Channamma of Kittoor , who fought for the autonomy of the monarchy. In the annals of Indian history, Rani Channamma is the earliest Rani, who rebelled against the British rule before Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi. The unsung heroine of Karnataka has a tremendous place in the history of Colonial India. The novel portrays Rani Channamma’s effort in protecting the monarchy from the Peshwa’s, neighboring monarchys and the British. Ironically, she was betrayed by her own people. In spite of the heroic admiration of Rani Channamma, it is pertinent to study the themes of betrayal and self-betrayal to know the defeat and failure by the British. This paper is an attempt to focus on the themes of betrayal and self-betrayal. Basavaraj Naykar’s The Queen of Kittoor portrays the colonial encounter between Rani Channamma and the British around 1824 for land and authority over monarchy. The patriotism of the natives and the shrewdness of the British are eloquently narrated. Although Rani Channamma succeeds in killing Mr. J. M. Thackeray, the District Collector of Dharwar, in the first battle subsequently in the second battle she was betrayed by her own courtiers. She was defeated by the East India Company headed by Mr. Chapliin. The monarchy of Kittoor was captured by the British and she was imprisoned in the Fort in her own town, Bailahongala until her death.