Warriors And Civilization: A Study Based On Inscriptions And Hero Stones From Shimoga District

Abstract

Women have played a central role in strengthening civilization. Understanding the spirit and excellence of civilization is inseparable from understanding women’s contributions to it. Throughout history, Indian women have broken barriers and achieved remarkable success in various fields. From the time of the Puranas, women have contributed to the progress of statecraft, war, peace, literature, and the arts. While some women gained importance through their social status, others achieved distinction through their deeds. Women who participated in wars and led armies to victory demonstrated that the hand which cooks can also wield a weapon. Examples include Chachaladevi, the queen of Ganga King Permadideva; Chagaladevi, the queen of Veerashantarasa; Bhairadevi of Gerusoppe; Rani Abbakka; Padumalladevi of Guttamalladeva; Chennammaji of Keladi; Rani Chennamma of Kittur; Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi; and valiant common women such as Nalgavundi Jakkiyabbe, Akkadevi, Nagiyakka, Vennilasettikavve, and Bommambe. This paper examines the role of women—both royal and common—who participated in wars, based on inscriptions and hero and mahasati stones dated between the 5th and 18th centuries CE discovered in Shimoga District, Karnataka.