Rs 200 commemorative coin released to mark 200 yrs of Rani Chennamma's victory in Kittur War
New Delhi (PTI): A special commemorative coin of Rs 200 denomination was released here by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday as a tribute to the remarkable victory of Rani Chennamma at Kittur over 200 years ago.
The year-long nationwide commemoration of the 200th anniversary of her legendary victory at Kittur in today's Karnataka, concluded with a grand closing ceremony in New Delhi.
Shekhawat reflected on the enduring legacy of the fearless queen, emphasising that her life continues to inspire Indians to serve the nation with unwavering dedication and courage.
"On this inspirational occasion, we draw from Rani Chennamma's extraordinary character, the motivation to renew our commitment and service to the nation. Her valour and struggle remind us that one must never hesitate in the service of the country," he said.
A special commemorative coin of Rs 200 denomination was released at the event hosted at the Siri Fort Auditorium, officials said.
Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal said the year-long commemoration has deepened public engagement with Rani Chennamma's legacy through exhibitions, cultural programs, lectures, and competitions held across India.
He said Rani Chennamma's defiance laid the "ethical foundation" for India's freedom struggle, inspiring generations of women to lead with resolve and empathy.
The evening also featured remarkable cultural presentations that brought Karnataka's rich artistic traditions to life.
The programme began with the melodious rendition of the Nada Geete by the female artists of Delhi Karnataka Sangha, a soul-stirring homage to Karnataka’s spirit and heritage, the officials said.
A special exhibition narrated the inspiring life story of the queen, her courage, spirited leadership and heroic resistance of the British forces that brought about the victory at Kittur in 1824.
As a part of the year-long commemorations, the Ministry of Culture organised a wide range of activities -- exhibitions, seminars, essay contests, and thematic performances -- to mark 200 years of Rani Chennamma's resistance against the British rule.
The commemoration, which began in October 2024, celebrated Rani Chennamma's as one of India's earliest freedom fighters who fought valiantly against colonialism.
Also, in a post on X, Shekhawat said "over 15 crore archival pages have been digitised by the National Archives of India.
"Guided by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s vision of Digital India and Preserving our Civilisational Heritage, over 15 crore archival pages have been digitised on #AbhilekhPatal by @IN_Archives. Every page tells a story of freedom, governance, science, and culture , preserving the spirit of our nation for generations to come. From the Archives to your screen - India’s history is now just a click away!," he posted.
रानी चेनम्मा वो अमर नाम, जिन्होंने अपने राज्य की एक छोटी सेना लेकर ब्रिटिश सैनिकों को परास्त किया और किट्टूर जहाँ की वो रानी थीं, वहाँ साल 1824 की विजय भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के प्रारंभ हेतु एक प्रेरणा बन गई।
— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) October 24, 2025
आज दिल्ली में रानी चेनम्मा की विजय के 200 वर्ष पूरे होने के… pic.twitter.com/2deMp2Wn5T
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
