Mallasarja Desai

King Mallasarja Desai
Royal standard of Kittur Kingdom
Born	Shivalingappa [1]
Died	1824 Arabhavi, Maratha Empire
Nationality	Indian
Other names	Prataprao Mallasarja desai, Pratapa Rao Shamsherjung Bahadur [2]

Prataprao Mallasarja Desai was a ruler of the Desai dynasty of Kittur, known for his administrative acumen, patronage of culture, and significant contributions to the prosperity of Kittur kingdom. He ruled during the 18th century with significant role in the history of the Kittur region, now part of the Indian state of Karnataka. ^{[3] [4]}

Early life

Mallasarja was the 11th Desai in the line born into the Lingayat Merchant (Vani) Family of Desai, which had a rich legacy of governance and dedication to the welfare of their subjects. Historical accounts suggest that he was groomed in statecraft, military tactics, and cultural patronage from an early age with special interests in hunting and music. ^{[5] [6] [7] [8]}

With the emergence of Haider Ali in Mysore, a new power entered the political landscape of the Deccan, joining the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad as key players. Amidst these shifting dynamics, Kittur became a contested ground. In 1782, Virappa Desai died while imprisoned by the Marathas, leaving his 17-year-old adopted son, Mallasarja, as his successor. However, in 1785, Haider Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, captured Kittur and imprisoned Mallasarja in the Kapaladurga Fort. After three years, Mallasarja managed to escape, adopting various disguises until he found refuge with relatives of his first wife, Rudramma, at the pilgrimage site of Babaleshwar. By 1787, Tipu had ceded Kittur to the Marathas, and their control over the region was formally established through the treaty of 1792. ^[9]

Reign

Mallasarja Desai ruled Kittur from 1782 to 1816, focusing on infrastructure, and agriculture, which brought economic prosperity. Known for his fair rule, he ensured his people had resources for growth. His reign saw the construction of temples like Kamaleshwara and forts, including the Pratapgad Fort and Kittur Fort, reflecting his devotion to religion and strategic foresight in protecting his kingdom. ^{[10] [11] [12]}

Deccan Map showing Desai Nayaka Kingdom of 17th century

Mallasarja's reign stands out as the most remarkable and illustrious era in the history of Kittur's rulers. Despite being marked by immense challenges, it spanned an impressive thirty-four years and remains a defining period for the kingdom. Among Kittur's chiefs, Mallasarja is celebrated as the most renowned and distinguished leader. During that time, the Kittur state encompassed regions such as Sampagaon, Beed, Kittur, Khanapur, Manoli, and Nargund, which are now part of the Dharwad, Belgaum, and Northern Karnataka districts. The state consisted of 286 villages and 72 hamlets, organized into administrative divisions called kanjats. These were further grouped into 14 karyats, ensuring a well-structured and efficient governance system. ^[13]

Role in Deccan Politics

In 1792, under the Treaty of Srirangapattana, the territory north of the Tungabhadra River was ceded entirely to the Peshwas. Although the Kittur region fell under Peshwa control, the southern parts of the area were plagued by powerful bandits who disrupted peace by defying the Peshwas and looting smaller states. Among these freebooters was Dhondu Vaugh, whose activities caused significant turmoil. To restore order, Mallasarja sought assistance from the British and entered into an agreement with General Wellesley, who helped him suppress Dhondu Vaugh's plundering. ^[14]

1800 map by James Rennell showing color-coded political areas, military campaigns by the British East India Company, and the lands acquired by the company through the Treaty of Seringapatam

Bajirao Sarkar Peshwa remembered with gratitude the help and co-operation extended to them by Raja Mallasarja in defeating Tippu Sultan at Srirangapattana in 1781. Mallasarja showed extraordinary cleverness in escaping from the prison of Kapaladurga. Besides he was a very able administrator of his kingdom. In recognition of his valour, cleverness and ability Bajirao conferred the title of 'Pratap Rao' on Raja Mallasarja. ^[15] To commemorate the honor of the conferment of this title, the Desai built a fort near Nandgada town, which is known as Pratapgad. ^[16]

In 1802, when General Wellesley embarked on a campaign from Srirangapattana to Poona to reinstate Bajirao, Mallasarja and other regional Desais generously supported the British with troops and funds. As a token of gratitude, the British allowed Mallasarja to retain his desgat. ^[14]

Mallasarja also assisted the Peshwas in their conflicts with Tipu Sultan, earning further recognition. In 1809, an agreement was formalized between the Desai of Kittur and the Peshwas, granting Mallasarja the right to maintain his desgat, uphold an independent army, and govern his state autonomously in exchange for an annual tribute of ₹1.75 lakhs. ^[14]

Bajirao's envy of Mallasarja Desai was intensified by Allappagowda's spiteful portrayal of Mallasarja's growing popularity. Despite the Kittur Desais' unwavering loyalty and assistance to the Peshwas, the latter displayed little regard for the Kittur dynasty. Even Mallasarja, a prominent ruler, faced unjust treatment. He was deceitfully captured and imprisoned in Shanivarwada Poona by the Peshwa, where his health deteriorated severely. Shortly after his release and return, he succumbed to the effects of his prolonged confinement. ^{[16] [17]}

Relations with the British East India Company

Mallasarja Desai's reign unfolded during a time when the British East India Company was expanding its dominance in India. Although his initial relations with the British were amicable, rising tensions emerged as the company's growing ambitions began to endanger the sovereignty of his kingdom. His governance not only strengthened Kittur but also set the stage for resistance against colonial rule, a legacy that his successors upheld with determination. ^[18]

Mallasarja, an unrecognized leader among Deccan chiefs, was deeply concerned about the constant battles between Tipu Sultan and the Peshwas, which left smaller states vulnerable. He was troubled by the British taking advantage of this chaos to increase their power. Determined to resist British influence, Mallasarja sought to unite the Desais and regional chiefs, including the Chattrapati of Kolhapur, into a strong alliance, all while keeping his plans hidden from the British. ^{[19] [20]}

From 1792, after the Treaty of Srirangapattana, the British and the Peshwas maintained cordial relations for nearly twenty-five years, with the Peshwas accepting British supremacy. The Kittur Desai had to align with the Peshwas and show loyalty to the British as well. In 1802, as General Wellesley traveled from Srirangapattana to Poona to reinstate Bajirao Peshwa, several local estate holders, including the Desai of Kittur, supported the British forces by providing 100 horses and 100 foot soldiers. Mallasarja also offered a small fort at Sangolli to serve as a post for communication and to protect the hospital and Navy stationed there. ^[21]

Death and legacy

Kittur Rani Chennamma on a 1977 stamp of India

Mallasarja Desai's legacy is deeply connected to the courage and resistance of Kittur's rulers against colonial rule. After her husband's imprisonment in 1816, Queen Chennamma assumed control of the administration, facing significant challenges due to internal disorder. Mallasarja's vision and policies laid the foundation for the iconic resistance led by Rani Chennamma, who became a symbol of India's fight for independence. ^{[22] [23]}

Arbhavi Matha, an ancient Lingayat monastery, is where the mortal remains of Raja Mallasarja are said to be buried. It is believed that Raja Mallasarja, the king of Kittur and husband of Rani Chennamma, died at Arabhavi Matha after being released from Pune prison, where he had been held by the Peshwas. He had spent his final days in the company of his spiritual guide, Shivayogi Duradundishwara. When his health worsened, he was brought to Arabhavimata, and upon hearing the news, his queens, Rudramma and Chennamma, rushed to be by his side. In 1824 CE, with the divine blessings of Shivayogi Duradundishwara, Raja Mallasarja died on a stone bench at the monastery. ^{[24] [25]}

References

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