Queens who ruled India (4): Rudramadevi – the warrior who guarded the greatest diamonds

Full Episode description

Rudramadevi, a warrior queen from South India made an astonishing ascent to the throne, thanks to her royal lineage. Nevertheless she faced much patriarchy and her rule was challenged from all quarters – both from inside and outside. During her rule, the Kakatiya kingdom was attacked from the North, West and the South repeatedly. She managed to thwart all invasion attempts. She strengthened the defense forces by adding to the height and thickness of the Warrangal fort. The Kohinoor diamond was mined in her kingdom and adorned the crown of the reigning deity. Much later, it was plundered by Malik Kafur and carried away to Delhi.

This episode is in the form of a game 'Serious of Joking' played by the host Sangeetha and the co-host (12-yr old Trayee). Through the course of this game, we unravel interesting facets of the queen's rule.

References

1. Book – Women who ruled India by Archana Garodia Gupta

2. Video – Indian warrior princess from the South

3. Video – Visit this fabulous fort of Warrangal – built by the Kakatiya Dynasty

4. Book – Rani Rudramadevi, a biography by National Book Trust of India