Mangaluru: MLA Vedavyas Kamath said it is unfortunate that the Amara Sullia Rebellion against the British in 1837 was not acknowledged as India’s first struggle of freedom.
He was speaking during the Tiranga Yatra, which was held as part of the 75th year celebrations of India’s independence held on Sunday August 14, in Bikarnakatta.
The Amara Sullia revolutionaries defeated the British and raised the first flag at the Bavutagudde for 13 days said Kamath. The rebels’ leaders included Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda, Guddemane Appaiah Gowda, Kattimane Appaiah Gowda, Subraya Hegde, Kalyanappa, Bangarasu, and Manjaiah.
Later, the Amara Sullia revolutionaries lost the following fights. At Bikarnakatta, the leaders of the revolt, Kalyanappa, Bangarasu, Manjaiah, Beeranna, and Muthana, were brutally hung. Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda was exiled abroad. Guddemane Appaiah Gowda was hanged in Madikeri. Kattimane Appaiah Gowda was a martyr, MLA Kamath said.
He further said that Rani Abbakka of Ullala, who fought the Portuguese for freedom, should also be remembered.
According to Vedavyas Kamath, the British tried to suppress history by enforcing a gag order that banned mention of the Amara Sullia Rebellion in any form. However, the necessary efforts are being taken to ensure that the sacrifices and lost memories of the Amar Sullia rebellion are safeguarded. He announced that Kedambadi Ramaiah Gowda’s statue would soon be erected in Bavatagudde.
