Mangaluru: In a landmark decision, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has approved naming a service road after Rani Abbakka, the legendary warrior queen of Tulunadu. This marks the first time a road in the city will bear her name, paying tribute to her courageous resistance against Portuguese invaders in the 16th century.
Honouring a Forgotten Heroine
The road, stretching from Mahaveer Circle (Pumpwell) to the National Highway, will now carry the name of Rani Abbakka. Despite years of protests and allocated government funds, efforts to establish a cultural centre in her memory in coastal Karnataka have not materialized. Citizens have also been urging the central government to name an airport and a railway station in her honour.
Mangalore City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath and former corporator Sandeep Garodi recommended naming a road towards Ullal in Valencia Ward after Rani Abbakka. Kamath emphasized her legacy, stating that she ruled Tulunadu from 1552 and bravely fought Portuguese colonial forces between 1552 and 1557, strengthening the region’s economy and military.
More Roads to Be Renamed
Along with this, the MCC has approved naming several other roads and a circle:
- Ujjodi Nekkaremar Road (Valencia Ward) → Bommanna Poojary Road (after a prominent agriculturist).
- Karavali Circle (Kankanady) → Sri Satya Saramani Circle.
- Kodakkal – Dekkadi Road (Alape North Ward) → Vaidyanatha Road.
- Manasa Mantap to Daddalkad Cross → Sri Mahaganapathy Temple Road.
Officials confirmed that all renaming processes will follow government guidelines outlined in the July 3, 2009, circular.
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