Nalgonda News Online: The statue of the legendary revolutionary leader Chakali Ilamma, also known as Rajaka Ilamma, is set to be unveiled on 26th September 2024 at Marriguda Mandala Kendram in Nalgonda District. This announcement was made by Akhila Bharatiya Rajaka Sangham President, Shri Mogga Anil Kumar, in a public statement. The event will be a significant moment in commemorating Ilamma’s courageous role in the Telangana rebellion, which remains an inspiration for many. ABRS volunteers such as Pagadala Lingayya, Kolukulapalli Yadayya, Siliveru Venkatesh, Pagadala Anjayya, and Ramulu recently participated in the souvenir distribution program related to the event.
Chakali Ilamma, born Chityala Ilamma in 1895, was a beacon of defiance against feudal oppression in Telangana. She was born into the Rajaka caste, traditionally involved in laundry work, in the village of Krishnapuram in Warangal district, present-day Telangana. She was the fourth child of Oruganti Mallamma and Soilu. Despite the caste-based limitations imposed on her, Ilamma grew into a powerful revolutionary leader, known for her relentless struggle against the oppressive Zamindari system and feudal landlords.
Her most famous act of rebellion was her defiance against Zamindar Ramachandra Reddy, also known as Visnoor Deshmukh, who attempted to seize her land. In a time when peasants, especially women from marginalized communities, were forced into submission, Ilamma’s bold stance against the Zamindar became a symbol of resistance. Her actions ignited a spirit of defiance against the feudal lords who had long oppressed the people of Telangana.
Chakali Ilamma’s resistance was not just against feudalism but also for gender equality. She questioned not only the men of the upper castes but also upper-caste women who perpetuated class and caste discrimination. These women, who wielded their power over lower-caste women, often addressed them as “Dora,” a term used to denote superiority. Ilamma stood firm in opposing these practices, making her not only a revolutionary against feudalism but also an early champion of women’s rights and dignity.
Between 1940 and 1944, Ilamma raised the red flag against the tyranny of the Deshmukhs and the Razakars, who supported the oppressive rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Her fight was rooted in the ideals of equality and justice, and she soon became a prominent figure in the larger Telangana rebellion. This rebellion sought to overthrow the feudal lords who had subjugated the peasants, and Ilamma’s bravery inspired many others to join the cause.
Chakali Ilamma’s activism extended beyond individual acts of resistance. She joined the Andhra Mahasabha, an organization that played a key role in the political mobilization of the Telangana region. She also became an active member of the Communist Party of India (CPI), which provided her with a political platform to further her struggle against the Nizam’s government and its feudal collaborators. Her house became a center for revolutionary activities, serving as a meeting place for activists who organized protests and uprisings against the oppressive landlords.
Ilamma’s role in the Telangana rebellion cannot be overstated. She was a trailblazer in a movement that sought to free the region from the clutches of feudalism and imperialism. The rebellion eventually led to significant social and political changes in Telangana, and Ilamma’s contributions were crucial to its success.
Despite her revolutionary efforts, Ilamma’s life after the rebellion was relatively quiet. She continued to live in her village, embodying the ideals she fought for. She passed away on 10th September 1985 due to illness in Palakurthi, Telangana. However, her legacy lives on in the hearts of the people of Telangana and beyond.
The unveiling of her statue is a fitting tribute to a woman who defied the odds, fought against systemic oppression, and emerged as a symbol of courage, resilience, and equality. Chakali Ilamma’s legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders who fight for justice, equality, and human dignity. Her life and work serve as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, one can stand up for what is right and inspire others to do the same.
As the statue of Chakali Ilamma is unveiled in Nalgonda District, it will stand as a permanent symbol of her indomitable spirit and the values she fought for. This statue will not only honor her memory but also educate future generations about her pivotal role in the Telangana rebellion and her broader contributions to the fight for equality and justice in India.