Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Stage Production Recounts Warrior Queen Abbakka’s Resistance to Portuguese
A new play tells the story of Rani Abbakka, a queen who ruled Ullal on India’s western coast.
The article says Portuguese forces wanted greater control over trade in the region.
Abbakka refused to accept their rules or give up her kingdom.
She trained for leadership and used clever tactics to fight their ships and soldiers.
She also worked with other rulers and helped local merchants trade.
Eventually, the Portuguese attacked Ullal in a major campaign.
Abbakka was captured and died in prison.
People continued to remember her bravery in Tulu songs, and the play brings her story to the stage.
A new play written and directed by Preeta Mathur Thakur portrays Rani Abbakka of Ullal.
The article says Abbakka resisted repeated Portuguese naval attacks on the Karnataka coast for decades.
It describes her use of small boats, fire-tipped arrows, guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks.
Abbakka is said to have built alliances with regional rulers and supported local merchants’ trade.
After Ullal was overrun in a Portuguese campaign, Abbakka was captured and died in captivity; her story endured in Tulu folk songs.
- Who
- Rani Abbakka, ruler of Ullal, and playwright-director Preeta Mathur Thakur.
- What
- A new stage production recounts Abbakka’s resistance to Portuguese attacks and her legacy.
- When
- Abbakka ruled in the 16th century; the article does not specify when the production opens.
- Where
- Ullal, on the Karnataka coast, and the region’s maritime trade routes.
- Why
- The play aims to recall Abbakka’s resistance and bring wider attention to a historical figure the article says is little known outside Karnataka.
- Production
- Veera Rani Abbakka
- Writer and director
- Preeta Mathur Thakur
- Ruler
- Rani Abbakka of Ullal
- Historical period
- 16th century
- Region
- Ullal, in present-day Karnataka
- Opposing force
- Portuguese forces seeking influence over coastal trade
- Commemorative vessel
- The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Rani Abbakka in 2012