Rani Abbakka Chowta was the first Tuluva Queen of Ullal who fought the Portuguese in the latter half of the 16th century.

[3][4] She was also one of the earliest Indians to fight European colonialism and is sometimes regarded as the 'first woman freedom fighter of India'.

[7] Born into the Chowta dynasty, Abbakka received extensive training in warfare and statecraft from a young age.

Notable battles included: Abbakka established Ullal as a major trading port, dealing primarily in pepper, cardamom, and rice.

During her reign: Abbakka's legacy continues to inspire: Her resistance against Portuguese colonialism set several precedents: Ullal was the capital of the Chowta king Thirumala Raya III.

The Chowtas followed the system of matrilineal inheritance (Aliyasantana) of Bunts community by which Tirumala Raya, Abbakka's uncle, crowned her the queen of Ullal.

He also forged a matrimonial alliance for Abbakka with Lakshmappa Arasa Bangaraja II, king of Banga principality in Mangalore.

Historical research also reveals that during her rule in the 16th century, Beary men had served as seamen in the naval force.

Rani Abbakka had personally supervised the construction of dam at Malali; she had appointed Bearys for boulder work.

The marital ties with the neighbouring Banga dynasty added further strength to the alliance of the local rulers.

In 1555, the Portuguese sent Admiral Dom Álvaro da Silveira to fight her after she refused to pay them tribute.

In further attacks, Abbakka Rani and her supporters killed Admiral Mascarenhas and forced the Portuguese to vacate the Mangalore fort.

[7] In Büta Kola, Tuluva Animism, the persona in trance recounts the great deeds of Abbakka Chowta.

[10] Amar Chitra Katha published a book named 'Rani Abbakka- The Queen who knew no fear'.

[11] Actress Barkha Sengupta portrays Rani Abbakka in Tv series Swaraj of DD National.