She was the daughter of Sode King Madhulinga Nayaka, whose ancestors were feudatories of the Vijaynagar Empire, and belonged to the Veerashaiva merchant (Vani Banajiga) community.

Her abilities not only matched but often surpassed those of her male peers, earning her recognition as a heroic figure within the kingdom at a young age.

[citation needed] Despite her remarkable achievements in military training, Mallamma remained grounded and deeply respectful of her family traditions.

Every morning, alongside her brother, she would rise early, complete her daily rituals, bathe, and offer devout prayers to Lord Shiva and the sacred bhel tree.

[9][4][4] The Desai prince of Belawadi, Ishaprabhu, at 20 years of age, successfully hunted and killed 21 tigers in a month, earning the hand of Mallamma.

[4] Raja Isaprahu and Rani Mallamma were skilled rulers of Belavadi, maintaining a 10,000-strong army to protect their prosperous kingdom.

This defeat enraged Shivaji Maharaja, who deemed it a dishonor as a Kshatriya, prompting him to dispatch a larger force under General Dadaji to challenge the Belawadi army.

In this version, Shivaji reportedly saw Mallamma as a divine figure resembling ‘Jagadamba’ (Goddess Bhavani) and began to pray.

Shivaji, upon learning of her injuries and capture, arranged for her medical treatment, displaying a gesture of respect as suggested by a memorial at Yadwad.

Mallamma was later invited by Shivaji, he praised her valor, expressed regret for her husband's death, and released her, stating, “I made a mistake, Mother!

As reported by the English merchants of Rajapur on February 28th, 1678: "At present, he is besieging a fort where, according to his own men, he has faced more disgrace than ever from the Mughals or the Deccan powers.

[19][20][21] Belawadi, once a hub of activity and royal heritage, has faded into a quiet village with no visible remnants of its ancient forts or palaces.

The top of the slab is semicircular, divided into two sections.The upper section portrays Shivaji Maharaj astride a horse, dressed in traditional Marathi attire—a long coat with a waistband and a distinct headgear.

Mallamma, standing nearby, is portrayed with a bow and arrow, her sari tightly draped in the Kannadiga ‘Veerakachche’ style, symbolizing her readiness for combat.

The delegation presented a memorandum, a book, and a documentary, with Rijiju assuring consideration and discussions with Speaker Om Birla.