VC bats for study centre on Abbakka

Rani Abbakka was no ordinary queen, she was one of the first freedom fighters and also a social reformer, said Mangalore University Vice Chancellor Prof T C Shivshankara Murthy after inaugurating ‘Abbakka Sankathana,’ a two-day seminar on Abbakka Rani at Ravindra Kalabhavan in University College on Saturday.

He also suggested the Committee of opening a Regional Study Centre on Rani Abbakka and added that Mangalore University will contribute towards the academic input. The cultural, political, social and other aspects of the regime of Rani Abbakka can be studied if the centre is established. Rani Abbakka was a brave lady who had international fame. There are evidences of Arabs referring to her as ‘Pepper Queen,’ he added.

Rani Abbakka is a symbol of self respect. She was a good leader who emphasised on social justice. A memorial in form of a theme park should be constructed for her and her story should be publicised, said Hampi Kannada University retired Professor A V Navada in his keynote address.

Is it necessary to have a man’s perspective in portraying the brave queen, questioned Syndicate Member of Hampi University Dr Gayathri Navada. The depiction of Abbakka Rani sitting on a horse holding a sword shows the male mindset who is trying to undermine a woman’s achievement, she said.

Rani Abbakka has made the Tulu Nadu proud. She is a role model for the present generation as she united all the religions and fought against the Portuguese. She had enhanced trade in the costal region during her regime, said MCC Commissioner Dr K N Vijayprakash.

Historian Mukund Prabhu said that the committee will establish a hall and theatre in Ullal. The inauguration was followed by the first session by experts such as Dr Udaya Barkur, Dr Mohana Krishna Rai, Dr Meenakshi and Professor Thukarama Poojari. Dr Pundikai Ganapayya Bhat was the moderator.