There was great consternation in the court of Keladi, when the king married a commoner.

But Chennamma, the merchant's daughter, proved to be a born queen. She became an expert rider and archer. She also took great interest in the governing of the kingdom. When a scheming minister poisoned and killed the king, Chennamma was forced to take over as ruler.

Before she could calm the troubled kingdom, Keladi came under attack from the powerful armies of Bijapur. Undaunted, Chennamma sold her jewellery to finance the battle. Then she marched out to meet the invaders, at the head of her army.