Chennabhairadevi

Chennabhairadevi, Queen of Gersoppa, is perhaps best known for being one of India’s longest reigning female monarchs, having ruled for 54 years. She belonged to the Tuluva-Salva lineage of the Vijayanagara kingdom, whose rule extended from the south of Goa to the Malabar regions — an area well known for its harbours, as well as its pepper! During a Portuguese invasion which aimed to monopolise trade in India, Honnavar, a major harbour for internal trading, was burnt to the ground. However, Chennabhairadevi managed to save Gersoppa by expertly negotiating with the Portuguese, arriving at a diplomatic agreement while also managing not to pay taxes! This historic act earned her the Portuguese nickname of ‘Reyna de Pimanta’, or ‘Pepper Queen’. Her benevolent rule provided shelter to businessmen and skilled Konkani craftsmen, all seeking to escape Portuguese prosecution. Chennabhairadevi’s reign finally ended when the neighbouring Kheladi Nayaka and Bilgi chiefs formed an alliance, jointedly attacking Gersoppa and overthrowing its brave queen. She finally died of old age in a prison in Kheladi.