Tilu Rauteli
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Teelu Rauteli (born Tilottama Devi) was a Garhwali Rajput warrior and folk heroine who was born in village Gurrad talla, Chaundkot, Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India during the seventeenth century.[1] She is credited with fighting seven wars between the ages of fifteen and twenty.[2]
Early life
Rauteli was born in the latter half of the 17th century. She is probably the only female warrior in the world who fought seven wars, starting at age fifteen. She was one of the three children of Bhoop Singh (Gorla) Rawat. The others were her brothers Bhagtu and Pathwa. At age fifteen, her engagement was finalized with Bhuppa Singh Negi from Ida talla village (Near Srikotkhal) in Pauri Garhwal district. In those days, Katyuri warriors of Kumaon were continuously attacking the Garhwal Kingdom.
Life as a warrior
After a few days the annual kauthig (country fair) was organised in Kanda, Rauteli wished to attend. She was unyielding in her demand. Her mother, devastated by the loss of her husband and sons, stated...
"O Teelu! What are you! Don’t you miss your brothers? Who will avenge your father's death? If you want to go somewhere, it should be battlefield…. Can you go? Can you avenge……..? Enjoy your Kauthig after that!"
This taunt from her mother left an indelible mark on Rauteli's mind, and she pushed aside her wish to go to Kauthig. Instead she began to prepare a battalion with her friends, and she regrouped the army. After some time she departed for the battlefield, riding her horse "Binduli", and accompanied by her friends "Bellu" and "Devali."
Battle of Khairagarh, Umtagarhi, Sald Mahadev and Kalinkahkal
According to local folk tales the Khairagarh (खैरागढ़) [present day Kalagarh (कालागढ़)] was her first exploit, where she overwhelmed the Katyuris of Kumaon. Then she attacked Umtagarhi (उमटागढ़ी), and after that she marched her army to Sald Mahadev (सल्ड महादेव), freeing it from the enemy.
After settling the border line up to Chaukhutiya (चौखुटिया), Rauteli returned to Deghat (देघाट) with her army. In Kalinkakhal (कलिंकाखाल) she fought the enemy and avenged her father's death by defeating the general of Katyuri army in Saraikhet (सराईखेत), where her father had lost his life. Her comrade "Binduli (बिंदुली)" died after receiving lethal wounds there.
Supreme sacrifice
After winning her territories back, she started marching towards Kanda. While crossing the "Nayar" (नयार) river she stopped to refresh herself, where she gave ultimate sacrifice of her.
Legacy
'Ranbhoot' is invoked in her memory in 'Jagars'. 'Thadya' dance songs are performed in her honour across Uttarakhand.
References
- ^ Budhwar, Kusum (8 September 2010). "Teelu Rauteli: The Warrior Lass". Where Gods Dwell :: Central Himalayan Folktales and Legends. Penguin Books India. pp. 191–99. ISBN 9780143066026.
- ^ "Teelu Rauteli - A Tale of Bravery - Himalayan Buzz". Himalayan Buzz. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2017.