The decisive war

The Arabia trade made money, and the Portuguese struck back at sea. "All of the ships were apprehended (caught) on their return by the Portuguese navy. They fought bravely and all the ships returned, except Abbakka's commander's."

The crews said: "Our commander kept them busy while we escaped. His ship must have been captured." The queen: "I will make them pay for this." She sent an envoy to Mangalore, the Portuguese base.

"The Portuguese replied, however, by attacking." Cannons boomed from across the river. "So the Portuguese have replied! Mother, bless me. The time to avenge (take revenge for) your defeat has come."

Abbakka sent her forces against the Portuguese fort. The Portuguese commander, Ribero, escaped with his life, promising, "I will get help from Goa and we will yet have the last laugh!" Behind him rang the cry: "Victory to Abbakka!"

When Ribero brought news that Fort Mangalore had fallen, the Portuguese governor of Goa was furious: "What! A mere woman defeating the mighty Portuguese! You've made us the laughing-stock of the local rulers!" The Portuguese gathered their forces to attack Ullal.

The dauntless (fearless) Abbakka told her soldiers: "This shall be the decisive war. Let us fight with all our might and defeat the Portuguese once and for all!"

"For four days the battle raged, but the forces of Ullal were enough. The Portuguese beat a hasty retreat, never to trouble Ullal again." Among the burning ships, Abbakka said: "Mother, your dream has come true. Ullal is free!"

Later she helped Venkatappa Nayak, king of Keladi, take the fort of Mangalore, and the Portuguese were finally driven out of Mangalore by Shivappa Nayak, the greatest king of Keladi.