Rani Velu Nachiyar
The courageous Indian Warrior Queen
Rani Velu Nachiyar, also known as Veeramangai (meaning “brave woman” in Tamil), was a remarkable queen from the Sivaganga estate in India during the late 18th century. Let’s delve into her fascinating story:
Birth and Training:
- Velu Nachiyar was born on January 3, 1730, in Ramanathapuram, which is now part of modern-day Tamil Nadu, India.
- She received extensive training in various combat skills, including the use of weapons, martial arts (such as Valari and Silambam), horse riding, and archery.
- Her linguistic prowess extended to languages like French, English, and Urdu.
Marriage and Tragedy:
- Velu Nachiyar married Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, the king of Sivagangai.
- Tragedy struck when her husband was killed in battle by soldiers of the British East India Company (EIC) in 1780 at KalaiyarKoil.
The Warrior Queen’s Resolve:
- Fleeing Sivagangai as a fugitive, Velu Nachiyar sought help from Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore.
- Hyder Ali provided her with 5,000 soldiers and gunpowder weapons to fight against the EIC.
- Rich merchants also supported her cause.
- With the backingt of feudal lords, Tipu Sultan, the Marudhu Brothers, and Thandavarayan Pillai, she waged war against the British.
Kuyili’s Heroic Sacrifice:
- Velu Nachiyar’s commander, Kuyili, discovered the EIC’s ammunition depot.
- In a daring move, Kuyili set herself on fire and blew up the ammunition depot, dealing a significant blow to the British forces.
- Velu Nachiyar reclaimed her husband’s kingdom and ruled for another decade.
Legacy and Recognition:
- Velu Nachiyar’s daughter, Vellacci, succeeded her as the ruler of Sivagangai.
- She is remembered as the first Indian queen to defy the East India Company in battle.
- In her honor, a commemorative postage stamp was released on December 31, 2008.
More about her battles
Rani Velu Nachiyar, the valiant queen of Sivaganga estate, was not one to back down from a fight. Her battles were marked by courage, strategy, and unwavering determination. Let’s delve into some of the key moments in her remarkable journey:
The Battle for Justice:
- After her husband, Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, was killed in a battle with soldiers of the British East India Company (EIC) at KalaiyarKoil in 1780, Velu Nachiyar was thrust into the conflict.
- Fleeing Sivagangai as a fugitive, she sought refuge with Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore.
- Hyder Ali, recognizing her resolve, provided her with 5,000 soldiers and gunpowder weapons to take on the British.
The Alliance and the Fight:
- Velu Nachiyar rallied her forces, which included feudal lords, the Marudhu Brothers, Dalit commanders, and Thandavarayan Pillai.
- With this formidable alliance, she waged war against the British EIC.
- Her determination to reclaim her husband’s kingdom fueled her every move.
Kuyili’s Heroic Sacrifice:
- Velu Nachiyar’s trusted commander, Kuyili, played a pivotal role.
- Kuyili discovered the location of the EIC’s ammunition depot.
- In a daring act of bravery, Kuyili set herself on fire and blew up the ammunition depot, dealing a significant blow to the British forces.
- Her sacrifice became a symbol of resistance and defiance.
Reclaiming the Kingdom:
- Velu Nachiyar’s relentless efforts paid off. She re-inherited the kingdom of her husband and ruled it for another decade.
- Her daughter, Vellacci, succeeded her as the ruler of Sivagangai.
- Velu Nachiyar granted powers to her daughter, along with the Marudu brothers, to administer the kingdom.
Velu Nachiyar’s courage and determination continue to inspire generations, making her a true icon in Tamil history. 🌟
Comments (3)
Rani Velu Nachiyar, a courageous queen, led the first Indian resistance against the East India Company. And can you write an article about Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar?
Amazing story!
Good work. Another good lecture in World history.