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A Forgotten Warrior Queen VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar

First woman freedom fighter in India - QUEEN VELU NACHIAR (3 January 1730 – 25 December 1796)

By Vijayakumar RPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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In the 18th century, VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar, a brave warrior and leader from Tamil Nadu, India, engaged in combat with the British East India Company. Because she disregarded conventional gender stereotypes and paved the path for later generations of women to fight for their rights and freedom, her legacy serves as an inspiration to women all around the world. She was the first woman freedom fighter in India.

In 1730, VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar, a member of Sivagangai's royal line, was born. VeeraMangai means “Brave Woman” in Tamil. She was the princess of Ramanathapuram and the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal of the Ramnad kingdom. Her training in a variety of topics, like as martial arts (Valari and Silambam ), swordsmanship, and archery, would later be essential to her success as a warrior and leader. She was fluent in French, English, and Urdu, among other languages, and was a scholar of many. She was given several significant administrative responsibilities by her father, the king, who appreciated her brains and leadership abilities.

The British East India Company, which had been establishing influence over many regions of India, was fiercely opposed by VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar. She organized a mixed-gender army and employed military tactics and strategy to overpower British forces. In order to advance her status, VeluNachiyar was also adept at diplomatic work and formed partnerships with local authorities.

VeluNachiyar was a charismatic leader with excellent communication skills who inspired and motivated her people. She constantly considered how her decisions would affect her community, putting the security and well-being of her people first. Her effectiveness in warfare and in gaining support for her cause depended heavily on her leadership abilities.

VeluNachiyar was married to MuthuVaduganathaPeriya UdaiyaThevar, the Sivagangai king. The British East India Company was in charge of the Sivagangai region in the 18th century. MuthuVaduganathaPeriya UdaiyaThevar and the company had a treaty in place, but the British violated it and murdered him in combat. VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar, a seasoned fighter and strategist, was driven to get revenge for her husband's passing and take on the British.

She organized her own army and waged a guerilla conflict with the British troops. To bolster her army, she also made partnerships with local kings and leaders. In order to forge alliances with regional sultans like Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali, and the Sultan of Mysore, VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar learnt Urdu. She overcame the British commander Colonel Braithwaite in one of her most well-known bouts by surprising him and killing him in hand-to-hand combat.

As a strategic thinker, VeluNachiyar was continually spotting holes in the defenses of the British army and devising ways to exploit them. They were unable to anticipate her next move because she used surprise strikes and kept them off balance. For instance, she observed that the British were particularly susceptible to surprise attacks at night, so she launched one, and was successful in taking down their camp.

Future generations of women will continue to be motivated by VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar's bravery and leadership to struggle for their rights and freedom. Throughout Indian history, she is still a representation of freedom and justice, and those who pay tribute to her memory appreciate her accomplishments.

A capable and brave leader, VeeraMangai VeluNachiyar overcame persecution and opened the route for women's empowerment. We must continue to pay tribute to her memory and fight toward a more just and equal society because her legacy continues to inspire people all across the world.

Despite these achievements, the Tamilnadu/Indian government has not given her the recognition she deserves. There are no major memorials or monuments to honor her memory, and she is often left out of history textbooks. However, it is important to remember and honor her memory as a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Historical
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