Rani Velu Nachiyar

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. 🌟