New Delhi: Today is the birth anniversary of Rani Velu Nachiyar, one of the most prominent rulers and one of the greatest queens in the history of India. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Velu Nachiyar waged a heroic fight against colonial rule and displayed unparalleled courage and strategic brilliance. He added that she inspired generations to fight against oppression and for freedom and also played a key role in further women empowerment in our country. In this article, we will take a look at some of the lesser-known facts about Velu Nachiyar, whose exploits have been largely forgotten in today’s age.
Remembering the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary! She waged a heroic fight against colonial rule, showing unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance. She inspired generations to stand against oppression and fight for freedom. Her role in furthering women…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 3, 2025
Lesser-known facts about Velu Nachiyar
A brave woman
Rani Velu Nachiyar was a queen of Sivaganga and was the first Indian queen to wage war against the British East India Company. The Tamils hail her as ‘Veeramangai’ which means brave woman. The adjective has been used to describe her for the immense bravery she displayed throughout her life, especially in her fight against the Company.
The princess of Ramanathapuram
Velu Nachiyar was born on January 3, 1730, in Ramanathapuram. She was the only child of the Ramnad kingdom’s King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthathal. The princess of Ramanathapuram grew up unlike any other woman in the country.
Trained in martial arts and archery
It was not a common thing for parents at that time to train their daughters in fighting skills, but the parents of Velu Nachiyar decided to walk on a different path. She was trained in many methods of combat, including in the usage of war weapons, martial arts like Valari, Silambam, horse riding and archery. She learnt several languages and was proficient in English, Urdu and French.
The years of struggle and determination
In 1746, she married Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar, the king of Sivagangai. She was his close advisor, mentor, and confidant and the couple had a daughter. In 1772, her husband was killed in a battle with the forces of the East India Company. The son of the Nawab of Arcot helped the British East India Company in the war and as a result, she was drawn into the conflict. She escaped with her daughter and lived under Palayakaarar Kopaala Naayakkar’s protection for eight years at Virupachi near Dindigul.
The help from Hyder Ali
Velu Nachiyar was helped by Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore during her years of struggle. He helped her with 5,000 soldiers, gunpowder weapons and training despite refusing to help initially. That proved to be crucial in her quest to get back her kingdom.
Getting back her kingdom
Velu Nachiyar, with the help of many feudal lords, the Marudhu brothers, and Thandavarayan Pillai, formed a plan to fight the British East India Company. She had planned for eight years and waged a war against the Company. When she found out where the British stored their ammunition, her commander Kuyili blew it up by setting herself on fire and running into the ammunitions, and she is often hailed as the first female martyr of India. Eventually, Velu Nachiyar was given her kingdom back by the Nawab of Arcot in exchange of payments to him. She returned to Sivaganga with the Marudhu brother and ascended to the throne in 1780.
Reign and death
Velu Nachiyar gave the Marudhu brothers the power to help with the administration. She ruled her kingdom for ten years and 1790, her daughter Vellacci succeeded her. Velu Nachiyar passed away on December 25, 1796, at the age of 66.
Rani Velu Nachiyar, the first Indian queen to fight the British East India Company, remains a largely unsung heroine. Born a princess, she received unique training in martial arts and languages. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
