Veeramangai: “brave woman”

Here is to first Indian queen to wage war against British Rule in 1970s long before the Revolt of 1857.

Velu Nachiyar was only child of the Royal couple of the Sethupathi Dynasty of Ramnad Kingdom (part of modern-day Tamil Nadu) and raised as Royal heir.

She was a scholar in several languages including French, Hindi, and Urdu aside from her mother tongue. She was trained in several war methods, weapon usage, horse riding, martial arts: Valari, Silambam, and archery.

A turning point came in her life was when the British — led by the son of the Nawab of Arcot — killed her husband Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar in the Kalaiyar Koil War.

Velu and her daughter, Vellachi, were then forced to flee from Sivagangai. They took refuge under the ruler of Dindigul — Gopal Naicker.

During her eight years of refuge she of planned for war against British east India. For which she sought of many feudal lords, Tipu Sultan, Marudhu brothers and Thandavarayan Pillai.

She also persuaded Hyder Ali to support her with 5,000 soldiers and gunpowder weapons. It is said initially Haider Ali refused to help her, but she impressed him with her knowledge in Urdu.

In 1780 she waged war to avenge her husband’s death and regain her kingdom.

British had taken complete control over the Sivaganga Fort. It came to her knowledge that this was where they have stored their arms and ammunition. She gathered her intelligence agents and found out exact armoury chambers in the fort. Soon a plan was laid.

On the day of Vijayadashmi, her female general Kuyuili and a few other women set out to the Fort. Women pour out the ghee on Kuyuili, Kuyuili fearlessly walked into armoury chambers. Kuyuili then set herself on fire destroying the weapons store.

Following Kuyuili’s sacrifice, Velu launched an attack on the Fort. Velu not only fought against British and regained her kingdom, but also avenged Nawab of Arcot.

Velu reigned for next 10 years and groomed for her daughter Vellacci to succeed after her.

For her valour she is known by Tamilians as Veeramangai (“brave woman”) and in Indian history as first Indian queen to wage war against British Colonial Rule.

Happy Independence day!

Source: https://indianculture.gov.in/node/2790246

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