White Rose

Rani Velu Nachiyar

 

Rani Velu Nachiyar, the first queen of Sivaganga estate in South India, fought against British colonial power. Born as a princess, she was skilled in various martial arts, horse riding, archery, and languages. After her husband's death, she fled to Virupachi, built an army, and applied the first human bomb.

EARLY LIFE

Velu Nachiyar, born on January 3, 1730, in Tamil Nadu, India, was raised by Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal. She was trained in war match weapons, archery, horse riding, Silambam, martial arts, and was a scholar.Nachiyar married Muthuvadugananthur Udaiyathevar, son of King Sasivarna Periya Udaya. He became King of Sivagangai in 1750 and ruled for over two decades until his death in 1772. They had a daughter named Vellachi.

The struggle against British rule is a significant historical event.

In 1772, Sivagangai was invaded by East India Company troops, leading to Muthuvadugananthur Udaiyathevar's death in the Kalaiyar Koil war. Women and children were mercilessly killed, but notable figures like Marudhu brothers and Thandavaraya Pillai managed to escape. Nachiyar fled to Virupachi for eight years. Queen Elizabeth II built a powerful army in Virupachi against the British, receiving support from Gopala Nayaker and Sultan Hyder Ali. She met Hyder Ali in Dindugal and was granted royal treatment. She sought 5000 infantry and 5000 cavalry, and was equipped with necessary weapons by Sultan Hyder Ali. She sought financial support of 400 pounds and frequently changed bases.In 1780, Queen Veeramangai, the first Indian queen to fight against British rule, plotted a suicide attack on the British ammunition store. Her loyal follower, Kuyili, carried out the mission, setting herself on fire and blowing up the store, resulting in a victory for the queen.Nachiyar, a queen of Sivaganga estate, had an adopted daughter named Udaiyaal who saved her life. After recapturing the estate, she ruled for a decade, making her daughter Vellacci the heir. She bestowed powers to the Marudu brothers and praised Sultan Hyder Ali for his support. Vellacci succeeded her as the second queen in 1790.Nachiyar, a valiant queen, died at 66 years old on December 25, 1796, in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, India. She suffered from heart ailments and underwent treatment in France, with her last rites performed by her son-in-law.

popular culture

On December 31, 2008, a commemorative stamp was released in her name, and a Grand Dance Ballet, 'VELU NACHIYAR', was presented by OVM Dance Academy of Chennai.Jayaram Jayalalithaa inaugurated the Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar Memorial in Sivagangai, unveiled a bronze statue of the queen, and announced January 3 as her birth anniversary annually.Tamil-American hip-hop artist Professor A.L.I. dedicated a song titled 'Our Queen' to her in his album 'Tamilmatic'.A grand dance ballet, directed by Sriram Sharma, narrates the life of Nachiyar, India's first queen, who fought against the British, and was performed in Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi.