Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar (Veerangana)

Veeramangai - Veerangana

Velu Nachiyar, also known as Rani Velu Nachiyar, was a remarkable figure in Indian history, reigning as the queen of Sivaganga from approximately 1780 to 1790. Born on January 3, 1730, in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, she was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal. Trained in martial arts, horse riding, archery, and various combat techniques like Silambam and Valari, she was raised with the skills typically reserved for a male heir. She also mastered multiple languages, including Tamil, English, French, and Urdu, showcasing her intellect and versatility.

Velu Nachiyar married Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, the king of Sivaganga, at the age of 16, and they had a daughter named Vellachi. Their reign was prosperous until 1772, when the British East India Company, allied with the Nawab of Arcot, invaded Sivaganga. In the brutal Kalaiyar Koil War, her husband was killed, and Velu Nachiyar was forced to flee with her daughter. She sought refuge in Virupachi near Dindigul under the protection of Palayakaarar Kopaala Naayakkar for eight years. During this exile, she meticulously planned her retaliation, forming alliances with regional leaders like Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore.

In 1780, Velu Nachiyar launched her campaign against the British. With Hyder Ali’s support—providing 5,000 troops, weapons, and financial aid—she built a formidable army. One of her most notable strategies involved a suicide attack, often credited as the first of its kind in Indian history. Her loyal commander, Kuyili, reportedly doused herself in oil or ghee, set herself ablaze, and destroyed a British ammunition store, significantly weakening their defenses. This bold move, combined with Velu Nachiyar’s tactical leadership and the assistance of the Marudhu brothers and Thandavarayan Pillai, led to the successful recapture of Sivaganga. The British and their allies were driven out, and she reclaimed her throne.

Velu Nachiyar ruled Sivaganga for over a decade, demonstrating resilience and governance skills. She established an all-women army named "Udaiyaal" in memory of her adopted daughter, who also perished in the fight against the British. Her reign lasted until around 1790, when she passed the throne to her daughter Vellachi, with the Marudhu brothers aiding in administration. She died on December 25, 1796, leaving a legacy as a fierce opponent of colonial rule.

While the British used guns and advanced weaponry, Velu Nachiyar’s forces relied on a mix of traditional weapons, guerrilla tactics, and the gunpowder weapons supplied by Hyder Ali. Her victory in 1780, 77 years before the 1857 First War of Independence, marks her as one of the earliest Indian rulers to effectively challenge British dominance. Known as "Veeramangai" (brave woman) among Tamils, her story is a testament to courage and strategic brilliance in the face of overwhelming odds.

 

Jai Bharat Ram!