“I am not here to be a puppet , I am here to make a difference”
~Velu Nachiyar
Velu Nachi, known as “Veeramangai” (brave woman) was a great revolutionary, a determined freedom fighter, a radical warrior and most importantly, a powerful voice of resistance. Velu was born on 3rd of January, 1730. She was the princess of Ramanathapuram and the only child of King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthathal of the Ramnad Kingdom. She was trained in many methods of combat, including war match weapons usage, martial arts like Valari, Silambam, horse riding, and archery. In addition, She was a trained scholar in many languages and was proficient in languages like French, English and Urdu. Her early life was shaped by the socio-political landscape of 18th century India. Nachiyar at a very young age of 16 was married to “King Muthu Vaduga Naadhar of Sivagangai” who was later killed in a battle in 1780 by the East India Company forces of Nawab of Arcot. Undeterred by grief, she rose from the ashes of despair to become a symbol of resistance. With an indomitable spirit, Velu Nachiyar sought refuge in the court of Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore. She formed an alliance with him to oppose the British East India Company. Nachiyar’s military prowess became evident as she led her own army, comprising both Tamils and Marathas, in several successful campaigns against the British. One of her most notable achievements was the recapture of Sivagangai from the British in 1780. With the help of Marathas and Marudhu brothers, Velu after 8 years of training went on to attack the British forces. Velu Nachiyar ingeniously used her deep knowledge of the local terrain to execute a surprise attack, catching the British off guard. This victory marked a significant setback for the British forces in the region.
Velu Nachiyar’s commitment to the cause of independence extended beyond military strategy. She implemented progressive policies in the territories under her control, advocating for social justice and equality. “A true leader is not measured by gender, but by their actions”, said Velu Nachi during her 8 years of training which definitely had a profound impact on all her warriors. For instance, Velu is also credited with being one of the earliest rulers to train one of her valiant warriors ‘Kuyili’ as a human bomb. In a daring act of sacrifice, she volunteered to set herself ablaze and walked into the British ammunition depot during the siege of Sivagangai in 1780. This courageous act resulted in a massive explosion, causing significant damage to the British forces and contributing to the victory of Velu Nachiyar in that battle. Kuyili’s selfless bravery and the resulting explosion was a decisive blow to the British, showcasing the lengths to which these women warriors were willing to go in their pursuit of freedom. She acquired her territory back with India’s first all- women army built by her. Velu was succeeded by Vellachi, her daughter, to the throne in 1790 as the second queen of Sivagangai estate and ruled till 1793.
Velu Nachiyar’s commitment to the cause of independence was characterised by a rare blend of military prowess and visionary leadership. Her ability to inspire loyalty and rally diverse forces under a common banner made her a formidable force against the British colonial powers. The story of Kuyili’s sacrifice became emblematic of the selfless courage displayed by those who fought alongside Velu Nachiyar. The legacy of Velu Nachiyar endures not only in the history of India’s struggle for independence but also in the hearts of the people of Tamil Nadu. In recognition of her contributions, the Tamil Nadu government has honoured vela Nachiyar by naming a district after her. This gesture ensures that history remains an integral part of the region’s cultural heritage, a source of inspiration for generations to come. Her story transcends the boundaries of time, serving as a testament to the power of determination and sacrifice in the face of oppression. Velu Nachiyar’s legacy continues to inspire individuals to strive for justice, freedom, and the betterment of society. Her indomitable spirit remains a guiding light, reminding us of the transformative impact that a single individual can have in the pursuit of a noble cause. On December 25, 1796, at the age of 66 in Sivagangai, Velu Nachiyar the valiant queen, took her last breath.
Once Velu had said, “I won’t let anyone suppress my voice”. Today as I write this after 128 years of her death, I firmly believe that the unsuppressed voice of power, courage, and leadership resides in all of us. Everytime we go against injustice, everytime we stand united against oppression, we take up the courage to put up a selfless fight for ourselves and our people. In conclusion, Velu Nachiyar’s life is a true saga of courage, leadership, and independence.
