RANI VELU NACHIYAR
Rani Velu Nachiyar was one of the earliest and bravest freedom fighters of India, long before the Revolt of 1857. She was the queen of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu and is remembered as the first Indian queen to wage war against the British East India Company.
Early Life
Rani Velu Nachiyar was born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy, the ruler of Ramanathapuram. She received training in martial arts, horse riding, archery, and the use of weapons, along with education in several languages including Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English. This made her exceptionally well-prepared to rule and defend her kingdom.
Resistance Against the British
In 1772, her husband, King Muthuvaduganatha Periya Udaiyathevar of Sivaganga, was killed in a battle against the British. Refusing to surrender, Rani Velu Nachiyar escaped and spent years planning her counterattack. She formed alliances with powerful rulers like Hyder Ali of Mysore, who provided her with military support.
First Suicide Bomber in History
One of the most remarkable aspects of her struggle was the formation of a women’s army called “Udaiyaal Padai.” A commander from this army, Kuyili, carried out one of the earliest recorded suicide attacks in history by blowing up the British ammunition depot. This bold move weakened British forces significantly.
Victory and Legacy
In 1780, Rani Velu Nachiyar successfully defeated the British and regained control of Sivaganga, ruling the kingdom for several years afterward. Her courage, leadership, and strategic brilliance made her a symbol of resistance and women’s empowerment.
Importance in Indian History
Despite her achievements, Rani Velu Nachiyar remains less known compared to other freedom fighters. She was a pioneer who proved that Indian women were fearless leaders and warriors, capable of standing up to colonial power.
Conclusion
Rani Velu Nachiyar was not just a queen but a revolutionary. Her life reminds us that India’s fight for freedom began much earlier than commonly believed—and that women played a powerful role in shaping that history.
