She Fought the British Decades Before Rani Lakshmibai: Discover the Untold Story of Rani Velu Nachiyar, India’s First Warrior Queen

In the rich history of India’s freedom struggle, many great leaders and warriors have risen to fight for the country’s independence. However, among them is a name that often slips through the cracks of popular history: Rani Velu Nachiyar, the courageous warrior queen of Sivaganga who fought against British colonialism long before figures like Rani Lakshmibai came to the forefront. Her story is one of bravery, strategy, and a mother’s unyielding love for her people and kingdom. Let’s dive into the inspiring tale of Rani Velu Nachiyar, a queen who defied the odds.

Born into Royalty, Raised for Battle

Velu Nachiyar was born in 1730 into the royal family of Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. She was the only daughter of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Rani Sakandhimuthal, who ruled the region with great respect and authority. Unlike many royal daughters of her time, Velu Nachiyar’s parents recognized her potential and ensured that she received an education that extended beyond just royal etiquette and household management.

From a young age, she was trained in horse riding, sword fighting, archery, and the ancient martial art of Silambam—a traditional Tamil art of stick fighting. Fluent in multiple languages like Tamil, English, French, and Urdu, Velu Nachiyar was an exceptionally intelligent and skilled ruler in the making.

Marriage to Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar

At the age of 16, Velu Nachiyar was married to Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, the ruler of the Sivaganga region. Together, they ruled over a prosperous and peaceful kingdom, and their reign was marked by good governance and prosperity.

However, their happiness was short-lived. The British East India Company, ever-expanding in its greed for more control over Indian territories, set its sights on Sivaganga. In 1772, in an alliance with the Nawab of Arcot, the British attacked the Sivaganga fort. During this bloody invasion, Velu Nachiyar’s husband, King Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar, was killed.

A Widow’s Oath of Revenge

Devastated by her husband’s death and the loss of her kingdom, Rani Velu Nachiyar went into hiding with her young daughter Vellachi. But the queen was not one to surrender easily. She swore vengeance against the British and began planning to reclaim her throne.

Velu Nachiyar spent the next eight years in the neighboring kingdom of Dindigul under the protection of Gopal Nayak, a Palayakkarar (chieftain) of Dindigul. During this period, she strategically formed alliances and built an army. She sought support from Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, who agreed to help her with arms and soldiers. It is said that Velu Nachiyar impressed Hyder Ali with her courage and intelligence, securing his trust and military assistance.

The Battle to Reclaim Sivaganga

Her victory made her the first Indian queen to have waged and won a war against the British colonial forces—decades before the more well-known rebellions in 1857.

In 1780, Velu Nachiyar was ready. With the army she had built and the support of Hyder Ali, she launched an attack on the British forces that had taken over Sivaganga. The battle was fierce, and Velu Nachiyar fought alongside her soldiers, showcasing her combat skills and military strategy.

One of the most significant moments in the battle was the act of Kuyili, Velu Nachiyar’s trusted commander-in-chief and a devoted follower. Kuyili sacrificed herself by dousing her body in oil and setting herself on fire to destroy the British ammunition depot. This courageous act crippled the British forces, allowing Rani Velu Nachiyar and her army to gain a crucial advantage.

After a fierce fight, Velu Nachiyar successfully reclaimed her kingdom. She was reinstated as the ruler of Sivaganga and continued to rule the kingdom for several years. Her victory made her the first Indian queen to have waged and won a war against the British colonial forces—decades before the more well-known rebellions in 1857.

A Legacy of Resistance and Governance

After reclaiming her throne, Velu Nachiyar ruled Sivaganga for another decade before handing over the reins to her daughter, Vellachi. During her reign, she continued to focus on the welfare of her people, building schools and temples, and ensuring that the region prospered under her leadership.

She was the first queen in Indian history to raise an army of women and train them in warfare—a testament to her progressive thinking and commitment to women’s empowerment.

What makes Velu Nachiyar’s story even more remarkable is her foresight in planning and alliances. She was not just a warrior queen but also a strategic ruler who understood the importance of diplomacy and military strength. She was the first queen in Indian history to raise an army of women and train them in warfare—a testament to her progressive thinking and commitment to women’s empowerment.

The Unsung Heroine of Indian History

Despite her heroic efforts and significant contributions to India’s resistance against British colonialism, Rani Velu Nachiyar’s story remains largely unknown. Unlike other famous figures of India’s freedom struggle, she has not been given the recognition she truly deserves.

However, in recent years, her legacy has begun to gain more attention. In 2008, the government of Tamil Nadu honored her by erecting a memorial and a statue in Sivaganga. She has also been commemorated on postage stamps and is slowly finding her place in the broader narrative of India’s fight for freedom.

Conclusion

Rani Velu Nachiyar was a warrior, a mother, a strategist, and a ruler who defied all odds to reclaim her kingdom and fight against oppression. Her story serves as an inspiration, especially to women, as it showcases that courage, intelligence, and determination can overcome even the most powerful adversaries.

As we celebrate the stories of those who fought for India’s freedom, it’s time we remember and honor Rani Velu Nachiyar, the indomitable warrior queen who was far ahead of her time.

So, have you heard of Rani Velu Nachiyar before? What do you think about her incredible story of resistance? Let’s spread the word about this remarkable queen and ensure that her legacy is remembered for generations to come.