Rani Velu Nachiyar and Veeramangai Kuyili - A Suicide Mission

Rani Velu Nachyiar was Born in Ramanathapuram and was married to Muthuvaduganathaperiya Udaiyathevar. Who took training in handling different weapons in martial arts, silambam, horse riding and archery. She also had a good command of several languages.

 

Rani Velunachiar and The British.

British with The Nawab of Arcot invaded Sivagangai in 1772, where Rani Velunachiyar’s husband was killed in Kaliyar Koil War with Colonel Smith.

This war was ruthless where women and children were killed mercilessly. Following the death of her husband, Rani Velinachiyar took refuge under the protection of Palayakaarar Gopala Nayakar.

During this time Hyder’s Kingdom was also facing a tough time from the British, and He joined hands with Rani Velu Nachiar. He even built a temple for her to worship and she was respected like Queen.

Rani Velunachiyar built a powerful army to fight against the British with the support of Gopala Nayakar.

In 1778 Rani Velunachyiar defeated the British in a brilliantly formulated coup, she found where the British stored the ammunition and a suicide attack was then devised to destroy all of it.

It was Kuili - Rani Velunachiyar’s commander in chief who gallantly carried out the suicide mission. She doused herself in ghee and Set herself on fire before jumping into the ammunition Store

Kuili is considered to be the adopted daughter of Rani Velunachiyar (wow she gave her life for the Country)

After the victory over the British Rani Velunachiar reigned over the Sivagangai Kingdom for over a decade, she passed away at the age of 66.

A commemorative stamp was released in her name in 2008

In 2014 Late CM Jayalalitha inaugurated a Six-foot bronze statue and Veeramangar Velunachyiar memorial in Sivagangai.

Thank You!

Jai Hind!!