The Role of Women Freedom Fighters in Madras Presidency
Dr.(Mrs.).S.Jeyanthimala
Abstract:
Veera Mangai Velunachiyar was one of the queens in the 18,th century in South India. She rebelled against the
British Empire and fought for the freedom of India. She was born in 1730 AD to the Mannar Sellamuthu
Sethupathy and to Rani Sakandhimuthal of Ramnad Kingdom. She was the only daughter of this Royal family.
The Royal couple had no male heir. The royal family brought up the Princess, Velunachiyar, like Prince of
Ramnad due to this reason. She was trained in the skills of using weapons and also in martial arts like Valari,
stick fighting etc. She learnt horse riding and archery earlier. The Royal couple had engaged teachers to teach her
many languages like French, English and Urdu. Thus this young brave Princess had excellent training in all war
techniques. She was a scholar in many languages and was ready to rule the Ramnad Kingdom . She married
Sivagangai Mannar Muthuvaduganathar at the age of sixteen. In the year 1772 , the English invaded her kingdom
. Velu Nachiyar heard that her husband Raja Muthu Vaduganathar and her daughter young Princess Gowri
Nachiyar were killed in Kalaiyar Koil war. This war was held in Kalaiyar Koil palace. British troops attacked the
palace under the command of Lt.Col. Bon Jour . She was very much worried and wanted to take revenge. Dalavay
Thandavaraya Pillai and Maruthu brothers sustained injuries. They promised to recapture the samasthan to
punish the English. Dalavay Thandavaraya Pillai, an incredible and distinguished person was the most powerful
administer in Sivagangai samsthanam. Thandavaraya Pillai, the loyalist served (1700-1773) as Palavay and also
as Pirathani under the three rulers of Sivagangai samsthanam. He was responsible for the development of
Sivagangai samsthanam. At first he served the King Sasivarna Periya Udaiya Thevar during 1730-1750. Later he
served under Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar, the King during 1750-1772 . He also served as *Pirathani to the queen
Rani Velu Nachiyar.Here Dalavay means military chief and the Pirathani means chief minister. Pirathani was
responsible for the improvement of Foreign affairs. Thus the two charges were the most important and
also powerful .
Keywords: ---
Conference Name: UGC Sponsored National Level Workshop on Impact of National Movement in the Intellectual History of Madras Presidency
Conference Date: 30, January 2015
Pages: 39-41
Paper ID: inmihmd08
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