On the 77th Republic Day Let us remember: The Fearless Queen Velu Nachiyar Who Defied British Power

Navrang India January 26, 2026

Among the many women patriots who resisted British colonial domination in India, Queen Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu occupies a unique and pioneering place. Living in the 18th century, long before the Revolt of 1857, she emerged as one of the earliest Indian rulers to wage a sustained and organised armed struggle against the British East India Company and its ally, the Arcot Nawab. Her life stands as a remarkable saga of courage, resilience, and political foresight

Queen Velu Nachiyar indiatoday.in

Born in 1730 to King Sellamuthu Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram, Velu Nachiyar received an exceptional upbringing. She was trained in statecraft, administration, and warfare, and was proficient in several languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, French, and English. A lover of classical Tamil literature, she drew inspiration from works such as Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, as well as the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Her intellectual and military training prepared her for the challenges that lay ahead.
Ramanathapuramx.com
TN Geography

Above image: Ramanathapuram(part of Ramnad samasthanam?),South Tamil Nadu

Rani Velu Nachiyar instagram.com

 Velu Nachiyar married Muthu Vaduganathan Thevar, the ruler of the independent kingdom of Sivaganga. His reign came to a tragic end in 1772 when he was killed in battle against British forces led by Colonel Smith at Kalayarkoil. Following this defeat, Sivaganga fell under the control of the British-supported Arcot Nawab. Refusing to submit, Velu Nachiyar fled with her daughter and loyal commanders, including the Marudu brothers, and went into exile.

Queen Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga, TN
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During her eight-year exile, Velu Nachiyar carefully rebuilt her strength. She forged a crucial alliance with Hyder Ali of Mysore, gaining military support and resources. With meticulous planning and popular backing, she launched a counter-offensive in 1780, defeating the British and their allies and reclaiming Sivaganga. This victory marked one of the earliest successful resistances against the East India Company in South India. Notably, her commander Kuyili is remembered as one of the world’s first female suicide bombers, sacrificing herself to destroy a British ammunition depot.


Velu Nachiyar statue, Soorakulam  thehindu.com
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Above image: Floral tributes were paid to ‘Veeramangai’ Velu Nachiyar, the first Indian queen who fought against the British with an army specially trained  to take on the British. The army included countless traine women soldiers as well capable of fighting on the war front.........

After the restoration of Sivaganga, Velu Nachiyar ruled as regent and later withdrew from active politics following personal tragedies. She spent her final years at Virupakshi Palayam, passing away on December 25, 1796. Revered as Veeramangai (the brave woman), Queen Velu Nachiyar remains a powerful symbol of early resistance, women’s leadership, and unwavering patriotism in India’s long struggle for freedom.


https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-queen-velu-nachiyar-from-tamil-nadu-wasnt-first-indian-ruler-to-go-to-war-against-british-1892831-2021-12-27

https://learn.culturalindia.net/velu-nachiyar.html

https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/10/27/vijay-s-tvk-conference-who-is-velu-nachiyar-tamil-queen-mentioned-by-thalapathy-at-vikravandi-alongside-ambedkar-periyar.html

https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/people/inside-indias-forgotten-kingdoms-how-velu-nachiyar-abbakka-chowta-and-avantibai-lodhi-defended-their-forts-and-challenged-empire-forces-long-before-1857-article-153216101