Velu Nachiyar – India’s First Queen to Fight the British

Discover the remarkable tale of Velu Nachiyar, the invincible queen of Sivaganga, who was the first Indian woman to go to war against the British colonial empire.

Introduction

When we mention India’s struggle for freedom, names such as Rani Lakshmibai and Jhansi ki Rani come to mind. But decades earlier than them, there was another courageous woman who revolted against British rule — Velu Nachiyar, the queen of Sivaganga in today’s Tamil Nadu. Hailed as the first Indian queen to rebel against the British colonial masters, her courage and strategic mind remain a pillar of Indian history.

Early Life of Velu Nachiyar

Velu Nachiyar, who was born in 1730 into the Ramnad royal family, received instruction in martial arts, horseback riding, and archery and was also fluent in French, English, and Urdu. She wed Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar, the king of Sivaganga.

When her husband was assassinated in 1772 by the British East India Company, working with the Nawab of Arcot, her peaceful reign took a tragic turn. Her life took a drastic turn as a result, and she rose to become a warrior queen.

Formation of a Revolutionary Army

Following her husband’s assassination, Velu Nachiyar escaped with her daughter and took shelter under Hyder Ali, the king of Mysore. Having his blessings and her unwavering willpower, she mobilized an army and thoughtfully strategized her return.

She also established an all-female corps called Udaiyaal, in honor of her trusted commander who had sacrificed her life in a suicide mission to destroy a British ammunitions depot.

The Battle Against the British

In 1780, with a well-trained army and strategic alliances, Velu Nachiyar attacked the British forces and recovered her kingdom successfully. Thus, she became the first Indian queen to fight as well as defeat the British, 75 years before Rani Lakshmibai.

Legacy

Velu Nachiyar ruled Sivaganga for almost a decade following the recapture of the territory, and is hailed as an icon of bravery, patriotism, and female empowerment. Though she succeeded in all her endeavors, her legacy remained overshadowed in the general narrative of history until recent times.

To honor her, the Government of India issued a commemorative postal stamp in 2008, and she is today considered to be a pioneering Indian freedom fighter.

Conclusion

A tribute to the unwavering determination of a woman who opposed colonial rule and left a legacy for future generations of revolutionaries, the story of Velu Nachiyar is more than just a chapter in Indian history. As we revisit India’s fight for independence, let us not overlook the unsung heroes like Velu Nachiyar.