New Delhi [India], January 3: On the birth anniversary of Rani Velu Nachiyar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the courageous queen, remembering her heroic fight against colonial rule. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted her unparalleled bravery and strategic brilliance in her battle against the British.
“Remembering the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary! She waged a heroic fight against colonial rule, showing unparalleled valour and strategic brilliance,” the Prime Minister wrote. He also praised her legacy in inspiring generations to stand up against oppression and fight for freedom, emphasizing her role in advancing women’s empowerment.
Actor and politician Vijay, who leads the TVK party, also paid tribute to the queen on her birth anniversary. “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of our principal leader Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar, who fought against the British and reclaimed her native land, I paid homage by showering flowers on her portrait at the party headquarters in Chennai,” he shared. He further pledged to support women’s rights, safety, and empowerment in her honor.
Rani Velu Nachiyar, born in 1730, was the queen of the Sivaganga estate from 1780 to 1790 and the first Indian queen to take up arms against the East India Company. Known as “Veeramangai” by Tamils, she became a symbol of courage and resistance. After the death of her husband and his second wife at the hands of British forces and the Nawab of Arcot’s son, Rani Velu Nachiyar escaped with her daughter and lived under the protection of Hyder Ali for eight years.
During this period, she built an army and formed alliances with figures like Gopala Nayaker and Hyder Ali, planning to attack the British. In 1780, she succeeded in defeating the British forces with her allies’ military assistance. Her victory in battle is historically significant, including being the first recorded instance of suicide bombing in India.
A scholar in French, English, and Urdu, Rani Velu Nachiyar is fondly remembered as a fearless leader and a trailblazer for women’s empowerment in India.