Who Was Rani Velu Nachiyar? Here's Why We Must Remember Her Struggle For Independence

Rani Velu Nachiyar was one of the earliest female freedom fighters who fought against the British and protected her kingdom. The Centre rejected Tamil Nadu’s tableau which featured Rani Velu Nachiyar and other freedom fighters which has caused controversy.

The Centre had rejected the tableau of Tamil Nadu state for the Republic Day parade on January 17 which included prominent freedom fighters of South India like Subramania Bharathiyar, Rani Velu Nachiyar, VO Chidambaranar and Maruthu Brothers. The Tamil freedom fighters had been fighting the British valiantly way before the first soldier struggle for Indian independence in 1857.

As per reports, the central committee concerned with the Republic Day tableaus rejected the state's proposal to depict freedom fighters as it considered VO Chidambaranar as a businessman whereas questioned Rani Velu Nachiyar's portrayal for looking like Jhansi Ki Rani and suggested to give her a more 'Tamil' attire.

According to reports, this year's parade will have 25 tableaux, 16 marching contingents and 17 military bands.

Who is Rani Velu Nachiyar?

Rani Velu Nachiyar was known to be one of the earliest female freedom fighters during the Indian independence struggle. She fought valiantly against the British as she protected her kingdom from the oppressive colonial rule.

Despite being the only daughter of king King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram, she was a skilled warrior and proificient in sword-fighting and horse riding as she was brought up as a male heir.

In 1746, she was married to Sivaganga king Muthuvaduganatha Devar.

Rani Velu Nachiyar joined hands with Maruthu Brothers and also received aid from Haider Ali, the king of Mysore during their battle with the British in 1772 to protect the Sivaganga Kingdom. After a fierce battle of seven years, she was finally able to restore the Sivaganga Kingdom from the British. Chinnamaruthu was made the Chief Minister of the restored nation of Sivaganga and Vellaimaruthu was made the Commander-in-Chief of the kingdom.