Father – Raja Sellamuthu, the Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram.
Spouse – Muthu Vadugar, Raja of Sivagangai.
Daughter – Vellachi Nachiyar.
In 1772, the Nawab’s troop & company’s troop under Colonel Bon Jour attacked Sivaganga.
In the Kalayar Kovil Battle Muthuvadugar was killed and Sivagangai came under British.
Velu Nachiyar escaped with her daughter Vellachi Nachiyar to Virupachi near Dindigul.
Under the protection of Gopala Nayak she prepared a troop to revive Sivagangai.
Due to her efficiency in Urdu language she got help from Hyder Ali.
In 1780 with the help of Hyder Ali & Gopala Nayak she captured Sivaganga.
She enthroned as Queen with the help of Marudhu Brothers.
In 1783 again British tried to capture Sivagangai but Marudhu Brothers tactic move stop the war.
Vengan Periaudaiyar became the king of Sivaganga and married Vellachi Nachiyar.
In 1790 her daughter Vellachi Nachiyar died and in 1796 Velu Nachiyar died.
She was the first women ruler who fought against British.
She is called as “Veera Mangai” & “Jhansi Rani of South India”.
Gopala Nayak
The Palayakkarar of Virupachi: Gopala Nayak pear headed the famous Dindigul League, which was formed with Lakshmi Nayak of Manaparai and Poojai Nayak of Devadanapatti.
He drew inspiration from Tipu Sultan who sent a deputation to show his camaraderie. He led the resistance against the British from Coimbatore and later joined Oomaidurai, Kattabomman’s brother.
He put up a fierce fight at Aanamalai hills where the local peasants gave him full support.
But Gopala Nayak was overpowered by the British forces in 1801.
