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Velu Nachiyar
- Born at Ramanathapuram.
- 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.