Question

Give an assessment of Velunachiyar’s resistance to the British colonial power in India.

Answer 1

Velunachiyar belonged to the royal family. She was brought up as a princess and was trained in martial arts. She was also adept in horse riding and archery. She was married to Muthu Vadugar, the Raja of Sivangangai. When the Raja was killed in the battle, Velunachiyar had to live under the protection of Gopala Nayakar at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight years. During her period in hiding, Velunachiyar organised an army and succeeded in securing an alliance with not only Gopala Nayakar but Hyder Ali as well. Dalavay (military chief) Thandavarayanar wrote a letter to Sultan Flyder Ali on behalf of Velunachiyar asking for 5000 infantry and 5000 cavalries to defeat the English. Velunachiyar explained in detail in Urdu all the problems she had with East India Company.

She conveyed her strong determination to fight the English. Impressed by her courage, Hyder Ali ordered his commandant Syed in Dindigul Fort to provide the required military assistance. Velunachiyar employed agents for gathering intelligence to find where the British had stored their ammunition. With military assistance from Gopala Nayakar and Hyder Ali, She recaptured Sivagangai. She was crowned as Queen with the help of the Marudhu Brothers. ”She became the first female ruler to resist the British colonial power in India".