RANI VELU NACHIYAR

News: Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on Her Birth Anniversary.

About Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730-96)

• Born: In 1730 as the princess of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram), Tamil Nadu.
• Trained extensively in warfare, including horse riding, archery, and martial arts like Silambam and Valari.

Key Contributions:

• Forged an alliance with Hyder Ali of Mysore.
• Established the “Udaiyaal” battalion: one of the first all-women army units in world history.
• Pioneer of Suicide Tactics: Her loyal commander, Kuyili, is credited with the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history by setting herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot in 1780.
• In 1780, she successfully recaptured Sivaganga, defeating the British nearly 77 years before the 1857 Revolt.