New Delhi, 03 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid profound homage on Saturday to Rani Velu Nachiyar—India's pioneering queen warrior dubbed Veeramangai (brave woman)—celebrating her birth anniversary by lauding her unparalleled valour, strategic brilliance, and defiant stand against British colonial tyranny that reclaimed her Sivaganga kingdom in 1780.

In an evocative X post, Modi proclaimed: Tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary. She is remembered as one of India's most valiant warriors who embodied courage and tactical mastery. She rose against colonial oppression and asserted the right of Indians to govern themselves. Her commitment to good governance and cultural pride is also admirable. Her sacrifice and visionary leadership will keep motivating generations.

Born circa 1730 in Ariyalur to TV Alagiri Naicker and Packiyam Aachi, Nachiyar ascended Sivaganga's throne post-1760 husband's assassination by Nawab of Arcot, allying with Hyder Ali of Mysore—forging Indo-French arms pacts—and unleashing Schwambu Baghiyam (women's suicide squads) in a guerrilla blitz that razed British forts at Panchalamkurichi on October 27, 1780, pioneering anti-colonial resistance predating 1857 Revolt by decades.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan echoed: Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar stood steadfast against colonial domination, exemplifying valour, strategic acumen, and exceptional leadership... Her legacy inspires women, reinforcing courage, dignity, patriotism.

PM Modi's panegyric—pairing Phule's homage—spotlights Nari Shakti's primordial role: Nachiyar's post-victory cultural patronage, self-rule assertion, and governance ethos amid East India Company's Carnatic depredations endure, fuelling Amrit Kaal's Viksit Bharat vision. Her 296th birth year reaffirms Tamil Nadu's Jhansi Rani of South, her legacy a clarion for self-governance and valour.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar