Her sacrifice and visionary leadership will keep motivating generations: PM Modi pays tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversaryv Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid homage to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, remembering her as one of India’s most courageous and visionary leaders whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister described Rani Velu Nachiyar as a valiant warrior who displayed exceptional courage and strategic brilliance. He highlighted her role in standing up against colonial oppression and asserting India’s right to self-rule. PM Modi also praised her commitment to governance and cultural pride, stating that her sacrifice and leadership remain a lasting source of inspiration.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also paid tribute, calling her a pioneer and an icon of women’s leadership. He noted her fearless resistance against the British Empire and said her military innovation and devotion to the motherland would always be remembered.
Rani Velu Nachiyar, born in 1730, was the queen of Sivaganga in present-day Tamil Nadu and is widely regarded as the first Indian ruler to organise armed resistance against the British East India Company. Known as Veeramangai (Brave Woman), she was trained in warfare, administration, and multiple martial arts, and was proficient in several languages, including Tamil, English, French, and Urdu.
After the British invasion of Sivaganga in 1772, in which her husband was killed, Velu Nachiyar went into exile and spent years rebuilding her strength. With strategic alliances and a well-organised force that included a women’s battalion, she launched a successful counterattack in 1780, reclaiming her kingdom and becoming the first Indian queen to defeat British forces in battle.
Following her victory, she focused on governance before eventually passing the throne to her daughter, continuing to guide the kingdom as a mentor. Rani Velu Nachiyar passed away in 1796, leaving behind a legacy of resistance, courage, and leadership that remains central to India’s early struggle against colonial rule.
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