Honoring a Pioneer: Queen Velu Nachiyar's Legacy

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated a statue of Queen Velu Nachiyar, India's first woman freedom fighter, at Gandhi Mandapam Complex. Notably, Queen Velu Nachiyar reclaimed her kingdom from the British with aid from her female commander Kuyili, years before the famed Queen of Jhansi's resistance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin unveiled a statue of Queen Velu Nachiyar at the Gandhi Mandapam Complex in Guindy, celebrating her as India's first female freedom fighter. Known as 'Veera mangai' or 'valorous lady', Velu Nachiyar's courage predates the deeds of the iconic Queen of Jhansi by nearly a century.

Queen Velu Nachiyar bravely led her forces against the British to reclaim the kingdom of Sivaganga after eight arduous years in exile. Her formidable leadership was supported by the valor of her female commander Kuyili, who famously led a suicide attack on a British arsenal, enabling the queen's victory in 1780.

Guided by a sense of justice after the murder of her husband by British forces, Velu Nachiyar introduced significant reforms in governance and social welfare. Her legacy endures in this newly erected statue, a tribute underscoring her impact on the fight for freedom and social reform in India.