“WHEN WE LEARN HISTORY, WE DO NOT LEARN THE PAST BUT THE FUTURE”
John Seeley
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Queen Velu Nachiaar was the First Tamil Queen and freedom fighter1, able general, great warrior, benevolent despot. She was the follower of Pulidevar2 by adopting Secularism, Equality, Fraternity, Democracy, Social justice and preserve Culture in her administration, which were unexplored theme of Tamilnadu History. As the Tamil Queen played a vital role in the last quarter of the 18th century, and fought with British 85 years earlier than Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai in India. So she is the First Women Freedom Fighter in Indian History. I have confined myself to the reconstruction of the history of the Sivaganga Kingdom in that century. This study help us to know the administrative policies adopted by the Tamil Queen Velu Nachiaar during her reign, who was one of the forerunner of the policy of Secularism, Equality, Fraternity and Democracy. She followed all above mentioned policies in India, prior to the out break of French Revolution. This study justifies her policies with the help of available primary and secondary authentic sources.
The objective of this study is to provide within a moderate compass a compendious account of the history of a First Tamil Queen Velu Nachiaar, who belongs to a martial community the Maravas. The Maravas were a power to reckon with in South India History. So it seeks to shed light on several areas that are ignored or dismissed by several historians. There is no cogent, critical account of the First Tamil Queen Velu Nachiaar and her achievements against the British to maintain her independence, and her policy of secularism, equality, brotherhood and preserve culture. Although she could not succeed fully in her attempt, there can be no denial of the fact that she was not only the first Tamil Queen, who restored her territory after eight years from the British, by open war with them in India. She ruled Sivaganga for a decade by adopting Secularism, Equality, Fraternity, Democracy, Social Justice and preserve Culture.
ORIGIN OF SIVAGANGA KINGDOM:
In order to show his gratitude, Muthu Vijaya Ragunatha Sethupathi of Ramnad,who divided Ramnad Samasthanam into Five divisions, and granted two-fifth of the prosperous area of Ramnad to Sasi Varna Thevar in the year 1730 A.D. From the day on wards, that part is named as Sivagangai Seemai or Sivagangai Samasthanam as an independent kingdom. He was the Founder and First ruler of Sivaganga. He was succeeded by his son Muthu Vaduganatha Peria Udaiya Thevar. He was married Queen Velu Nachiaar in 1746. When he was slain by the British in the Battle of Kalaiyarkoil on 25th June 1772, She decided to take revenge attitude against the British. So she was strengthening the forts and forces to restore Sivaganga Kingdom. She ordered to strengthen and repaired forts at Kalaiyarkoil, Kollangkondan, Siruvayal, and built a secret exit from Sivaganga palace and started many training centres at Arasa Kullam, Piranmalai, Sathru Sangara Kottai, Sankarapathy Kottai.
Policy of EQUALITY, Secularism & brotherhood:
In Tamilnadu History, there were many references available about the royal women folk were enjoyed equally bar with men in the royal court and took part in general discussions and activities. For instance, Auvaiyar, Pon Mudiar, Vennikuyathiar, Kakkaipadiniyar and many more. But she is the only royal woman, who broke the age old tradition and took part in the open war with the British and restored her kingdom after eight year in the Indian History, and ruled for a decade peacefully. She herself set an example for equality and achieved like the king and ruled Sivaganga and enhances the prestige of women in the society. She organized women forces15[see Udaiyal padai] in those days, and gave training on guerilla warfare method. It is clear that women were enjoyed equal rights with men in the society during her reign.
As she was a learned scholar, she was well versed in indigenous and foreign languages.Without any language disparities she learned many languages and When she took refuge in the court of Hyder Ali , he admired her courage and language efficiency and rendered help to restore Sivaganga. Moreover, Hyder Ali granted permission to stay at Virupakshi or Dindugal Fort where she was respected and treated as a Royal Queen, until she decided to leave and financially supported by granted 400 pound (gold) for her monthly expenses. In order to fulfill her desire, Hyder Ali ordered to built Rajarajeshwari temple and install goddess Rajarajeshwari, an idol made up off gold, within the fort of Dindugal for her worship. It is clear that they followed religious toleration, respect the refuges without any discrimination and set an example for Secularism in Indian History. After the restoration of Sivaganga, Velu Nachiaar also built a mosque and a Church at Sarugani. Moreover, she gave gift to the Muslim soldiers, who were helped at the time of restoration. She had sent a golden tiger to Tippu Sultan as a gift to show her gratitude and considered him as her brother. Still we can eye witness the golden tiger at Mysore palace. She showed her gratitude by giving gift to Gopala Nayak of Dindugal, who and his forces helped at the time of war. In later days, when Marudhu’s acted against her will, at that juncture also she was seeking help of Hyder Ali, he also replied to her and warning information to Marudhu brothers. She had maintained cordial relations with Hyder Ali, till her last days. He also considered her as his sister. Though both belongs to different religion, community, language, culture both were bounded by brotherhood and helped each other in need without any hesitation. In such a way she promoted Secularism, Brotherhood and Social Justice in Sivaganga Kingdom and set an example for others after her.
Social Justice:
After the death of her husband, the political condition of Sivaganga was in the melting pot due to the sudden loss of its king. At this juncture, Queen Velu Nachiaar firmly supported by Thandavaraya Pillai, Marudhu Brothers and many of her loyal supporters fled to Virupakchi and seeking help of Hyder Ali against the British. The Mysore Chief promised aid for the liberation of the Marava States. Unfortunately, Thandavaraya Pillai died before this could materialized. In 1780, the Marudhu brothers obtained a small force from Syed Sahib the general at Dindigul desolated the Nawab’s territories up to Madura. The ill disciplined forces of the Nawab offered no resistance. The Rani Velu Nachiaar accompanied by the Marudhus entered Sivaganga and captured. She was proclaimed Queen of Sivaganga and the Marudhus assumed the charge as ministers. Initially they started their carrier as Dog Keeper and Betel Bearer.30 Due to their loyalty and efficiency, Thandavaraya Pillai recommended to upgraded them as Chief Security. Sivaganga Charitra Kummi referred Marudhus as son of Thandavaraya Pillai. Though they belonged to two different communities, they had very cordial relationship with one another and promote welfare of the state. After the restoration of Sivaganga, they further upgraded as Ministers of Sivaganga. It is clear that, the efficient and loyal people were treated equally with royal members though they belongs to Servaikaran. On the basis of merit, all members of the society treated equally and honoured by the queen. But at the same time, when they started to act independently, immediately Queen Velu Nachiaar ordered them to stop their independent decision taken as their own and try to installation of their Sculpture in front of the temple at Kalaiyarkoil. Still we can see the incomplete sculptures of Marudhus over there. It is clear that she never allowed anybody to act against the royal order and insisted to abide the law of the country. She never hesitated to take action against the people who work against the government and maintain equal justice for all.
Fore runner of Women Force - Marathi Padai or Udaiyal Padai:
It was formed by Queen Velu Nachiaar, she herself as a trainer for that force. When she and her daughter Vellachi Nachiaar accompanied by the loyal servants narrowly escaped near Kalayarkoil (at Ariyakkurichi Ayyanar Koil) which was known only by the herd girl Udaiyal, the royal family was chased by Benjour and made an equiry with Udaiyal. But she refused to answer to the cruel British force. Immediately, he ordered his soldiers to slaughter the Young Martyr Udaiyal in the same place. In order to honour her, queen Velu Nachiaar named her force as UDAIYAL PADAI. Moreover, She erected VEERA KAL,36where she sacrificed her life for the country and offered her DIOMAND SACRED TIE as first offering of the Vettuidaiyal Kaliamman temple at Ariyakkurichi and granted many villages for performing daily pooja. Still people of that area worshipped her as Goddess Udaiyal (or) Vettudaiyal Kaliamman. It shows her humanity, gratitude, and honour the Martyr of Sivaganga kingdom.
Achievements of Udaiyal Padai:
Udaiyal Padai was founded by Velu Nachiaar, and herself trained them regularly. Captain Quili and Adappakari Irrulayei, Kottai Priya Nangai Nachi were important members of that force. They followed the method of Guerrilla warfare to attack their enemies.
In 1780, 5th Iypasi [seventh month of Tamil month order] on Friday , Udaiyal Padai started their attempt to restore Sivaganga. The previous day of Vijayadasamy, Velu Nachiaar made a plot against the British. Because there was no restriction on the particular day, to worship Goddess Rajarajeshwari by the women, which is located inside the Sivaganga Palace. British on the other hand made a plot against the people. But fortunately, Captain Quili came to know the plot against them just few minutes earlier. Within the fraction of the moment, she decided to save the Queen and restore Sivaganga by sacrificed her life and act as such. She burnt herself and acted as HUMAN BOMB to destroy the arsenals kept inside the temple. It was unexpected to the British force, which led them inactive on the moment. The British soldiers were ravaged by Udaiyal padai, under Velu Nachiaar, who came out into the front and gallantly played the role of a defender and restore Sivaganga, with the help of Udaiyal Padai.
Protecter of culture: [Reason for the formation of two groups in Sivaganga]:
In 1788, Queen Velu Nachiaar was relegated to the background by the Marudhus felt insulted and wanted to reassert herself and control the administration. In 1788, the rift widened and the queen sought to curtail the authority of the Marudhus. The Nawab came forward to the assistance of the Queen Velu Nachiaar in her conflict with the Marudhus and promised assistance. This precipitated a clash between the supporters of the Queen Velu Nachiaar and the Marudhus, in consequence of which the Queen was forced to seek shelter in the fort of Sivaganga. Ultimately Mohammed Ali with the help of the British force defeated Marudu brothers. It shows that the people who were against the sovereign were suppressed by the royal order.
A few references says that the Sivaganga ruling house was gradually slipping from the Maravas to the Agambadias. Some sources misinterprete Queen Velu Nachiaar, had illegal contact with Vella Marudhu, led to the formation of two groups in Sivaganga. In the previous para, I referred about the reason for the formation of two groups among the people of Sivaganga. In addition to that the primary sources clearly stated that Nowhere Marudhu Brothers as Devar or King. All records clearly mentioned them as Servaikaran not a ruler. Moreover, there was no legal problem arose to inherited royal home or legitimate heir after Queen Velu Nachiaar.
More over, Bishop R. Caldwell wrote in his book History of Tirunelveli that “of the two brother’s Vella Murdoo had nothing to do with the management of the country. He was a great sportsman, and gave up his whole time to hunting and shooting. Being a man of uncommon stature and strength, his chief delight was to encounter the monsters of the woods; and it was even said, that he could bend a common Arcot rupee with his fingers. Unencumbered with the cares or trappings of government he led a sort of wandering life…” It is clear that his intention was not to capture the power of Sivaganga.
Another source says that Lusington ordered Maruthu brothers to show the evidences to become the rulers. Because, in all correspondence mentioned them as Servaikaran i.e. they were bound to do service to their Poligar masters. Hence in all English letters and narratives pertaining to that Marudhus are called Sherogars or Servaikaran. It is clear that Marudhus were loyal servants to Sivaganga Royal family, not claimed the Kingship.
There is no evidence available about her remarriage. Moreover, the Marava community women never married Servaikaran. But they were loyal servants, ministers and rendered their cooperation for all her success.The Kings wife was considered as Mother of all residence of her country. In such a way she preserve Culture and respect age old Marava customs. From their childhood, Marudhus served in the royal court. Marudhus may considered their position as loyal royal authority. So, there was no legal problem arose regarding legal heir. But they objected her daughter’s marriage alliance with Ramnad Sethupathy as a second wife.
When Velu Nachiaar became old, she proclaimed her daughter Vellachi Nachiaar as legal heir for Sivaganga Samasthanam in 1790. As Vellachi Nachiaar was inefficient and inexperienced in administration of Sivaganga, Marudhu Brothers were appointed as Chief Ministers of Sivaganga by Queen Velu Nachiaar. When they implemented the royal orders, they were familiar and famous among the people of Sivaganga. Thus, Sivaganga had come completely under the control of the two Agambadias, after the reign of Queen Velu Nachiaar. At this juncture, they acted as defacto rulers of Sivaganga. It is clear that, the efficient person can rule the country without any royal background. Thus, she paved the way for the formation of democracy in India.
SPY SYSTEM :
She had efficient spy system. She appointed women and males[Adiveerarama thevar, PonnambalamPillai] spies. In order to fulfill the desire of Palaiyanoor Irrulayei, she ordered to built Chiththi Vinayaka Temple at Sivaganga. When it was constructed, Irullayei stayed there for collecting information about the activities of Chinna Marudhu. Still we can see the temple infront of the Palace, inscription dated 27th Aavani [5th month of Tamil Month order]1795. The spy women Irrulayei was substituted by Kottai Priya Nangai Nachi. She was accompanied to Velu Nachiaar till her last breath on 23rd December 1796 Friday Morning at Virupakkchi palace.58 Last cremation done by Sivagangai Vengai Peria Udaiya Thevar, Son-in-law of The First Tamil Martyr Queen Velu Nachiaar. The entire Marava country Kings assembled at Sivaganga and honoured the Great Mother and patriot of Sivaganga and buried at the northern side of Sivaganga Palace.
Conclusion:
I conclude this study that the First Tamil Queen Velu Nachiaar was the only royal women, who restored her kingdom from the British by open war and ruled for a decade. She followed the policies of Secularism, Equality, Fraternity, Brotherhood, Social Justice, Democracy during her reign. She is one of the forerunner of Women Force and Efficient Spy System in the History of Tamil Nadu and India. She followed the policy of Secular State, Equal Status to all efficient persons without any discrimination, to develop brotherly relationship with (Hyder Ali and Gopala Naik) neighbouring countries and promote brotherhood, to install VEERA KAL and built temple to the young Martyr Udaiyal and honour the patriot, to built Mosque, Church, and Temple in order to promote communal harmony; she respected the age old tradition of Marava Community, she never remarry or illegal contact with Vella Marudhu. It is clear that there was no legal problem arose at the time of successor of Velu Nachiaar. Moreover, the last cremation done by her Son-in-law king Vengai Peria Udaiya Thevar of Sivaganga. If she remarried Vella Marudhu means the Marava kings never respected her. Evidences shows that all Marava kings came for her last ceremony. Moreover, there is no official evidence available about her remarriage or illegal contact.
French Father Chechool –De- Brey ‘s dairy says that Velu Nachiaar was suffered from Heart problem in her last days. She took treatment at France for more than a month where she attended many official functions and taught Vallari to the daughter of French ruler. It may be true that in her last days, she was discontent due to the death of her daughter and grand daughter and the activities of Marudhus. I conclude that her prime intension was to restore Sivaganga and waiting for the time to take revenge activities against the British and achieved in her motive successfully. She implemented many policies practically in administration, still it is relevant and applicable for ever. Especially the present younger generation should understood the past history properly and take it as a guide for ever. If we do so, there is no riot, chaotic and confusion, no communal threat in the society at present and future.
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