Rani Velu Nachiyar: Generations are still motivated by bravery, leadership, and selflessness On the occasion of his birth, Rahul Gandhi

Rani Velu Nachiyar: Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, paid a modest homage to Tamil Nadu’s Rani Velu Nachiyar on the anniversary of her birth on Saturday, saying that generations are still inspired by her bravery, leadership, and selflessness.

Rahul Gandhi posted, “Humble tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu on her birth anniversary,” on the social networking site X.

She was one of the first Indian queens to oppose British colonial control and battled valiantly against the British. Generations to come are still motivated by her bravery, leadership, and selflessness,” he said.

Manickam Tagore, a Congress MP, also honored the fabled queen on X, noting that she was the first Indian queen to battle against British colonial control and one among the country’s first independence warriors.

“We honor one of India’s first freedom fighters and the first Indian queen to fight against British colonial rule on Rani Velu Nachiyar’s birth anniversary,” Tagore said.

He said, “Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga, born in 1730, refused to submit to the East India Company—decades before the 1857 uprising and long before organized national resistance.”

Hyder Ali, the King of Mysore, sometimes referred to as the “Napoleon of South India,” provided Rani Velu Nachiyar with military assistance and strategic alliances to rebuild her power after being banished, exhibiting extraordinary political and diplomatic foresight, Tagore said.He said that Rani Velu Nachiyar regained Sivaganga and established independent authority through preparation, training, and concerted opposition.

Her leadership serves as a potent reminder that women in India’s early anti-colonial battles were not just participants but also pioneers. “We honor Rani Velu Nachiyar on the anniversary of her birth—a symbol of bravery, strategy, and resistance whose legacy deserves national recognition,” he said.

On Rani Velu Nachiyar’s birth anniversary earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored her as one of India’s most courageous and visionary leaders, whose bravery, selflessness, and leadership continue to inspire generations.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on the occasion of her birth on social media site X. She is regarded as one of India’s bravest fighters, displaying both bravery and strategic acumen.

He went on to say, “She stood up to colonial oppression and defended Indians’ right to self-govern.” Her dedication to cultural pride and excellent administration is also commendable. Generations will continue to be inspired by her selflessness and inspirational leadership.

‘X’ on social media was also used by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to pay tribute to the courageous Rani Velu Nachiyar on her Jayanti. She was a trailblazer, scholar-warrior, and symbol of female leadership who vehemently campaigned for her independence from the British Empire. Her military creativity, bravery, and unwavering loyalty to the country will always serve as an inspiration.

Most people agree that Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796), the courageous queen of Sivaganga in modern-day Tamil Nadu in the 18th century, was the first Indian monarch to launch a coordinated military campaign against the British East India Company. She was dubbed the ‘Veeramangai (Brave Woman)’ for her unparalleled courage and defiance.

She was the only child of Raja Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy of the Ramnad kingdom and his wife, Rani Sakandhimuthal, and was born at Ramanathapuram on January 3, 1730. Velu Nachiyar was brought up like a prince and had intense training in both administration and combat since there was no male successor. She received training in archery, horseback riding, traditional martial arts including Silambam and Valari, and handling a variety of weapons.

Velu Nachiyar was a great scholar in addition to being a skilled fighter. Her multilingualism—including Tamil, English, French, and Urdu—helped her forge diplomatic connections and comprehend the tactics of colonial powers.