On September 19, 2025, the city of Chennai witnessed a moment steeped in history and pride as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, unveiled a striking new statue of Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar at the Gandhi Mandapam campus in Guindy. The ceremony paid homage to a queen whose courage and leadership have long served as a beacon for generations, but whose legacy is only now receiving the broad public recognition it richly deserves.
The statue’s installation, a project of the Department of Information and Public Relations, cost Rs. 50 lakh and stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Rani Velu Nachiyar’s life and struggles. According to News Arena Network, the statue was commissioned following a directive from the Chief Minister himself, underscoring the state government’s commitment to celebrating and preserving Tamil Nadu’s revolutionary heritage.
Rani Velu Nachiyar’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and strategic brilliance. Born on January 3, 1730, to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathi and Queen Muthathal Nachiyar (sometimes recorded as Rani Sakandhimuthal), she was a princess of Ramanathapuram. From childhood, she was trained in martial arts—mastering swordsmanship, archery, spear throwing, and horse riding—skills that would later prove critical in her resistance against British colonial forces.
In 1746, she married King Muthuvaduganathar (also known as Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar) of Sivaganga. Their union seemed destined for prosperity until 1772, when the British East India Company, aided by the son of the Nawab of Arcot, declared war on Sivaganga. The king was killed in the ensuing conflict—a loss that, according to The New Indian Express, was the result of a conspiracy and treachery. The tragedy forced Velu Nachiyar into exile, but it also ignited her resolve to reclaim her kingdom.
With the support of Mysore rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, as well as the local chieftain Gopal Nayak (or Gopal Naicker of Dindigul), Velu Nachiyar orchestrated a remarkable comeback. After eight years in exile, she returned to Sivaganga in 1780, leading her army to a decisive victory over the British. This historic act made her the first Indian woman to wage war against colonial rule, predating the more widely known Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi by nearly a century. As News Arena Network highlighted, she is celebrated as 'Veera mangai'—the valorous lady—and widely regarded as India’s first female freedom fighter.
Velu Nachiyar’s triumph was not hers alone. She was aided by her formidable commander Kuyili, whose bravery is legendary. Kuyili led an all-women regiment and, in a dramatic suicide attack, destroyed a British armoury—an act that was pivotal in Velu Nachiyar’s successful recapture of Sivaganga. Kuyili’s feat is recognized as the first of its kind and remains a powerful symbol of women’s leadership in India’s freedom struggle.
Once restored to the throne, Velu Nachiyar ruled Sivaganga for 16 years, introducing a host of reforms aimed at public welfare. According to government releases cited by The Hindu and News Arena Network, her initiatives spanned land, taxes, agriculture, education, and women’s safety—progressive measures that set a benchmark for governance. She eventually passed the throne to her daughter, Vellachi Nachiyar, ensuring that her legacy would continue beyond her own reign.
Rani Velu Nachiyar’s death on December 25, 1796, marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian history, but her spirit endures. The new statue at Gandhi Mandapam is more than a tribute; it is a call to remember the sacrifices and victories that shaped the region’s identity. Chief Minister Stalin, after unveiling the statue, paid floral tributes to a portrait of the queen, joined by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, ministers, Members of Parliament, and local officials. The event was as much about honoring the past as it was about inspiring future generations.
During the ceremony, Stalin emphasized the continuing relevance of Velu Nachiyar’s example. In a post on social media, he declared, “The history of Velu Nachiyar and Marudhu Brothers, who stood by her in her struggle to defend our land and honour, will proclaim loudly the message that this soil shall never bow to anyone.” It was a pointed reminder of Tamil Nadu’s tradition of resistance, subtly referencing contemporary political currents without naming names.
The unveiling was not a standalone gesture. The Dravida Model government, led by Stalin, has been actively working to elevate Velu Nachiyar’s profile. According to The New Indian Express, the government has staged musical dance dramas about her life and featured her statue in the Tamil Nadu float at the 2023 Republic Day parade in Delhi. These efforts, Stalin said, are part of a broader initiative to ensure “future generations will know about the bravery of the queen who recaptured Sivaganga from the British and ruled the region for 16 years.”
In a further move to institutionalize her memory, Stalin announced that the Police Training Academy in Vellore will be named after Velu Nachiyar. This decision, made official during the statue unveiling, is intended to serve as a lasting reminder of her leadership and to inspire those who serve in law enforcement.
On the same day as the unveiling, Stalin also visited the 'Ungaludan Stalin' camp in T Nagar, where he interacted with the public and directed officials to prioritize petitions from persons with disabilities and those related to welfare schemes, property tax, and patta changes. According to an official release, the first camp had received 852 petitions, and Stalin urged greater awareness so more citizens could benefit from these outreach efforts. While not directly connected to the statue, this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to public welfare—a value Velu Nachiyar herself championed during her reign.
The story of Rani Velu Nachiyar is not merely a tale from the past. It is a living narrative of resistance, reform, and resilience. Her life, victories, and the new honors bestowed upon her by the Tamil Nadu government serve as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice and dignity is never truly over. As her statue now stands tall in Chennai, it beckons all who pass by to remember—and to act with courage when history calls.
