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Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary, recognizing her as a pioneer of armed resistance against British rule.
Rani Velu Nachiyar:
- Rani Velu Nachiyar was the Queen of Sivaganga (Tamil Nadu).
- First Indian queen to launch an organized revolt against the British East India Company (EIC).
- Udaiyaal Women’s Army: She established one of the first all-women army units in world history, named “Udaiyaal” in honor of her adopted daughter.
- Pioneer of Suicide Tactics: In 1780, her commander Kuyili performed the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history by setting herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot, enabling the queen’s forces to recapture Sivaganga.
