Periya Marudhu and Chinna Marudhu were experts in guerrilla warfare techniques. They invented the valari, a weapon consisting of two limbs set at an angle in wood or iron. It is a variant of the boomerang. They used it in war against the nawab and the British.
Marudhu Pandiyars helped Rani Velu Nacchiyar win a battle against the British in 1780 and regain the kingdom of Sivagangai in Tamil Nadu. The final battle victory was facilitated by Kuyili, the commander of the women wing of the Rani’s forces, described in Chapter 12 in #SaffronSwords Part I (grpr.in/swa).
The Marudhu Pandiyars played key roles in administration of Sivagangai kingdom and were also appointed as commanders. Marudhu Pandiyars defeated the Nawab of Arcot and captured parts of their territory in 1789. The nawab in turn sought help of the British and the latter attacked Kollangudi in retaliation. Marudhu’s forces defeated the British in this battle too. It was the same year, i.e. 1789.
The Marudhus were also in close association with freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman (his story is also described in Saffron Swords 1). After the British hanged Kattabomman in 1799, Marudhus gave asylum to his brother Maveeran Oomadurai.
The fight by the Marudhu brothers against the British continued unabated. They were involved in several skirmishes against the enemies and also helped fellow freedom fighters. They motivated the people of their kingdom to drive away the British, fight till their last breath and never accept British supremacy. Marudhu brothers were caught by the British and hanged in the fort of Tirupputhur in Sivagangai. It was 24th October 1801.
And we are told we attained freedom 'bina khadag bina dhal'!
Naman to all the warriors who defended Dharma and motherland.
Vijayadashami / Dussehra ki shubhakamanaye.
- Manoshi Sinha. Image sourced from Pinterest.
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