Dheeran Chinnamalai (Tamil: தீரன்
சின்னமலை born as
Theerthagiri Sarkkarai Mandraadiyaar or Theerthagiri Gounder on April 17, 1756)
was a Kongu chieftain and Palayakkarar from Tamil Nadu who rose up in revolt
against the British East India Company in the Kongu Nadu, Southern India. He
was born in Melapalayam, near Erode in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.He
is held with high regard by the Gounder community who continue use him as a
symbol of Independence for the community.
He was one of the main leaders in the Polygar Wars and
commanded a vast army, notably during the Second Polygar War that took place in
1801–1802. A thousand-strong army under him took French Military training in
modern warfare alongside Tipu's Mysore forces to fight against the British East
India company. They helped Tipu Sultan in his war against the British and were
instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna.
After Tipu's death, Chinnamalai settled down at Odanilai in
Kongu Nadu and constructed a fort there and defeated the British in battles at
Cauvery in 1801, Odanilai in 1802 and Arachalur in 1804. Later, Chinnamalai
left his fort to avoid cannon attack and engaged in guerrilla warfare while he
was stationed at Karumalai in the Palani region. He was captured by the British
who hanged him at Sankagiri Fort on 31 July 1805 (Adiperukku day).
Honors and
monuments:
Statues and memorials commemorating Dheeran Chinnamalai
exist in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli and Arachalur, Erode.
In July 2005, a commemorative postage stamp on him was issued.
Till recently,[when?] the state transport corporation
headquartered at Tiruchirapalli was known as 'Dheeran Chinnamalai' Transport
Corporation.
Till recently[when?] Karur district was known as 'Dheeran
Chinnamalai' District.
Erode Collector office is housed in 'Dheeran Chinnamalai
Maaligai'.
In April 2012 the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,
Jayalalithaa, announced that a memorial for Dheeran Chinnamalai would be built
at the place where he was hanged.
0 comments:
Post a Comment