Ondiveeran

August 20, 2022

A commemorative postage stamp on Ondi Veeran Pagadai, first rebel commander-in-chief of Indian freedom struggle against British East India Company from Tamil Nadu :

Issued by India

Issued on Aug 20, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Ondiveeran, the unsung hero of India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Gulistaan
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 203700

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sankaran Kovil

Born on — at Nerkattumseval, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Died on Aug 20, 1771 at Manur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

About :

Ondiveeran hails from the integrated district of Thirunelveli, heading Pothigai hills ruled by little Kingdom namely Sirulimuthu Pattavarayan and Thiruneelakanda Pagadai. He was the first heroic rebel and commander-in-chief of the India freedom struggle against the British East India Company.
The legend was born in Sankaran Kovil as eighth family siblings of present Thenkasi district to the father Chellaiyah Pagadai and mother Karuppaiee who commanded the village Nerkattan Sevayal. His childhood name was Muthuveeran.
After the fall of Madurai Nayakars, due to the maneuver behaviour of the revenue tax collection officers of Arcot Nawab, the family predecessors of Mr. Ondiveeran lost their major part of the wealth in command and also, they lost the power of palayapattu. This act humiliated Ondiveeran. During the year 1775, heir-right war occurred in the Arcot Nawab family. Due to this conflict, the power of revenue collecting rights was acquired by the British East Indian Company again. Ondiveeran rebelled against this act strongly.
In March 1775, Ondiveeran defeated the army led by Mahfuzkhan, Yusuf Khan, and Colonel Heron in Nerkattan Sevayal. From 1757 to 1759, Ondiveeran led the army vanquished British East Indian Company supports in Gangai Kondan, Alwarkuruchi, Nerkattan Sevayal, Oothumalai, Surandai, and Vasudevanallur. In 1764, Ondiveeran headed battalion conquered Marudhanayagam alias Yusuf Khan in Nerkattan Sevayal.
In the battle of Vasudevanallur fort siege in 1767 headed by Captain Campbell was defeated by our Legend Battler Ondiveeran. His battalion victory travel extends up to Kalakadu, Srivilliputhur and Thenmalai also. After the bereavement of Puli thevar their sons namely Sivaganapandian, Sithiraputhirathevar and a daughter Gomathi Muthuthalachi were guarded by Ondiveeran. The legendary warrior never rested his sword and resisted against British East Indian Company until his last breath. On 20^th August 1771, near Manur village of Thirunelveli district Ondiveeran was defeated and died during the battle with British East Indian Company.
After the death of the great legend warrior, Ondiveeran the defenceless descent followers and arunthathiyar leaders like Panchalangkuruchi Pottipagadai, Sivagangai kuyili, Sangagri Pollan, Madhari played a remarkable role in the army war field of first and second Palayakarar, kattabomman, Velunachiyar, Theeran chinnamalai and Maruthu brothers against British East India Company.
Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.