Dheeran Chinnamalai
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Dheeran Chinnamalai (Tamil: தீரன் சின்னமலை) original name:Theerthagiri Gounder (April 17, 1756 – July 31, 1805) was a famous Palayakkarar and indepedence fighter from Tamil Nadu.
He was born in Melapalayam, Erode Tamilnadu, India. He formed a 1,000-strong army in support of Tipu Sultan, and was instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna.
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.
After Tipu's death, Chinnamalai settled down at Odanilai and constructed a fort there to continue his struggle against the British, whom he defeated 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 betrayed by his cook and captured by the British, who hanged him at Sankari Fort on July 31 or August 2, 1805.
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[edit] Life History
Theeran Chinnamalai (1756 – 1805) was one of the first independence fighters of India. A mandapam was built in Archalur, Erode district in his memory. It was ironic that he should die due to British.
[edit] Milestones in the life of Chinnamalai
- Birth: Born as the second son of Rathnaswamy Gounder (Payiran Kootam) and Periyatha (Othalan Kootam) on April 1756. He was named Theerthagiri.
- Growing-up: He grew up learning martial arts along with two of his other brothers – Kilother and Thambi. He formed Kongu Tamil Youth Groups and gave them martial arts training.
- Encounter with Hyder Ali’s Diwan: He recovered the taxes collected by Mysore Diwan and earned the nick name Chinnamalai. He also defeated Diwan’s soldiers and successfully defended the Kongu Region from Mysore Kings.
- Allianace with Tipu Sultan: He led 1000 Kongu Tamil Youths and joined with Tipu Sultan to fight the British. In 1799 he fought the British in Melapalayam Front and caused severe damage to the British forces. However, Tipu died at the Sriranga Patnam front. Fourth Mysore war ended.
- Defending Kongu ( 1799-1805): Returned to Kongu after Tippu’s death and organized an alliance of Kongu Palayakarars against the British. Fought four battles with British and successfully defended himself.
- Refuge and Capture(1805): British destroyed his Oda Nalli Fort with cannons. Chinnamalai took refuge in the Karumalai forests. A traitor cook cunningly helped the British to capture Chinnamalai and his brothers.
- The End (1805): The British hanged Chinnamalai, his two brothers and their loyal soldier Karuppan on 31 July 1805. They banned any literature on Chinnamalai. However, due to the existence of the oral tradition of Story Telling, Chinnamalai's Story survived and reached us in the form of books and Kummi Songs.
[edit] Remembering Chinnamalai
Tamil Nadu government constructed a "mani mandapam" (memorial) for Chinnamalai in Arachalur, Erode district at a cost of about 30 lakhs. The government also plans to place a statue of Chinnamalai soon. ).[1]
