Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua

Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua

Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua (born in Tamburco, 1745; died in Cusco, May 18, 1781), was an important indigenous leader against Spanish oppression in South America and a martyr for Peruvian independence. She was the wife of Tupac Amaru II, and she is remembered for leading an indigenous uprising with her husband against the Spanish, and for her clear determination towards freedom from the colony. She apparently declared "For the liberty of my people, I have renounced everything. I will not see my children flourish...”

She was executed before her husband and eldest son by the Spanish in Cuzco in 1781.

Biography

Micaela was born in Pampamarca (in Abancay) in 1747. She was the daughter of Manuel Bastidas (of African descent) and Josefa Puyucahua (a Native American). Micaela was during her youth described as beautiful and had tanned skin.

Micaela married in 1760 to José Gabriel Condorcanqui, Túpac Amaru II, an important figure in Peruvian history as well, being a descendent of the Inca Tupac Amaru. They married in the Church of our Lady of the Purification in the town of Surimana.

The couple had three sons, Hipólito (1761), Mariano (1762), and Fernando (1768).

After that she was captured in a failed uprising. She had joined her spouse in leading the rebellion, leading indigenous men and women in a battle for freedom as well as organizing supplies and recruiting forces^[1]

Finally she was executed by the Spanish very painfully on May 18, 1781, at 36 years of age. Her son Hipólito was also executed by the Spanish, both of them in front of Tupac Amaru II, who was then quartered and beheaded by the Spanish.

See also

Bartolina Sisa

References

1. ↑ Uglow, Jennifer; Maggy Hendry (1999). Frances Hinton, ed. The Northeastern Dictionary of Women's Biography. UPNE. p. 75. ISBN 978-1-55553-421-9. 

• Herrera Cuntti, Arístides (2004, 2006). Divagaciones históricas en la web. Chincha, Perú: AHC Ediciones Perú (RUC N° 10078391575). ISBN 9972-2908-1-6 ISBN 978-9972-2908-1-7, Bookland EAN 9789972290817.
• Herrera Cuntti, Arístides (2004, 2006). Divagaciones históricas en la web. Chincha, Perú: AHC Ediciones Perú (RUC N° 10078391575). ISBN 9972-2908-2-4 ISBN 978-9972-2908-2-4, Booland EAN 9789972290824.