Dheeran Chinnamalai

By iastoppers.com

The commander who fought against the British East India Company

Dheeran Chinnamalai, originally named Theerthagiri Sarkarai Manradiar, was born on April 17, 1756, near what is now Kangeyam in Tamil Nadu

Birth and Origin

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As a Palayakkarar and chieftain, he ruled over the strategic Kongu Nadu region, a crucial area in today’s western Tamil Nadu

Rise to Power

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Chinnamalai initially resisted Mysore’s tax imposition in Kongu, marking the beginning of his resistance against external control

Early Conflicts

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After initial resistance, Chinnamalai allied with Tipu Sultan to challenge the growing influence of the British East India Company

Alliance with Tipu Sultan

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Following his efforts at Srirangapatna with Tipu, Chinnamalai built a fortress at Odanilai, preparing for further conflicts

Strategic Retreats

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Leading in the Second Polygar War after Tipu's death, Chinnamalai employed guerrilla tactics against British forces across multiple battles

Polygar Wars

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Despite his strategic brilliance, Chinnamalai was captured and executed by the British in 1805, a fate sealed at Sankagiri Fort

Capture and Execution

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