Dheeran Chinnamalai (17 April 1756 – 3 August 1805) was a chieftain who ruled the odanilai region of the present day western Tamil Nadu. He fought against the British East India Company, was later captured and hanged by the British.
Early life
Dheeran Chinnamalai is first born as Theerthagiri Sarkarai Manradiar on 17 April 1756 near present-day Kangeyam, Tiruppur district in a Kongu Vellalar clan.
Reign
Chinnamalai fights against the Kingdom of Mysore who was collecting taxes in the Kongu region. He later allies himself with Tipu Sultan to fight against the British East India Company. After initial successes in repelling the British at Srirangapatna, he goes back to Odanilai and builds a fortress. After the deaths of Kattabomman and Tipu Sultan, Chinnamalai becomes one of the commanders in the Second Polygar War in 1801 in the story. He then engages in guerrilla warfare and wins battles at Cauvery in 1801, Odanilai in 1802 and Arachalur in 1804. Later, his army gets defeated in 1805 and he escapes from the British forces.
Death
Chinnamalai was hanged at Sankagiri Fort by the British on 2 August 1805 along with his two brothers. Some sources note the date of his death as July 31.
Legacy
Statues and memorials commemorating Chinnamalai exist in Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Erode and Odanilai.
On 31 July 2005, a commemorative postage stamp was released by India Post.
Until 1997, Tiruchirapalli division of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation was known as Dheeran Chinnamalai Transport Corporation.
The headquarters of Erode district collectorate and the Erode Municipal Corporation are named after him.
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