Maruthu Pandiyas – Heroes of Sivagangai
Birth and Early Life
- Periyamaruth born in 1748 and Chinnamaruth in 1753.
- Parents: Palaniappan Servai Ponnathal from Mukkulam village, Virudhunagar district.
- Both brothers were trained in military service.
Conflict with the British
- British waged war because the Sivagangai princes did not pay tribute to the Nawab of Arcot.
-
- King Muthuvaduganatha died a martyr in the war.
- Eight years later, Rani Velunachchiyar, aided by the Maruthu Pandiyas, Hyder Ali, and Tipu Sultan, reclaimed power.
Titles and Honours
- The British conferred the special title of “Servaikars” on the Maruthu Pandiyas.
Capture and Execution
-
- Captured by the British in Cholapuram forest on 19 October 1801.
- Hanged on 24 October 1801.
Commemoration
- For the 2024-25 Department of Public Relations grant, a statue of the Maruthu brothers will be installed in Sivagangai district to honor their decisive fight against the British for the liberation of the motherland.
Rajagopalachari
- Rajaji was born on 10 December 1878 in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu.
- He actively participated in the cooperation movements against the Rowlatt Act. He participated in protests including the Vaikom Satyagraha and the Salt Satyagraha.
- 1937–1940: He was the Chief Minister of Madras Province.
- He opposed Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to quit the White Movement during the British war against Germany.
- He tried to find a solution by negotiating with Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the All India Muslim League. This plan was called the “C. R. Formula”.
-
- 1946: He was appointed as the Union Minister for Industries, Education and Finance in the Interim Government.
- He served as the Governor of West Bengal in 1947–48.
- He was the first and last Governor General of India from 21 June 1948 to 26 January 1950.
- Rajaji passed away on December 25, 1972, at the age of 94.
