Ondiveeran
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | August 20, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 203,700 |
| Perforation | comb 14 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Yvert et Tellier IN 3494 Stanley Gibbons IN 3822 |
| Themes | Animals (Fauna) | Commemoration | Famous people | Heroes | Horses | Independency Activists | Men | Military Officers |
Ondiveeran, hailed from the integrated district of Thirunelveli, which was under the rule of the little Kingdom, namely Sirulimuthu Pattavarayan and Thiruneelakanda Pagadai. He emerged as the first heroic rebel and commander-in-chief of the Indian freedom struggle against the British East India Company. Born in Sankaran Kovil as the eighth child of the family in the present Thenkasi district, he was the son of Chellaiyah Pagadai and mother Karuppaiee, who commanded the village Nerkattan Sevayal. His childhood name was Muthuveeran.
After the fall of the Madurai Nayakars, due to the manipulative behavior of the revenue tax collection officers of Arcot Nawab, Ondiveeran’s family predecessors lost a significant part of their wealth and the power of palayapattu. This humiliation fueled Ondiveeran’s rebellion. In 1775, during the heir-right war in the Arcot Nawab family, the British East India Company regained control over revenue collection rights, prompting Ondiveeran to rebel strongly.
In March 1775, Ondiveeran defeated the army led by Mahfuzkhan, Yusuf Khan, and Colonel Heron in Nerkattan Sevayal. From 1757 to 1759, he led the army to victory against British East Indian Company supporters in various places. In 1764, Ondiveeran’s battalion conquered Marudhanayagam alias Yusuf Khan in Nerkattan Sevayal.
In the battle of Vasudevanallur fort siege in 1767, headed by Captain Campbell, Ondiveeran emerged victorious. His battalion’s victories extended to Kalakadu, Srivilliputhur, and Thenmalai. After the death of Puli Thevar, their children were guarded by Ondiveeran. He relentlessly resisted against the British East India Company until his last breath. On August 20, 1771, near Manur village of Thirunelveli district, Ondiveeran was defeated and died during battle with the British East India Company.
After the death of the legendary warrior, Ondiveeran, the defenseless descendants and leaders like Panchalangkuruchi Pottipagadai, Sivagangai Kuyili, Sangagri Pollan, and Madhari played a remarkable role in the army during the wars against the British East India Company.
The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Ondiveeran, the unsung hero of India.
The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Ondiveeran, the unsung hero of India.