Dheeran Chinnamalai

தீரன் சின்னமலை

17 April 1756 – 31 July 1805

"A fearless warrior who chose death over submission to colonial rule"

About Dheeran Chinnamalai

The Warrior Chieftain

Dheeran Chinnamalai was a chieftain who ruled the Odanilai region of present-day western Tamil Nadu. His birth name was Theerthagiri Sarkkarai Mandraadiyaar. He became known as "Chinnamalai" because he bravely stood up against the government of Mysore, stopping them from collecting taxes between Chennimalai and Sivanmalai.

Alliance with Tipu Sultan

He allied himself with Tipu Sultan to fight against the British East India Company. His army received French military training in modern warfare alongside Tipu Sultan's Mysore forces. Together, they achieved significant victories against the British colonial powers.

Guerrilla Warfare Pioneer

Known for his resistance against British rule, Chinnamalai played a crucial role in hindering British troop movements between the Salem region and the Malabar coast. His guerrilla tactics and ability to mobilise local support made him a formidable opponent of the British administration.

Early Life

1756

Birth

Born in the village of Melapalayam near Chennimalai in present-day Erode district to Rathnaswamy and Periyaatha.

Childhood

Martial Training

From a young age, he trained in sword fighting, archery and wrestling. These skills helped him become a strong warrior.

Family

Noble Heritage

He belonged to the famous Palaiya Kottai Pattakarar family. He had four brothers: Kudandiswamy, Thambi, Kilothar and Kuttiswamy, and one sister Parvatham.

Rise to Power

Earning His Name

He earned the name "Chinnamalai" by bravely resisting the Mysore government's tax collection in the Kongu region.

Military Career

French Military Training

A huge army under Dheeran Chinnamalai took French military training in modern warfare alongside Tipu Sultan's Mysore forces. The French East India Company provided crucial support in the fight against British colonialism.

Polygar Wars

Dheeran Chinnamalai was one of the main commanders in the Polygar Wars, notably during the Second Polygar War that took place in 1801-1802. He played a pivotal role in the resistance movement.

Erode Fort

After Tipu Sultan's death in the Battle of Srirangapatnam (1799), Dheeran Chinnamalai settled at Odanilai in Kongu Nadu and constructed a fort there called Erode Fort, from where he continued his resistance.

Strategic Importance

Chinnamalai's guerrilla tactics successfully hindered British troop movements between the Salem region and the Malabar coast, which was the base of the East India Company forces.

"His guerrilla tactics and his ability to mobilise local support made him a thorn in the side of the British administration."
— Historical accounts of the Polygar Wars

Major Victories

Dheeran Chinnamalai achieved remarkable victories against the British forces, demonstrating exceptional military strategy and leadership.

1801

Battle of Kaveri

Defeated British forces at the Kaveri river region

1802

Battle of Odanilai

Successfully defended his stronghold against British attack

1804

Battle of Arachalur

Another significant victory against colonial forces

Earlier Victories with Tipu Sultan

Before establishing his independent resistance, Dheeran Chinnamalai helped Tipu Sultan achieve victories at the Battles of Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna. These battles were instrumental in establishing his reputation as a formidable military commander.

Lasting Legacy

Dheeran Chinnamalai's legacy as a brave freedom fighter and symbol of resistance against colonial oppression continues to inspire generations of Indians, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

Monuments & Statues

Statues and memorials commemorating Dheeran Chinnamalai stand in Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Erode and Odanilai.

Postage Stamp

A commemorative postage stamp was released by India Post honouring his contributions to India's freedom struggle.

Transport Corporation

Until 1997, Tiruchirapalli division of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation was known as "Dheeran Chinnamalai Transport Corporation".

District Name

Until 1996, Karur district was known as Dheeran Chinnamalai district in his honour.

Municipal Corporation

Erode Municipal Corporation headquarters is named after Dheeran Chinnamalai, preserving his memory in the region he defended.

Annual Tributes

Every year, the Tamil Nadu government and people pay tribute to Dheeran Chinnamalai on his death anniversary, honouring his sacrifice.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Betrayal and Capture (1805)

Dheeran Chinnamalai was betrayed by his cook Nallapan and was captured by British sepoys in 1805. Despite years of successful resistance against the mighty British Empire, this act of treachery led to his downfall.


On 31 July 1805, Dheeran Chinnamalai was hanged at Sankagiri Fort along with his two brothers. He chose death with honour rather than surrender to colonial rule, becoming a martyr in India's long struggle for independence.


His sacrifice, coming decades before the more widely known 1857 uprising, marks him as one of the earliest and most courageous freedom fighters in Indian history.