Ondiveeran

Subject :History

Section: Modern India

Context: Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting for authorizing a commemorative postal stamp for freedom fighter Ondiveeran.

Concept:

Ondiveeran was a native of NerkattumSeval near Sankarankoil in the erstwhile Tirunelveli district (since bifurcated and now in Tenkasi district).
Ondiveeran was a trusted lieutenant in thePulithevan Army that had taken onthe British Company forces.
Ondiveeran led one of the army units of Puli Thevar. Fighting by the side of Puli Thevar, he caused much damage to the Company’s army.
According to oral tradition, in one battle, Ondiveeran’s hand was chopped off and Puli Thevar was saddened. But Ondiveeran said it was a reward for his penetration into the enemy’s fort causing many heads to roll.
Ondiveeran were important men who tried to destroy the camp of the Nawab and the Company troops. And hero stones were erected for soldiers who died in the battle.
He died in 1771.