Why in the News?

Superstar Thalapathy Vijay launched his new party with speech highlighting his inspirations from Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal.

Contributions of Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796)

Born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthal of the Ramnad kingdom (now Tamil Nadu).
Trained in horse riding, archery, kalaripayattu, and silambam (South Indian martial arts).
Educated as a polyglot, fluent in Tamil, Urdu, English, and French, with a strong grasp of military strategy.
Married Muthu Vaduganatha Periyavudaya Thevar in 1746, supporting him as Queen of Sivagangai.
In 1772, Sivagangai was invaded by the British East India Company in alliance with the Nawab of Arcot; her husband was killed in battle.
Fled with her daughter Vellachi to Dindigul under the protection of Hyder Ali of Mysore.
Formed alliances with Hyder Ali and Gopala Naicker of the Marudu brothers to reclaim her kingdom.
Successfully fought against the British and reclaimed Sivagangai in 1780.
Ruled for a decade before passing the throne to her daughter in 1790.
Known as Tamil Nadu’s ‘Veeramangai’ (Brave Lady) and celebrated as an early Indian queen who resisted British colonialism.

Born in 1890 in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, to a weaver family.
Married Murugappan in 1908, and both joined the freedom struggle inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Became active in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921, marking the beginning of her political involvement.
Played a significant role in:
- Neil Statue Satyagraha, protesting a statue of Colonel James Neil.
- Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942.
Served as President of the All India Women’s Congress in Madras in 1931.
Arrested multiple times for her activism; gave birth to her youngest son while serving a six-month prison term.
Prevented by the British from meeting Gandhi in 1934; met him in disguise, and he called her “South India’s Rani of Jhansi”.
First woman elected to the Madras legislature as a Congress representative.
Remained politically active until her death in 1961, remembered as a pioneer for women’s rights and freedom.

[2016] Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase.

[2015] Consider the following statements:

1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.

2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2