K.P Janaki Ammal

A theatre performer and singer, Janaki Ammal was a firebrand woman, who was also one of the first women to be arrested by the British. She led an inspiring life as she dedicated both her time and money to social service. She also organised agitations in favour of the mill workers, farmers and the labour class. She also fought against social evils such as untouchability. 

Veera Mangai Velunachiyar

She was a queen of the Ramnad Kingdom - a brave woman who fought against the British. She was also trained in archery, horseback riding, martial arts and weaponry. Historians state that she fought for the freedom of India  85 years before Jhansi Rani’s freedom struggle in the north.

Mahakavi  Subramanya Bharathiyar

Hailing from Thirunelveli, he started learning music at a very young age and was conferred the title “Bharathi,” meaning one blessed by Saraswati, the goddess of learning. An Indian independence activist and social reformer, he was influenced by Hindu spirituality and nationalism, which changed his outlook towards life. 

OKSR Kumaraswamy Mudaliyar

Popularly known as Thiruppur Mudaliyar, he was an important figure in the Indian freedom struggle. He formed the DesaBandhu Youth Association to organise the youth to fight against the British. He was inspired by Gandhi's non-violent methods of fighting.

Veerapandiya Kattabomman

Veerapandiya Kattabomman was an 18th century chieftain from Panchalankurichi. He refused to accept the sovereignty of the British and waged a war against them six decades before the first war of Indian independence broke out in the Northern parts of India.