Marudu Brothers, Vellai and Periya, Biography, Contributions

The Marudu Brothers, Periya Marudu and Chinna Marudu, were prominent resistance leaders of Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu during the late eighteenth century. They fought against the East India Company and opposed British expansion in South India. Born to Mookiah Palaniappan Servai and Anandayer alias Ponnathal, they rose from military service under Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar to important positions in Sivaganga. Their resistance ended with their execution on 24 October 1801.

Marudu Brothers Biography

The Marudu Brothers were born into the Servaikaran community and were natives of the Ramnad region. Their military career, association with Sivaganga rulers and leadership in armed resistance made them important figures in the history of early colonial resistance in South India.

• Family: Their father was Udayar Servai alias Mookiah Palaniappan Servai, while their mother was Anandayer alias Ponnathal. 
• Names: The elder brother was Vellai Marudhu or Periya Marudu and the younger was Chinna Marudhu.
• Birth and Native Place: Periya Marudu was born in 1748 and Chinna Marudu in 1753. Their family was associated with Mukkulam near Narikudi, while the supplied records also identify Kongulu Street of Ramnad as their native place.
• Social Background: The brothers did not belong to the family of ancient Poligars or their caste division. Servaikaran was their caste title, while Marudu was their family name.
• Military Rise: The Marudu Brothers initially served under Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar. They were later elevated to the position of commanders because of their military abilities.
• Role in Sivaganga: After Sivaganga was recovered from enemy control, the brothers received important positions. Periya Marudu became the ruler, while Chinna Marudu served as his adviser and became popularly known as Marudu Pandiyan.

Marudu Brothers Contributions

The Marudu Brothers combined military resistance with administration and regional mobilisation. Their activities covered armed warfare, alliances, public welfare works and opposition to East India Company authority.

• Resistance at Sivaganga: The brothers gathered around 12,000 armed men and surrounded Sivaganga. On 29 April 1789, British forces attacked Kollangudi but were defeated by a large force led by the Marudus.
• Use of Valari: The brothers were known for their skill with the Valari, a crescent shaped wooden throwing weapon. They reportedly used Valari during the Poligar wars against the English.
• Alliance with Kattabomman: They maintained close relations with Veera Pandiya Kattabomman of Panchalankurichi. After Kattabomman was executed at Kayattar on 17 October 1799, Chinna Marudhu sheltered his brother Oomadurai.
• Jumboo Deweepa Proclamation: Chinna Marudhu issued the Jumboo Deweepa proclamation calling people across peninsular South India to resist English rule. It appealed to Hindus, Mussalamans and Christians.
• Administrative Works: Between 1783 and 1801, the brothers worked for Sivaganga’s administration and public welfare. They constructed temples, Ooranis and tanks, including notable works associated with Kalayarkoil.
• Final Resistance: During the 1801 struggle, the brothers continued fighting the East India Company. They also set their village Siruvayal on fire to prevent British forces from using it.

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Marudu Brothers Death

The Marudu Brothers were eventually captured after their resistance against the East India Company. Their execution marked the end of their armed struggle and became an important event in the history of anti colonial resistance in southern Tamil Nadu.

• Capture and Execution: Marudu Pandiyan and his brother Vellai Marudu were captured during the final phase of the conflict. They were executed at the fort of Tirupputhur in Sivaganga District on 24 October 1801.
• Cause of Death: Their execution followed their sustained resistance against English supremacy. Their death ended the leadership of the Marudu Pandiyars in the armed struggle.

Marudu Brothers Recognitions

The Marudu Brothers continue to be remembered through memorials, public commemorations, cultural works and official recognition in Tamil Nadu and outside India.

• Memorial: The Memorial Square of the Maruthu Pandiyars is located at Kalaiyarkoil. Their memory continues to be associated with Sivaganga and regional resistance.
• Transport Corporation: Until 1997, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operating in the Karaikudi region was named Marudhupandiyar Transport Corporation.
• Postage Stamp: A commemorative postage stamp honouring the Marudhu Pandiyars was released in October 2004.
• Bronze Sculpture: On 15 December 2007, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar M. Karunanithi inaugurated a 10 foot bronze sculpture of the Marudhu Pandiyars holding swords on horseback.
• Guru Poojai: Maruthu Pandiyars Guru Poojai is celebrated at their Kalaiyarkoil memorial on 27 October. It is observed as a public holiday in Sivaganga district.
• Cultural Legacy: The film Sivagangai Seemai was made on their lives in 1959. A temple dedicated to them is also located at Batu Dua Mariamman Temple in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia.
• Fort Restoration: The Archaeology Department of the Tamil Nadu State Government has undertaken restoration work on the Marudu Brothers’ fort at Aranmanai Siruvayal in Sivaganga district.