1 LIFE STORY OF A KING DHEERAN CHINNAMALAI

Born on April 17, 1756 at Melapalayam village near Kangeyam as Theerthagiri, he was called as Chinnamalai and later as Dheeran. He along with Tipu Sultan fought the British at Srirangapatna. But after the death of Tipu Sultan, he returned to Odanilai and constructed a fort. He fought many battles against the British East India Company successfully, including battle at Cauvery in 1801, at Odanilai in 1802 and battle at Arachalur in 1804.

He was caught by the British and hanged at Sankari Fort in Salem district on the day of Aadi Perukku on July 31, 1805. Hence, the State government has been observing the day of Aadi Perukku as his memorial day every year.