On 22 August 2022, India Post issued a postage stamp in memory of Ondiveeran Pagadai.
Ondiveeran Pagadai (or Ondi Veeran) (? - 1771) - Indian commander of the army of Puli Tevar, who fought against the British East India Company in Tamil Nadu.
Since the 17th century, the British East India Company has been active in India. Initially, the company was engaged exclusively in trade, creating small trading posts and supplying pepper, sugar, rice, indigo, cotton and silk to England. But, over time, the ambitions of the British East India Company and its influence in the region increased significantly. In the 18th century, the company received many rights and privileges: it could own and manage territories, legislate and mint coins, create its own troops, enter into military alliances, and even declare war on Indian princes. The Mughal kings who ruled India often delegated the right to collect taxes from certain territories to representatives of the East India Company, and also used the company's troops to wage internecine wars with recalcitrant princes.
This happened with a small Tamil province in the principality of Tamil Nadu. In 1755, the Mughal governor - Nawab Arcot transferred the right to receive taxes from this province to the British East India Company. But Puli Thevar, the ruler of these lands, refused to pay taxes and began an armed struggle. Puli Thevar's troops were led by the warlord Ondiveeran. Under his command In 1759-1761, Puli Thevar's army successfully fought against the East India Company. Ondiveeran won 11 major battles, including the battles of Nelkattumseval, Tirunelveli, Kalakkadu, Gangaikondan, Vasudevanallur and Srivilliputhur. He died from his wounds on the battlefield, but still led his army to victory.
Ondiveeran remained in the memory of his descendants as a great commander and brave warrior, he is considered one of the first fighters against the British colonial policy in India. In 2011, an equestrian monument to Ondiveeran was erected in Tamil Nadu. On the postage stamp, the military leader is also depicted on horseback with a saber in his hands.
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