Dheeran Chinnamalai

Dheeran Chinnamalai (Tamil: தீரன் சின்னமலை born as Theerthagiri Sarkkarai Uttama Kāminda Mandraadiyaar (Surname of Payiran Kulam Gotra of Kongu Vellalar community) on April 17, 1756) is the protagonist of the "Dheeran Chinnamalai Udukkai Kadhaigal" and Kongu Mandala Sadhagam stories written by Kaarmega Konar, in the story he is depicted as a Kongu chieftain and Palayakkarar from Tamil Nadu who rises up in revolt against the British East India Company in the Kongu Nadu, Southern India. He is first born in Melapalayam, near Erode in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.^[1]

Dheeran Chinnamalai

He then becomes one of the main leaders in the Polygar Wars and commands a vast army to fight the British forces, notably during the historical Second Polygar War that took place in 1801–1802. A thousand-strong army under him took French Military training in modern warfare alongside Tipu's Mysore forces to fight against the British East India company. They helped Tipu Sultan in his war against the British in the story and were instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatna.

Later on, Dheeran Chinnamalai was promoted as a historical icon for political mileage by the Kongu Vellalar community, though he was an imaginary character.