Kuyili


Kuyili was an army commander of queen Velu Nachiyar and revolutionary against the British East India Company in the 18th century. She is considered the first suicide bomber in history.
She belonged to the Tamil ethnic group .

Birth

Kuyili was born in the 18th century at Kudanchavadi, near Sivagangai district.

Death

Kuyili is known for her suicide attack in 1780. She applied ghee, set herself ablaze and jumped into the armoury of the British, securing victory for Velu Nachiyar.

Legacy

The Tamil Nadu government erected a memorial to Kuyili in the Sivaganga district.