The Maruthu Pandiyar brothers, Periya Maruthu (1748–1801) and Chinna Maruthu (1753–1801), were valiant warriors who fiercely resisted British rule in Tamil Nadu. As rulers of Sivagangai, they took a bold stand against colonial oppression and supported other local rulers in their fight against British dominance.

The brothers are best known for issuing one of the first declarations of independence against British rule in 1801, calling for unity among Indians to overthrow colonial powers. They waged several battles against the British forces but were ultimately captured and executed in 1801. Despite their defeat, their sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of India’s early struggles for freedom. Today, they are honored as great revolutionaries who laid the groundwork for India’s independence movement.