Maruthu Pandiyar the two brothers Chinna Marudhu and Periya Marudhu were sons of Anandayer and Mookiah Palaniappan. In the 18^th century they ruled Sivagangai, in Tamil Nadu. 56 years before the First War of Indian Independence broke out in 1857 in Northern India, on June 10, 1801, they were the first ones that issued a proclamation of Independence from the colonial British rule from Trichy Thiruvarangam Temple in Tamil Nadu.  Both brothers were well trained in native martial arts. It is believed that they killed some tigers that entered their kingdom. It was their courageous and brave deeds that made them popular all through the kingdom and gave them legendary status. Extremely good at craftsmanship and aerodynamics it is believed they invented a variant of the boomerang called, Valari besides variants of spears.

Maruthu Pandiyar

The brothers along with their allies captured from the British three districts. To put down rebellion of the Maruthu Pandiyar brothers, additional troops were rushed from Britain. The brothers were indeed a serious threat to the future of the British. On October 24, 1801, the Marudhu Pandiyas were hanged along with a number of their family members and Sivanandi the war leader, at Tirupputhur Fort, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. During early stages of colonization, guerilla war tactics were also devised by the Maruthu Brothers. In October 2004 a postage stamp was released in their commemoration.