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Periya Kaladi

(★ – 1759) – (Tamilnadu)

Venni Kaladi, also known as “Periya Kaladi,” was an 18th-century general from Tamil Nadu, India. According to historical accounts, Khan Saqib decided to fight against Puli Thevar, and his troops surrounded and fought against the Nerkattumseval fort at night from their camp.

During the battle, Periya Kaladi attacked the camp and defeated the troops of Khan Saqib. However, he was wounded by a hidden attack from one of the enemy warriors. Despite his injuries, he pushed his intestines back into his stomach and tied a piece of cloth around it as a makeshift bandage to proceed with the war. He eventually defeated the opponents.

Periya Kaladi then rode his horse to Pooli Thevar to report that they had gone into hiding in the forest with the army, and he died while lying on the lap of Puli Thevar while delivering the news. This happened during a serious injury in the year 1759. Later, Puli Thevar planted a stone (natukal) at the spot where his commander had died fighting against the large artillery. This place is still known as ‘Kaladi Medu’ by the people of the area.