User:CMBJ/Neeli of Wayanad

Lived from late 18th to early 19th century

Neeli was by birth a Kurichia girl from Wayanad who was a gifted soldier and joined hands with Pazhassi Raja's rebels during Cotiote War to oust British from Wayanad. Impressed by her prowess, Pazhassi Raja appointed her as a member of his retinue and served as an armed retainer. She was present during last and fateful encounter of Mavila Tod in 1805. One account say that Raja who sense imminent asked Neeli to cut off his head. But she pleaded that she could not do such an act.

Strangely enough, despite being repeatedly spoken about in tribal songs and folklore, English archives and correspondences make no mention about Neeli.