Marudhanayagam Biography 
Maruthanayagam Pillai was a famous warrior in East India Company, from Tamil Nadu who lived in the pre-independent period. His stories of courage and bravery are quite popular in the state of Tamil Nadu. He is also known by the name, Muhammed Yusuf Khan. He was born as a Hindu and later converted to Islam. One of the most fierce warriors, administrator, and commandant, who lived during the period 1725 – 15 October 1764, a betrayal cost his life. His life came to an end with an act of betrayal by his trusted aides. He was captured when he was doing his morning prayer and hanged till death on 15 October 1764 at Sammatipuram near Madurai. He was multi-linguistic who could speak many languages.
He had a humble beginning and later rose to a prominent position within British East India Company troops. He was born in Panaiyur of present-day Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu into a Hindu family. He converted to Islam for fighting in the British army. He became a warrior in the Arcot troops, and later Commandant for the British East India Company troops. Yusuf Khan's military career started during the Carnatic Wars. A series of events led to Marudhanayagam Pillai befriend and earn the respect of the French. He also became one of their trusted aides in warfare. As a commandant and warrior, his short life was really a celebrated one, still loved by Tamilians.
Marudhanayagam got trained in European warfare techniques under the tutelage of Stringer Lawrence, a British commander. Later under his leadership and strategy, British won many wars against other colonial powers. His victory made him enemy to other rulers. Nawab of Arcot bribed Dewan Srinivas Rao, Marchand the captain and his physician Baba sahib to nab Marudhanayagam and they finally succeeded in this mission, by catching him while he was praying.
Published: September 16, 2018
Updated: September 16, 2018
