Alli Raani

Queen Alli, sometimes known as Alli Arasi, was a legendary Tamil Queen of the Sangam period. She is described as having been beautiful, courageous and alert. She is similar in character to that of Arawelo and Furra in that she ruled in an Amazonian style, with women filling both her administration and her armies, while her male subjects were subordinates and servants.

 

Alli Raani is believed to have ruled the both Western and Northern coast of Sri Lanka. According to legend, her fort of Allirani Fort, was based in Mannar, in Sri Lanka.

 

Alli Raani was born as the only daughter of a Pandyan King and her conception was considered immaculate. According to the legend, she was found on a lily (alli in Tamil) after a ritual was performed. The ritual was a Hindu ritual that was designed to bring forth a son. Instead Alli was born.

 

She was given a good education, perfecting martial arts, among other things, at a young age. She came to power after defeating an attempted usurper to the Pandyan throne and killing him in battle. As a result of her efforts, she was crowned as the ruler of Madurai.

 

There are myths about Alli Raani having been married to Arjuna, the Mahābhārata hero. He met her when he took the form of an old man and snuck into her palace. Alli Raani did not take this well, as after he called out to her she responded by sending snakes and elephants to kill him. Arjuna then took the form of a snake and made his way into Alli Raani’s bedroom while she slept. He embraced her in this form and for some reason, she decided to marry him.

 

Unfortunately there is not a lot more I could find on Alli Raani, but I wanted to include her as she seemed very interesting.