Dheeran Chinnamalai born in 1756, Chinnamalai started off by forming a 1,000 strong army in support of Tipu Sultan. He was instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli and Srirangapatnam.

After Tipu's death, he settled down at Odanilai and constructed a fort there to continue his struggle against the British, whom he defeated in battles at Cauvery in 1801, Odanilai in 1802 and at Arachalur in 1804.

Later, Chinnamalai left his fort to avoid canon attack and engaged in Guerrilla warfare while he was stationed at Karumalai in Palani region.

He was betrated by his cook and captured by the British, who hanged him on July 31, 1805.