Kuyili was born in the 18th century at Kudanchavadi, near Sivagangai district. Kuyili was an army commander of Queen Velu Nachiyar who participated in campaigns against the East India Company in the 18th century. She was the first suicide bomber and the first woman martyr in Indian history. While attacking a fort of East India Company, her battalion of 4000 women was fired at by British cannons. She applied ghee and oil on her body, set herself ablaze and jumped into the armoury of the East India Company, thus securing victory for Queen Velu Nachiyar.