MAY 18, 1781

QUECHUA LEADER TÚPAC AMARU II (JOSE CONDORCANQUI), HIS WIFE AND SON EXECUTED

José Gabriel Condorcanqui Noguera, cacique (hereditary chief) in the Tinta region of southern Peru and a descendant of the last Inca ruler, Túpac Amaru, took the name Túpac Amaru II when he led the Peruvian peasants in an unsuccessful rebellion against Spanish rule. Noguera received a formal Jesuit education but maintained his identification with the Indian population. In 1780, he arrested and executed the corregidor (provincial administrator), Antonio Arriaga, on charges of cruelty. This act led to the last general Indian rebellion against Spain, at first with the support of some Creoles. When the revolt, which spread throughout southern Peru and into Bolivia and Argentina, became a violent battle between Indians and Europeans, it eventually lost Creole support. Túpac Amaru II and his family were captured in March 1781 and taken to Cuzco. On May 18, 1781, after being forced to witness the execution of his wife and sons, he was beheaded.

Sources:  

“Túpac Amaru II,” Encyclopedia Brittanica, updated 5/14/2019.  Retrieved 6/24/2019, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tupac-Amaru-II

Nick Sanchez, “Tupac Amaru II: Condor of Fire,” Liberation School, 2/19/2017.  Retrieved 6/24/2019, http://liberationschool.org/tupac-amaru-ii-condor-of-fire/

Painting:  Author unknown, 19th Century. Public Domain.