MATEO PUMACAHUA

Mateo Pumacahua

García Mateo Pumacahua Chihuantito was born September 21, 1740 in Chinchero, Northwest of Cusco. He was the son of Francisco Pumacahua Inca, who inherited the chiefdom of Chinchero to him.

It exercised its functions of chieftain when his colleague Túpac Amaru II rebellion broke out in 1780. To learn, Pumacahua mobilized thousands of Indians in the province to aid in several fighting royalists. It highlighted especially in the defense of Cusco in January 1781. On many occasions proved relentless cruelty against the rebels, even to hurl their wives and children as punishment. For his decisive contribution to the triumph of the Spanish received praise from authorities of Cusco and the viceroy Jauregui; even he won a life pension authorized by King Carlos III.

He remained faithful to Spain until in 1814, at the age of 74, he joined the independence movement of the brothers José, Mariano Angulo and Vicente. After participating in the taking of Cusco Pumacahua turned to the city of Arequipa. He managed to take it after winning the battle of Apacheta. However, shortly after he was defeated by the royalists at the battle of Umachiri on March 11, 1815. Six days later captured and beheaded in Sicuani.