Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua

Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua (born in Tamburco, 1745; died in Cusco, May 18, 1781), was an important figure and a martyr for Peruvian independence. She is remembered for the enunciation of her clear political position towards independence with her declaration “For the liberty of my people, I have renounced everything. I will not see my children flourish...”

Biography

Micaela was born in Pampamarca (in Abancay) in 1747. She was the daughter of Manual Bastidas (an African descendent) and Josefa Puyucahua. The young Micaela was beautiful and had tanned skin.

Micaela married very young, in 1760, at age 15, to José Gabriel Condorcanqui, also known as Túpac Amaru II. Condorcanqui was an important figure in Peruvian history as well. They were married in la iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Purificación (the Church of our Lady of the Purification), in the town of Surimana.

Micaela gave birth to three sons, Hipólito (1761), Mariano (1762), and Fernando (1768).

She was captured in a failed uprising, and was executed very painfully on May 18, 1781, at 36 years of age.

References

• Herrera Cuntti, Arístides (2004, 2006). Divagaciones históricas en la web. Chincha, Perú: AHC Ediciones Perú (RUC N° 10078391575). ISBN 9972-2908-1-6 ISBN 978-9972-2908-1-7, Bookland EAN 9789972290817.
• Herrera Cuntti, Arístides (2004, 2006). Divagaciones históricas en la web. Chincha, Perú: AHC Ediciones Perú (RUC N° 10078391575). ISBN 9972-2908-2-4 ISBN 978-9972-2908-2-4, Booland EAN 9789972290824.