Name Tanoa Visawaqa Died December 8, 1852 | Children Seru Epenisa Cakobau | |
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Ratu Tanoa Visawaqa (pronounced [βisaːˈɰaːŋɡa]) was a Fijian Chieftain who held the title Vunivalu of Bau. With Adi Savusavu, one of his nine wives, he was the father of Seru Epenisa Cakobau, who succeeded in unifying Fiji into a single kingdom.
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Installation
The son of Ratu Banuve Baleivavalagi and father of the first Tui Viti, Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau, Ratu Tanoa was installed as Vunivalu upon the death of his elder brother Ratu Naulivou Ramatenikutu, who was involved in a fierce power struggle against the Turaga na Rasau and Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Raiwalui, which led to his death.
The idea of a Tui Viti was conceived in the reign of Tanoa but saw fruition in the reign of his son Seru.
The Wars of Bau
As the animosity intensified, Ratu Tanoa was forced into exile, firstly on Koro Island and then in Somosomo on Taveuni, where he remained until his son, Ratu Seru Cakobau led a coup in 1837, reinstalling his father as Vunivalu until his death in 1852, whereupon Cakobau inherited the title. He had 9 wives; amongst his issue were Ratu Tubuanakoro and Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau.
The Burner of Boats
It was before his exile that Tanoa was named Tanoa "Visawaqa" for his bloody campaign and slaying of the Roko Tui Bau, Ratu Raiwalui, he set fire to the War Canoes of the warriors of the Roko Tui Bau, and was thereafter called Tanoa — "Burner of boats", or figuratively, "excessive killer" — even though Ratu Naulivou sent his brother Tanoa on the mission to punish the Roko Tui Bau and his followers he did not expect the bloodbath that would follow, and Tanoa's actions greatly worried his brother.