89-The Cotiote War

एक दुखी परिवार-89

Pazhassi Raja (eighteenth century)

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (also known as Cotiote Rajah or Pychy Rajah) (3 January 1753 – 30 November 1805) was one of the earliest freedom fighters in India. 

He was the prince regent of the princely state of Kottiyur or Cotiote in North Malabar, near Kannur, India between 1774 and 1805. He fought a successful Guerilla war with tribals from Wynad supporting him. 

He was caught by the British when a colleague deceived him. 

The British ruthlessly killed all his followers and their families. His fort was razed to the ground and the Kuthuparamba Road was built over the fort.

 His struggles with English East India Company is known as The Cotiote War. He is popularly known as Kerala Simham (Lion of Kerala) on account of his martial exploits.

Veerapandiya Kattabomman (eighteenth century)

The Indian independence movement had a long history in the Tamil-speaking districts of the then Madras Presidency going back to the 18th century. The first resistance to the British was offered by the legendary Puli Thevan in 1757. 

Since then there had been rebellions by polygars such as the Mamannar Marudu brothers, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Oomathurai and Dheeran Chinnamalai.

These are the names which never meet ordinary ear drums which are attuned to hearing those names only which circulate in the northern India , as if South was never its part.

(Cont.   .)