TN History Textbook: Palayakkarar Rebellion | Old & New NCERTs for IAS Preparation (Must Read) - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


 
In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest
expressions of opposition to British rule took the form of localized
rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the
Palayakkarars (Poligars) against the East India Company.
The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder
of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted
to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the
Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were
interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical
strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude,
the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political
system of south India. They regarded themselves as independent,
sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that
their lands had been handed down to them across a span of sixty
generations. Such claims were brushed aside by the East India
Company.
LESSON 9
PALAYAKKARAR REBELLION
Learning Objectives
Students will come to know
1. The Palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu.
2. The role of Puli Thevar in the anti-British rebellion.
3. The rise of Kattabomman and his fight against the British.
4. The second rebellion led by the Marudu Brothers.
86
Page 2


 
In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest
expressions of opposition to British rule took the form of localized
rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the
Palayakkarars (Poligars) against the East India Company.
The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder
of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted
to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the
Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were
interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical
strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude,
the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political
system of south India. They regarded themselves as independent,
sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that
their lands had been handed down to them across a span of sixty
generations. Such claims were brushed aside by the East India
Company.
LESSON 9
PALAYAKKARAR REBELLION
Learning Objectives
Students will come to know
1. The Palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu.
2. The role of Puli Thevar in the anti-British rebellion.
3. The rise of Kattabomman and his fight against the British.
4. The second rebellion led by the Marudu Brothers.
86
Puli Thevar
Among the Palayakkarars, there were two blocs, namely the
Western and the Eastern blocs. The Western bloc had Marava
Palayakkarars and the Eastern bloc had Telugu Palayakkarars. Puli
Thevar of Nerkkattumseval headed the former and Kattabomman of
Panchalamkuruchi led the latter. These two Palayakkarars refused
to pay the kist (tribute) to the Nawab and rebelled.
Many of the neighbouring Palayakkarars put up certain pretexts
and did not pay the tribute. Mahfuz Khan, with the assistance of the
British army under Col. Heron undertook an expedition to suppress
the revolt in March 1755. Puli Thevar and the Marava Palayakkarars
of the Western bloc stood firm against the British. Col. Heron decided
to deal with the Maravas firmly.
Col. Heron tried to change the mind of Puli Thevar by diplomatic
moves and by show of force. But he failed in his attempts. Puli Thevar
proceeded to consolidate his position by organising the Marava
Palayakkarars of the West into a strong confederacy. He also attemp-
ted to get the support of Haider Ali of Mysore and the French against
the British. The British approached Ramnad, Pudukottai and the Dutch
for help. Haider Ali couldn’t help Puli Thevar due to a Mysore-
Maratha struggle. Yusuf Khan (Khan Sahib) was entrusted by the
British with the duty of tackling Puli Thevar and his allies.
 Puli Thevar attacked Madurai and captured it from Mahfuz
Khan. Puli Thevar’s military success had no parallel. The native ruler
triumphed against the British. It is a clear demonstration of the Marava
might and the heroism of the patriots. But Yusuf Khan recaptured
Madurai. With the help of the Palayakkarars of the Eastern bloc and
the king of Travancore, Yusuf Khan had many victories. After fierce
battles, Nerkkattumseval was attacked in 1759. In 1767, this city
was captured by Col. Campbell. Puli Thevar escaped and died in
exile without finally fulfilling his purpose of checking the growth of
the British influence. Although his
  
  attempt ended in failure, he leaves
a valiant trail of a struggle for independence in the history of South
India.
Vira Pandya Kattabomman
Vira Pandya Kattabomman became the Palayakkarar of
Panchalamkuruchi at the age of thirty on the death of his father,
Jagavira Pandya Kattabomman. The Company’s
administrators, James London and Colin Jackson
had considered him as a man without education but
of peaceful disposition. Yet, several events led to
the conflict between Kattabomman and East India
Company. During this period the collection of tribute
served as a cause of friction. The Nawab of Arcot
who had this right surrendered it to the English under
the provisions of the Karnatac Treaty of 1792.
Therefore, the chief of Panchalamkuruchi,
Kattabomman had to pay tribute to the English.  In
September 1798, the tribute from Kattabomman fell into arrears.
Collector Jackson in his characteristic arrogance and rashness
wrote letters to Kattabomman in a threatening language. There is a
tradition to indicate that Kattabomman declared : “ It rains, the land
yields, why should we pay tax to the English?” By the 31 May 1789,
the total arrears of tribute from Kattabomman amounted to 3310
pagodas. Though Jackson wanted to send an army against
Kattabomman, the Madras Government did not give permission.
Hence, on the 18 August 1798 Jackson sent an order to
Kattabomman to meet him at Ramanathapuram within two weeks.
In the meantime, Kattabomman went with arrears of tribute to meet
Jackson. Kattabomman was humiliated twice by Jackson when the
KATTABOMMAN 
87 88
Page 3


 
In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest
expressions of opposition to British rule took the form of localized
rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the
Palayakkarars (Poligars) against the East India Company.
The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder
of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted
to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the
Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were
interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical
strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude,
the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political
system of south India. They regarded themselves as independent,
sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that
their lands had been handed down to them across a span of sixty
generations. Such claims were brushed aside by the East India
Company.
LESSON 9
PALAYAKKARAR REBELLION
Learning Objectives
Students will come to know
1. The Palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu.
2. The role of Puli Thevar in the anti-British rebellion.
3. The rise of Kattabomman and his fight against the British.
4. The second rebellion led by the Marudu Brothers.
86
Puli Thevar
Among the Palayakkarars, there were two blocs, namely the
Western and the Eastern blocs. The Western bloc had Marava
Palayakkarars and the Eastern bloc had Telugu Palayakkarars. Puli
Thevar of Nerkkattumseval headed the former and Kattabomman of
Panchalamkuruchi led the latter. These two Palayakkarars refused
to pay the kist (tribute) to the Nawab and rebelled.
Many of the neighbouring Palayakkarars put up certain pretexts
and did not pay the tribute. Mahfuz Khan, with the assistance of the
British army under Col. Heron undertook an expedition to suppress
the revolt in March 1755. Puli Thevar and the Marava Palayakkarars
of the Western bloc stood firm against the British. Col. Heron decided
to deal with the Maravas firmly.
Col. Heron tried to change the mind of Puli Thevar by diplomatic
moves and by show of force. But he failed in his attempts. Puli Thevar
proceeded to consolidate his position by organising the Marava
Palayakkarars of the West into a strong confederacy. He also attemp-
ted to get the support of Haider Ali of Mysore and the French against
the British. The British approached Ramnad, Pudukottai and the Dutch
for help. Haider Ali couldn’t help Puli Thevar due to a Mysore-
Maratha struggle. Yusuf Khan (Khan Sahib) was entrusted by the
British with the duty of tackling Puli Thevar and his allies.
 Puli Thevar attacked Madurai and captured it from Mahfuz
Khan. Puli Thevar’s military success had no parallel. The native ruler
triumphed against the British. It is a clear demonstration of the Marava
might and the heroism of the patriots. But Yusuf Khan recaptured
Madurai. With the help of the Palayakkarars of the Eastern bloc and
the king of Travancore, Yusuf Khan had many victories. After fierce
battles, Nerkkattumseval was attacked in 1759. In 1767, this city
was captured by Col. Campbell. Puli Thevar escaped and died in
exile without finally fulfilling his purpose of checking the growth of
the British influence. Although his
  
  attempt ended in failure, he leaves
a valiant trail of a struggle for independence in the history of South
India.
Vira Pandya Kattabomman
Vira Pandya Kattabomman became the Palayakkarar of
Panchalamkuruchi at the age of thirty on the death of his father,
Jagavira Pandya Kattabomman. The Company’s
administrators, James London and Colin Jackson
had considered him as a man without education but
of peaceful disposition. Yet, several events led to
the conflict between Kattabomman and East India
Company. During this period the collection of tribute
served as a cause of friction. The Nawab of Arcot
who had this right surrendered it to the English under
the provisions of the Karnatac Treaty of 1792.
Therefore, the chief of Panchalamkuruchi,
Kattabomman had to pay tribute to the English.  In
September 1798, the tribute from Kattabomman fell into arrears.
Collector Jackson in his characteristic arrogance and rashness
wrote letters to Kattabomman in a threatening language. There is a
tradition to indicate that Kattabomman declared : “ It rains, the land
yields, why should we pay tax to the English?” By the 31 May 1789,
the total arrears of tribute from Kattabomman amounted to 3310
pagodas. Though Jackson wanted to send an army against
Kattabomman, the Madras Government did not give permission.
Hence, on the 18 August 1798 Jackson sent an order to
Kattabomman to meet him at Ramanathapuram within two weeks.
In the meantime, Kattabomman went with arrears of tribute to meet
Jackson. Kattabomman was humiliated twice by Jackson when the
KATTABOMMAN 
87 88
former wanted to meet him at Tirukuttalam and Srivilliputttur. But he
was told that he could meet the collector only at Ramanathapuram.
Despite this humiliation, Kattabomman  followed Jackson for twenty
three  days in a journey of 400 miles through the latter’s route and
reached Ramanathapuram on the 19 September.
An interview was granted by Jackson and Kattabomman
cleared most of the arrears leaving only 1090 pagodas as balance.
During this interview Kattabomman and his Minister, Sivasubramania
Pillai, had to stand before the arrogant collector for three hours
together.  Still he did not permit them to leave the place, but directed
them to stay inside the fort. Kattabomman suspected the intensions
of Jackson. Hence, he tried to escape with his minister and brother
Oomathurai.  At the gate of the fort there followed a clash, in which
some people including Lieutenant Clarke were killed.   Sivasubramania
Pillai was taken prisoner. But Kattabomman escaped.
After his return to Panchalamkuruchi, Kattabomman appealed
to the Madras Council submitting the facts. The Madras Government
directed Kattabomman to appear before a Committee. Meanwhile,
the government released Sivasubramania Pillai  and suspended the
Collector, Jackson. In response Kattabomman decided to submit. He
appeared before the Committee, with William Brown, William Oram
and John Casmayor as members. The Committee found Kattabomman
not guilty. S. R. Lushington was now appointed Collector in the place
of Jackson, latter was eventually dismissed from service.
League of the Palayakkarars
Thus the English removed the source of grievance to
Kattabomman. Yet, the humiliation suffered by Kattabomman
affected his self-respect. During this time, Marudu Pandyan of
Sivaganga organized the South Indian Confederacy of rebels against
the British. The Tiruchirappalli Proclamation was made. He sent
missions Panchalamkuruchi. Thus a close association between
Kattabomman and Marudu Pandyan established. The events now
moved to a crisis. In August 1798 the son of the Palayakkarar of
Sivagiri and his adviser visited Panchalamkuruchi and held
consultations. Kattabomman decided to establish his influence in
Sivagiri with the aid of the son of the Palayakkarar. As the
Palayakkarar of Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company, the Madras
Council considered this move as a challenge to its own authority and
ordered war against Kattabomman.
Expedition to Panchalamkuruchi
In May 1799, Lord Wellesley issued orders from Madras for
the advance of forces from Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Madurai
to Tirunelveli. Major Bannerman, armed with extensive powers,
assumed the command of the expedition. On the 1 September, 1799
the Major served an ultimatum directing Kattabomman to surrender
and attend on him at Palayamkottai on the 4th. Kattabomman replied
that he would submit on a lucky day.
Bannerman considered this reply as evasive and decided on
military action. On 5 September Kattabomman’s fort was attacked.
On the 16th reinforcements reached from Palayamkottai. In a clash
at Kolarpatti the Palayakkarar troops suffered heavy casualty and
Sivasubramania Pillai was taken prisoner. Kattabomman escaped to
Pudukkottai. The ruler of Pudukkottai captured Kattabomman from
the jungles of Kalapore and handed him over to the British.
Fall of Kattabomman
Bannerman brought the prisoners to an assembly of the
Palayakkarars   and   after   a   mockery   of   trial   sentenced   them
to death. Sivasubramania   Pillai   was executed at   Nagalapuram
on the 13th of September. On the 16th of October Vira   Pandyan
was tried before an assembly of Palayakkarars,    summoned at
89 90
Page 4


 
In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest
expressions of opposition to British rule took the form of localized
rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the
Palayakkarars (Poligars) against the East India Company.
The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder
of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted
to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the
Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were
interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical
strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude,
the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political
system of south India. They regarded themselves as independent,
sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that
their lands had been handed down to them across a span of sixty
generations. Such claims were brushed aside by the East India
Company.
LESSON 9
PALAYAKKARAR REBELLION
Learning Objectives
Students will come to know
1. The Palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu.
2. The role of Puli Thevar in the anti-British rebellion.
3. The rise of Kattabomman and his fight against the British.
4. The second rebellion led by the Marudu Brothers.
86
Puli Thevar
Among the Palayakkarars, there were two blocs, namely the
Western and the Eastern blocs. The Western bloc had Marava
Palayakkarars and the Eastern bloc had Telugu Palayakkarars. Puli
Thevar of Nerkkattumseval headed the former and Kattabomman of
Panchalamkuruchi led the latter. These two Palayakkarars refused
to pay the kist (tribute) to the Nawab and rebelled.
Many of the neighbouring Palayakkarars put up certain pretexts
and did not pay the tribute. Mahfuz Khan, with the assistance of the
British army under Col. Heron undertook an expedition to suppress
the revolt in March 1755. Puli Thevar and the Marava Palayakkarars
of the Western bloc stood firm against the British. Col. Heron decided
to deal with the Maravas firmly.
Col. Heron tried to change the mind of Puli Thevar by diplomatic
moves and by show of force. But he failed in his attempts. Puli Thevar
proceeded to consolidate his position by organising the Marava
Palayakkarars of the West into a strong confederacy. He also attemp-
ted to get the support of Haider Ali of Mysore and the French against
the British. The British approached Ramnad, Pudukottai and the Dutch
for help. Haider Ali couldn’t help Puli Thevar due to a Mysore-
Maratha struggle. Yusuf Khan (Khan Sahib) was entrusted by the
British with the duty of tackling Puli Thevar and his allies.
 Puli Thevar attacked Madurai and captured it from Mahfuz
Khan. Puli Thevar’s military success had no parallel. The native ruler
triumphed against the British. It is a clear demonstration of the Marava
might and the heroism of the patriots. But Yusuf Khan recaptured
Madurai. With the help of the Palayakkarars of the Eastern bloc and
the king of Travancore, Yusuf Khan had many victories. After fierce
battles, Nerkkattumseval was attacked in 1759. In 1767, this city
was captured by Col. Campbell. Puli Thevar escaped and died in
exile without finally fulfilling his purpose of checking the growth of
the British influence. Although his
  
  attempt ended in failure, he leaves
a valiant trail of a struggle for independence in the history of South
India.
Vira Pandya Kattabomman
Vira Pandya Kattabomman became the Palayakkarar of
Panchalamkuruchi at the age of thirty on the death of his father,
Jagavira Pandya Kattabomman. The Company’s
administrators, James London and Colin Jackson
had considered him as a man without education but
of peaceful disposition. Yet, several events led to
the conflict between Kattabomman and East India
Company. During this period the collection of tribute
served as a cause of friction. The Nawab of Arcot
who had this right surrendered it to the English under
the provisions of the Karnatac Treaty of 1792.
Therefore, the chief of Panchalamkuruchi,
Kattabomman had to pay tribute to the English.  In
September 1798, the tribute from Kattabomman fell into arrears.
Collector Jackson in his characteristic arrogance and rashness
wrote letters to Kattabomman in a threatening language. There is a
tradition to indicate that Kattabomman declared : “ It rains, the land
yields, why should we pay tax to the English?” By the 31 May 1789,
the total arrears of tribute from Kattabomman amounted to 3310
pagodas. Though Jackson wanted to send an army against
Kattabomman, the Madras Government did not give permission.
Hence, on the 18 August 1798 Jackson sent an order to
Kattabomman to meet him at Ramanathapuram within two weeks.
In the meantime, Kattabomman went with arrears of tribute to meet
Jackson. Kattabomman was humiliated twice by Jackson when the
KATTABOMMAN 
87 88
former wanted to meet him at Tirukuttalam and Srivilliputttur. But he
was told that he could meet the collector only at Ramanathapuram.
Despite this humiliation, Kattabomman  followed Jackson for twenty
three  days in a journey of 400 miles through the latter’s route and
reached Ramanathapuram on the 19 September.
An interview was granted by Jackson and Kattabomman
cleared most of the arrears leaving only 1090 pagodas as balance.
During this interview Kattabomman and his Minister, Sivasubramania
Pillai, had to stand before the arrogant collector for three hours
together.  Still he did not permit them to leave the place, but directed
them to stay inside the fort. Kattabomman suspected the intensions
of Jackson. Hence, he tried to escape with his minister and brother
Oomathurai.  At the gate of the fort there followed a clash, in which
some people including Lieutenant Clarke were killed.   Sivasubramania
Pillai was taken prisoner. But Kattabomman escaped.
After his return to Panchalamkuruchi, Kattabomman appealed
to the Madras Council submitting the facts. The Madras Government
directed Kattabomman to appear before a Committee. Meanwhile,
the government released Sivasubramania Pillai  and suspended the
Collector, Jackson. In response Kattabomman decided to submit. He
appeared before the Committee, with William Brown, William Oram
and John Casmayor as members. The Committee found Kattabomman
not guilty. S. R. Lushington was now appointed Collector in the place
of Jackson, latter was eventually dismissed from service.
League of the Palayakkarars
Thus the English removed the source of grievance to
Kattabomman. Yet, the humiliation suffered by Kattabomman
affected his self-respect. During this time, Marudu Pandyan of
Sivaganga organized the South Indian Confederacy of rebels against
the British. The Tiruchirappalli Proclamation was made. He sent
missions Panchalamkuruchi. Thus a close association between
Kattabomman and Marudu Pandyan established. The events now
moved to a crisis. In August 1798 the son of the Palayakkarar of
Sivagiri and his adviser visited Panchalamkuruchi and held
consultations. Kattabomman decided to establish his influence in
Sivagiri with the aid of the son of the Palayakkarar. As the
Palayakkarar of Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company, the Madras
Council considered this move as a challenge to its own authority and
ordered war against Kattabomman.
Expedition to Panchalamkuruchi
In May 1799, Lord Wellesley issued orders from Madras for
the advance of forces from Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Madurai
to Tirunelveli. Major Bannerman, armed with extensive powers,
assumed the command of the expedition. On the 1 September, 1799
the Major served an ultimatum directing Kattabomman to surrender
and attend on him at Palayamkottai on the 4th. Kattabomman replied
that he would submit on a lucky day.
Bannerman considered this reply as evasive and decided on
military action. On 5 September Kattabomman’s fort was attacked.
On the 16th reinforcements reached from Palayamkottai. In a clash
at Kolarpatti the Palayakkarar troops suffered heavy casualty and
Sivasubramania Pillai was taken prisoner. Kattabomman escaped to
Pudukkottai. The ruler of Pudukkottai captured Kattabomman from
the jungles of Kalapore and handed him over to the British.
Fall of Kattabomman
Bannerman brought the prisoners to an assembly of the
Palayakkarars   and   after   a   mockery   of   trial   sentenced   them
to death. Sivasubramania   Pillai   was executed at   Nagalapuram
on the 13th of September. On the 16th of October Vira   Pandyan
was tried before an assembly of Palayakkarars,    summoned at
89 90
Kayattar.     In   an   assertive   tone   and   with contempt   for death
he admitted the charges levelled against him.   Thereupon, Bennerman
announced   death   penalty.    On   the   17th   of   October
Kattabomman    was hanged to death at a conspicuous   spot near
the old   fort   of Kayattar. Vira Pandyan faced the  last moments of
his life with the pride of a hero.
Marudu Brothers
Despite the exemplary repression of Palayakkarars in 1799,
rebellion broke out again in 1800, this time in a more cohesive and
united manner. Although the 1800-1801 rebellion was to be
categorized in the British records as the Second Palayakkarar War,
it assumed a much broader character than its predecessor. It was
directed by a confederacy consisting of Marudu Pandian of Sivaganga,
Gopala Nayak of Dindugal, Kerala Verma of Malabar and Krishnappa
Nayak and Dhoondaji of Mysore.
The insurrection, which broke out in Coimbatore in June 1800,
soon spread to Ramanathapuram and Madurai. By May 1801, it had
reached the northern provinces, where Marudu Pandian and
Melappan provided the leadership. Oomathurai, the brother of
Kattabomman emerged as a key leader. In February 1801, Oomathurai
and two hundred men by a cleverly move took control of
Panchalamkuruchi Fort.
The fort now re-occupied and reconstructed by rebel forces,
Panchalamkuruchi became the centre of the uprising. Three thousand
armed men of Madurai and Ramanathapuram, despatched by Marudu
Pandian, joined up with the Panchalamkuruchi forces. However,
British forces quickly asserted itself. The Palayakkarar forces based
at Panchalamkuruchi were crushed. By the orders of the government,
the site of the captured fort was ploughed up and sowed with castor
oil and salt so that it should never again be inhabited.
The British forces quickly overpowered the remaining
insurgents. The Marudu brothers and their sons were put to death.
Oomathurai and Sevatiah were beheaded at Panchalamkuruchi on
16 November, 1801. Seventy-three of the principal rebels were
sentenced to transportation. So savage and extensive was the death
and destruction wrought by the English that the entire region was
left in a state of terror.
The suppression of the Palayakkarar rebellions of 1799 and
1800-1801 resulted in the liquidation of the influence of the chieftains.
Under the terms of the Karnatac Treaty (31 July, 1801), the British
assumed direct control over Tamil Nadu. The Palayakkararr system
came to a violent end and the Company introduced the Zamindari
settlement in its place.
Learning Outcome
After studying this lesson the student is able to explain
1. The functioning of Palayakkarar system in Tamil
Nadu.
2. Their relations with the British as tributaries.
3. The rise and fall of Puli Thevar against the British
dominance.
4. Vira Pandya Kattabomman and the valiant struggle
against the British arrogance.
5. The Rebellion led by Marudu Brothers and their
failure against the mighty British.
91 92
Page 5


 
In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest
expressions of opposition to British rule took the form of localized
rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the
Palayakkarars (Poligars) against the East India Company.
The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder
of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted
to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the
Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were
interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical
strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude,
the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political
system of south India. They regarded themselves as independent,
sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that
their lands had been handed down to them across a span of sixty
generations. Such claims were brushed aside by the East India
Company.
LESSON 9
PALAYAKKARAR REBELLION
Learning Objectives
Students will come to know
1. The Palayakkarar system in Tamil Nadu.
2. The role of Puli Thevar in the anti-British rebellion.
3. The rise of Kattabomman and his fight against the British.
4. The second rebellion led by the Marudu Brothers.
86
Puli Thevar
Among the Palayakkarars, there were two blocs, namely the
Western and the Eastern blocs. The Western bloc had Marava
Palayakkarars and the Eastern bloc had Telugu Palayakkarars. Puli
Thevar of Nerkkattumseval headed the former and Kattabomman of
Panchalamkuruchi led the latter. These two Palayakkarars refused
to pay the kist (tribute) to the Nawab and rebelled.
Many of the neighbouring Palayakkarars put up certain pretexts
and did not pay the tribute. Mahfuz Khan, with the assistance of the
British army under Col. Heron undertook an expedition to suppress
the revolt in March 1755. Puli Thevar and the Marava Palayakkarars
of the Western bloc stood firm against the British. Col. Heron decided
to deal with the Maravas firmly.
Col. Heron tried to change the mind of Puli Thevar by diplomatic
moves and by show of force. But he failed in his attempts. Puli Thevar
proceeded to consolidate his position by organising the Marava
Palayakkarars of the West into a strong confederacy. He also attemp-
ted to get the support of Haider Ali of Mysore and the French against
the British. The British approached Ramnad, Pudukottai and the Dutch
for help. Haider Ali couldn’t help Puli Thevar due to a Mysore-
Maratha struggle. Yusuf Khan (Khan Sahib) was entrusted by the
British with the duty of tackling Puli Thevar and his allies.
 Puli Thevar attacked Madurai and captured it from Mahfuz
Khan. Puli Thevar’s military success had no parallel. The native ruler
triumphed against the British. It is a clear demonstration of the Marava
might and the heroism of the patriots. But Yusuf Khan recaptured
Madurai. With the help of the Palayakkarars of the Eastern bloc and
the king of Travancore, Yusuf Khan had many victories. After fierce
battles, Nerkkattumseval was attacked in 1759. In 1767, this city
was captured by Col. Campbell. Puli Thevar escaped and died in
exile without finally fulfilling his purpose of checking the growth of
the British influence. Although his
  
  attempt ended in failure, he leaves
a valiant trail of a struggle for independence in the history of South
India.
Vira Pandya Kattabomman
Vira Pandya Kattabomman became the Palayakkarar of
Panchalamkuruchi at the age of thirty on the death of his father,
Jagavira Pandya Kattabomman. The Company’s
administrators, James London and Colin Jackson
had considered him as a man without education but
of peaceful disposition. Yet, several events led to
the conflict between Kattabomman and East India
Company. During this period the collection of tribute
served as a cause of friction. The Nawab of Arcot
who had this right surrendered it to the English under
the provisions of the Karnatac Treaty of 1792.
Therefore, the chief of Panchalamkuruchi,
Kattabomman had to pay tribute to the English.  In
September 1798, the tribute from Kattabomman fell into arrears.
Collector Jackson in his characteristic arrogance and rashness
wrote letters to Kattabomman in a threatening language. There is a
tradition to indicate that Kattabomman declared : “ It rains, the land
yields, why should we pay tax to the English?” By the 31 May 1789,
the total arrears of tribute from Kattabomman amounted to 3310
pagodas. Though Jackson wanted to send an army against
Kattabomman, the Madras Government did not give permission.
Hence, on the 18 August 1798 Jackson sent an order to
Kattabomman to meet him at Ramanathapuram within two weeks.
In the meantime, Kattabomman went with arrears of tribute to meet
Jackson. Kattabomman was humiliated twice by Jackson when the
KATTABOMMAN 
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former wanted to meet him at Tirukuttalam and Srivilliputttur. But he
was told that he could meet the collector only at Ramanathapuram.
Despite this humiliation, Kattabomman  followed Jackson for twenty
three  days in a journey of 400 miles through the latter’s route and
reached Ramanathapuram on the 19 September.
An interview was granted by Jackson and Kattabomman
cleared most of the arrears leaving only 1090 pagodas as balance.
During this interview Kattabomman and his Minister, Sivasubramania
Pillai, had to stand before the arrogant collector for three hours
together.  Still he did not permit them to leave the place, but directed
them to stay inside the fort. Kattabomman suspected the intensions
of Jackson. Hence, he tried to escape with his minister and brother
Oomathurai.  At the gate of the fort there followed a clash, in which
some people including Lieutenant Clarke were killed.   Sivasubramania
Pillai was taken prisoner. But Kattabomman escaped.
After his return to Panchalamkuruchi, Kattabomman appealed
to the Madras Council submitting the facts. The Madras Government
directed Kattabomman to appear before a Committee. Meanwhile,
the government released Sivasubramania Pillai  and suspended the
Collector, Jackson. In response Kattabomman decided to submit. He
appeared before the Committee, with William Brown, William Oram
and John Casmayor as members. The Committee found Kattabomman
not guilty. S. R. Lushington was now appointed Collector in the place
of Jackson, latter was eventually dismissed from service.
League of the Palayakkarars
Thus the English removed the source of grievance to
Kattabomman. Yet, the humiliation suffered by Kattabomman
affected his self-respect. During this time, Marudu Pandyan of
Sivaganga organized the South Indian Confederacy of rebels against
the British. The Tiruchirappalli Proclamation was made. He sent
missions Panchalamkuruchi. Thus a close association between
Kattabomman and Marudu Pandyan established. The events now
moved to a crisis. In August 1798 the son of the Palayakkarar of
Sivagiri and his adviser visited Panchalamkuruchi and held
consultations. Kattabomman decided to establish his influence in
Sivagiri with the aid of the son of the Palayakkarar. As the
Palayakkarar of Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company, the Madras
Council considered this move as a challenge to its own authority and
ordered war against Kattabomman.
Expedition to Panchalamkuruchi
In May 1799, Lord Wellesley issued orders from Madras for
the advance of forces from Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Madurai
to Tirunelveli. Major Bannerman, armed with extensive powers,
assumed the command of the expedition. On the 1 September, 1799
the Major served an ultimatum directing Kattabomman to surrender
and attend on him at Palayamkottai on the 4th. Kattabomman replied
that he would submit on a lucky day.
Bannerman considered this reply as evasive and decided on
military action. On 5 September Kattabomman’s fort was attacked.
On the 16th reinforcements reached from Palayamkottai. In a clash
at Kolarpatti the Palayakkarar troops suffered heavy casualty and
Sivasubramania Pillai was taken prisoner. Kattabomman escaped to
Pudukkottai. The ruler of Pudukkottai captured Kattabomman from
the jungles of Kalapore and handed him over to the British.
Fall of Kattabomman
Bannerman brought the prisoners to an assembly of the
Palayakkarars   and   after   a   mockery   of   trial   sentenced   them
to death. Sivasubramania   Pillai   was executed at   Nagalapuram
on the 13th of September. On the 16th of October Vira   Pandyan
was tried before an assembly of Palayakkarars,    summoned at
89 90
Kayattar.     In   an   assertive   tone   and   with contempt   for death
he admitted the charges levelled against him.   Thereupon, Bennerman
announced   death   penalty.    On   the   17th   of   October
Kattabomman    was hanged to death at a conspicuous   spot near
the old   fort   of Kayattar. Vira Pandyan faced the  last moments of
his life with the pride of a hero.
Marudu Brothers
Despite the exemplary repression of Palayakkarars in 1799,
rebellion broke out again in 1800, this time in a more cohesive and
united manner. Although the 1800-1801 rebellion was to be
categorized in the British records as the Second Palayakkarar War,
it assumed a much broader character than its predecessor. It was
directed by a confederacy consisting of Marudu Pandian of Sivaganga,
Gopala Nayak of Dindugal, Kerala Verma of Malabar and Krishnappa
Nayak and Dhoondaji of Mysore.
The insurrection, which broke out in Coimbatore in June 1800,
soon spread to Ramanathapuram and Madurai. By May 1801, it had
reached the northern provinces, where Marudu Pandian and
Melappan provided the leadership. Oomathurai, the brother of
Kattabomman emerged as a key leader. In February 1801, Oomathurai
and two hundred men by a cleverly move took control of
Panchalamkuruchi Fort.
The fort now re-occupied and reconstructed by rebel forces,
Panchalamkuruchi became the centre of the uprising. Three thousand
armed men of Madurai and Ramanathapuram, despatched by Marudu
Pandian, joined up with the Panchalamkuruchi forces. However,
British forces quickly asserted itself. The Palayakkarar forces based
at Panchalamkuruchi were crushed. By the orders of the government,
the site of the captured fort was ploughed up and sowed with castor
oil and salt so that it should never again be inhabited.
The British forces quickly overpowered the remaining
insurgents. The Marudu brothers and their sons were put to death.
Oomathurai and Sevatiah were beheaded at Panchalamkuruchi on
16 November, 1801. Seventy-three of the principal rebels were
sentenced to transportation. So savage and extensive was the death
and destruction wrought by the English that the entire region was
left in a state of terror.
The suppression of the Palayakkarar rebellions of 1799 and
1800-1801 resulted in the liquidation of the influence of the chieftains.
Under the terms of the Karnatac Treaty (31 July, 1801), the British
assumed direct control over Tamil Nadu. The Palayakkararr system
came to a violent end and the Company introduced the Zamindari
settlement in its place.
Learning Outcome
After studying this lesson the student is able to explain
1. The functioning of Palayakkarar system in Tamil
Nadu.
2. Their relations with the British as tributaries.
3. The rise and fall of Puli Thevar against the British
dominance.
4. Vira Pandya Kattabomman and the valiant struggle
against the British arrogance.
5. The Rebellion led by Marudu Brothers and their
failure against the mighty British.
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MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Nerkattumseval was captured by
(a) Col. Heron (b) Col. Campbell
(c) Colin Jackson (d) Puli Thevar
2. Collector Jackson sent an order to Kattabomman to
meet him at
(a) Madurai (b) Panchalamkurichi
(c) Ramanathapuram (d) Srivilliputtur
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. Virpandiya Kattabomman was the son of …..
2. Kattabomman was hanged to death at ….
3. The expedition to Panchalamkurichi was commanded by ……
III. Match the following.
1. Marudu Pandiyan a. Nerkattumseval
2. Gopal Nayak b. Mysore
3. Kerala Varma c. Malabar
4. Krishnappa Nayak d. Dindigal
5. Puli Thevar e. Sivaganga
IV. Find out the correct statement. One statement alone is
right.
a) The Palayakkarars constitute a powerful force in the political
system of North India.
b) Yusuf Khan was also known as Khan Sahib.
c) Sivasubramania Pillai was the minister of Marupandiyan.
d) The South Indian confederacy was organized under the
leadership of Oomaithirai.
V. State whether the following statements are T rue or False.
1. The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of
Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu.
2. The Palayakkarar of Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company.
3. Oomathurai and Sevatiah were beheaded at Madurai.
VI. Write short notes (Any three points).
1. Puli Thevar
2. Palayakkarar system
3. Bannerman
VII. Answer briefly (100 words).
1. Write a note on South Indian Rebellion of 1801.
VIII. Answer in detail (200 words).
1. Estimate the valiant struggle of Kattabomman against the
British.
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