Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: This article discusses the life and times of Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, an Indian liberation fighter who lived in the year 1760. Every Indian is proud of him because he fought against the British monarchy as a lone individual and was a national hero of great fortitude. We, the Indians, honor Veerapandiya Kattabomman for his patriotism, valor, and selflessness. He is an indelible figure in the imaginations of all Indians across the globe.
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Who is Veera Pandiya Kattabomman?
We Indians have been living in a liberated India since August 15, 1947. Before this day, we Indians were effectively enslaved by the British, who governed us for centuries. Our ancestors fought against the British and freed us from the control of the British, who controlled the majority of the world’s countries by force and will. According to history, the freedom struggle was “ON” for centuries prior, and it was a matter of grave concern. In this article, the author provides a detailed account of a southern Indian freedom fighter who lived in the year 1760 A.D.
The early chronicles of Veerapandiya Kattamomman’s ancestors in Tirunelveli
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: The progenitors of the Kattabommu migrated from Andhra Pradesh to a village called “Salikulam” to avoid marriage alliances with the Muslim King and preserve the Hindu cultural heritage. They were skilled combatants who belonged to the “Thogalavar” community and fought until their last breath. In recognition of his courage and fighting prowess, the first member of the Kattabommu family to reside in Salikulam was appointed as Chief Guard to the then-King Sri Jaga Veera Pandian of Veerapandiyapuram (currently known as “Ottapidaram”). Kattabommu, through his fealty and devotion, earned the King’s trust and became the king’s trusted guard.
King Jagaveera Pandiyan, who had no legitimate progeny, crowned Kattabommu as his successor to the throne. In remembrance of the King, Kattabommu adopted the name Jaga Veera Pandiya Kattabommu and governed the state with vigor and spirit. One day, while on a hunting mission, Veerapandiya Kattabommu witnessed a hare pursuing a dog. He constructed a fort on that land because he regarded it a land of valor. He named the fort “Panchalamkurichi” in honor of King Pancha Pandiyan, who was King Jagaveerapandiyan’s grandfather.
The Panchalamkurichi fort measured 500 feet in length and 300 feet in width, with a 12-foot-tall wall. The fort was surrounded by thorny bale bushes. The construction material was a mixture of black clay with paddy, maize, and corn fiber. The fort could withstand all attacks except those from cannons and vehicles.
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman as a freedom fighter
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman, the independence combatant, was the 47th generation of the Kattabommu dynasty. He was the eldest son of Jagaveera Pandya Kattabommu and Arumugathammal, his parents. The names of his siblings were Oomathurai and Thuraisingam, and the names of his sisters were Easuvaravadivy and Thuraikannu. Veerapandiya Kattabomman was crowned on February 2, 1790, in his thirtieth year, and he effectively governed the region comprising 96 villages divided into 6 Divisions. He governed the state with exceptional administration, justice, and welfare skills. He maintained cordial relations with the monarchs of his neighbors. Generals with the names “Vellaiathevan” and “Sundaralingam” served Kattabomman.
He was a devoted worshipper of Lord Muruga of Tiruchendur and Goddess Jakkamma. Between Panchalamkurichi and Tiruchendur, he constructed 45 bell structures that were used to relay the ritual pooja time of Tiruchendur. Kattabomman was a music and art enthusiast. He frequently organized concerts and musical performances for entertainment.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman and British Dominance
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: The British as the East India Company conducted commerce in India and constructed a fort on Chennai beach. They conducted business with the intention of occupying the entire territory using a policy of divide and conquer. They were effective in their endeavor and brought a number of Indian rulers under their command and control through their appealing approaches, captivating speeches, and sheer force. They enticed them with lucrative opportunities and made them debtors.
One of these was the Nawab of Arcot, who dominated the Southern States’ authorities. In 1781, when he was unable to pay his obligations, the British demanded the right to levy taxes on portions of his domain. The Nawab conceded to the British demand and granted them permission to collect taxes. Even though the agreement had expired in 1785, the British demanded the right to continue taxing the southern states. The Nawab of Arcot did not consent to the demand, but the British declared they had the authority to collect taxes from southern states. The Nawab of Arcot was also rendered impotent when he was unable to pay the salaries of his troops in Tirunelveli. The British were effective in meeting the forces’ requirements and integrating them into their army. Having exhausted all other options, the Nawab of Arcot offered the British once more the authority to collect taxes from everyone.
1795 marked the beginning of British efforts to subjugate the southern states’ monarchs, which they began after obtaining the authority to do so. The British East India Company declared that the Nawab of Arcot had no authority over the monarchs of southern states and ordered that they be placed directly under their command and control. They imposed restrictions on the construction of forts and the formation of armed forces, and declared that the monarchs were merely ordinary contractors subject to the same disciplinary action as any other citizen if they disobeyed their orders. When Kattbomman learned this, his blood began to boil, and he refused to receive the notice, claiming that this was a British plot to deny the state’s rights and enslave the Indians.
Kattabomman vowed to oppose the British action. He gathered the rulers of his neighbors, including Nagalapuram, Elayiram Pannai, Kolarpatti, Kadalgudi, Kulathor, Sivagiri Zamindars, Sivakanga Maruthu Brothers, and a portion of the Ramnad King’s family, and formed an alliance to oppose the British move to take control of the southern territories. However, the British were very successful in gaining the confidence and support of the majority of the minor monarchs, who began advising Kattabomman to abandon his plans to oppose the British. By interfering in their personal concerns, such as the marking of territories, etc., the British created enmity between the territorial rulers, primarily between Kattabomman and the Zamin of Ettayapuram, Sri Ettappa Naicker. Ettappa Naicker became the British’s closest ally and advisor.
Despite repeated British coercion, Kattabomman remained unyielding and refused to pay the taxes. Instead, Kattabomman brazenly engaged in activities against the British and refused to support or favor the British in any of their endeavors. The Maharaja of Ramanathapuram supported and stood by Kattabomman’s action. When the King of Ramanathapuram was apprehended by the British in 1797, Kattabomman gathered his forces under the command of his brother Oomathurai and positioned himself at Sivagiri to plan and launch an assault against the British. Knowing Kattabomman’s intentions, the British conspired to lure Kattabomman and his men into their ambush.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman and British
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: Mr. Jackson assumed the role of Collector of Tirunelveli at this time. Except for Kattabomman, all of the local Zamindars visited him and became cordial with him. Kattabomman anticipated a formal invitation to visit from Collector Jackson. Jackson, the new collector, was agitated by Kattabomman’s refusal to call on him and pay his taxes. In two letters sent in February and April of 1798, he warned Kattabomman that his territory would be seized if he did not contact him and pay the taxes. Kattabomman did not respond to his missive. Jackson became irritated and requested the British government to dispatch troops to arrest Kattabomman. However, the British authority advised Jackson to contact Kattabomman for a formal discussion.
Jackson requested a meeting with Kattabomman in Ramanathapuram, citing a directive from the British higher administration. Kattabomman accepted the invitation and marched his forces to Ramanathapuram in a festive mood. Jackson disapproved of it. He anticipated Kattabomman would arrive alone. He plotted Kattabomman’s detention if the negotiations failed. He chose the Ramanathapuram palace for negotiations and indicated he would meet Kattabomman in person and alone.
Kattabomman left his guards and advisers outside of the Ramanathapuram fort and proceeded to meet Jackson, despite being aware of Jackson’s cunning plot. Jackson did not accord Kattabomman the respect and decorum he deserved. The conversation was fruitless. During a heated discussion, Kattabomman and Jackson’s forces, who were concealed during the discussion, clashed with one another. The situation led to a battle between the British and Kattabomman forces. During the conflict, a British officer named Clarke was slain and the British captured the minister of Kattabomman.
Upon their return to Panchalamkurichi, Kattabomman requested the release of his minister Thanapathi Pillai in a letter to the British administration regarding the incident at Ramanathapuram. The British administration commissioned a board of inquiry, which concluded that Mr. Jackson’s poor attitude, incorrect approach, and behavior led to the conflicts between the two, and ordered the release of Thanapathi Pillai, Kattabomman’s minister. Jackson was discharged from the military and sent home.
Mr. Lousington assumed the role of Collector of Tirunelveli in January 1799. Likewise, he invited Kattabomman to visit him. In contrast, Kattabomman stipulated conditions for the return of his property confiscated during the confrontations with Jackson and signaled his intention to confront Jackson with his guards. Lousington, in turn, permitted thirty security to accompany Kattabomman during his visit with him. Kattabomman rejected his proposal and proceeded to Ramanathapuram with all of his troops. He remained in Ramanathapuram without contacting the Collector. The Collector instructed him to meet at a specified time. Kattabomman disobeyed his command. He insisted that he be received with his forces, that a formal invitation be sent to meet him with his entire force complement, and that he be met with an escort of honor. Lousington indicated that Kattabomman should pay his taxes through his revenue officer even if he did not contact him. Kattabomman firmly refused and remained obstinate, insisting that it would be improper for him to pay taxes to the British. He returned to Panchalamkurichi without meeting the tax collector or paying the required tax. Lousington recommended war against Kattabomman in a letter to the British higher administration concerning Kattabomman’s behavior and actions.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the British invasion
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: On September 5, 1799, the British unexpectedly invaded Panchalamkurichi while all of its subjects were at Tiruchendur for a festival celebration. Major Bannerman commanded the British Army. Kattabomman was informed of the preparations for the surprise attack in advance by well-managed informants. He maintained readiness for the British invasion. Prior to the start of the attack, Major Bannerman requested Kattabomman’s unconditional surrender through an emissary. The valiant Kattabomman declared, “We are the sons of this land.” We live with prestige, honor, and dignity, and we are willing to sacrifice our essence for the prestige, honor, and dignity of our country. We do not kneel before foreigners. We will fight to the finish.”
Veerapandiya Kattabomman engages the British in battle
The war began. Both armies engaged in heavy combat. The British army faced stiff opposition from the Kattabomman army and was forced to withdraw. Major Bannerman evaluated the use of cannons to breach the clay fort and awaited their arrival from Palayamkottai. When the cannons arrived and bombarded the earthen fortress, it was unable to withstand the assault. Kattabomman lost his capable general “Vellaiyathevan” during the war. Kattabomman murdered numerous British army officers. Kattabomman was injured on the final day of the conflict and was taken away by his aides from Panchalamkurichi. Anticipating defeat at the hands of Kattabomman’s army, they sought refuge in the palace of the Zamindar of Kolarpatti. The palace was besieged by the forces of his ally-enemy Ettappa Naicker, and Kattabomman and his aides escaped once more. However, his minister Thanapathi Pillai was arrested and executed in Nagalapuram, and his severed head was deposited in Panchalamkurichi.
After their escape, Kattabomman and his men sought refuge in the forest of Thirukalampur, which belonged to the King of Pudukottai. When the British learned of their hiding place, they ordered the king of Pudukottai to track them down and deliver them over to the British, lest he suffer the same fate as Kattabomman. The king of Pudukottai, afraid of death, instructed his men to search for Kattabomman and hand him over to the British. On September 24, 1799, the army of King of Pudukottai apprehended Kattabomman and turned him over to the British.
Kattabomman was placed in detention at the Kayathar jail. The Court of Kattabomman’s trial was commanded and held on October 16, 1799. The British invited all local Zamindars to the trial proceedings as witnesses. The proceedings of the trial were completely fabricated in favor of the British. Kattabomman did not compromise his integrity, self-respect, dignity, or reputation. He boldly defended the rights of his country and accused the British of occupying our land immorally and illegally. The British requested that Kattabomman obtain a pardon in order to release him. Kattabomman did not yield and instead stated, “Do what you wish, you cowards.”
Veerapandiya Kattabomman Death
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman Biography: Kattabomman was sentenced to “Hang until death” Kattabomman met his end in Kaythar on October 16, 1799, when he was suspended from a tamarind tree.
