Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Indian ruler (d. 1799)

Veerapandiya Kattabomman stands as an iconic figure in the annals of Indian history, particularly in Tamil Nadu, renowned for his valiant resistance against the burgeoning power of the British East India Company in the late 18th century. As an influential Palayakarrar and the sovereign ruler of Panchalankuruchi, a strategically significant fort town in what is now Tamil Nadu, India, he epitomized defiance against colonial subjugation.

Hailing from the lineage of the Telugu-speaking Nayak chieftains who were instrumental in the administrative framework of the Vijayanagara Empire and later the Madurai Nayak kingdom, Kattabomman inherited the administration of Panchalankuruchi. The term 'Palayakarrar' (often anglicized as 'Poligar') referred to a class of feudal chiefs or military governors appointed by the Nayak rulers to administer specific territories called 'Palayams'. These chiefs were originally responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and raising troops for the kingdom, enjoying considerable autonomy within their domains.

Kattabomman's Defiance Against British Hegemony

At the core of Kattabomman's struggle was his resolute refusal to accept the intrusive sovereignty and increasingly oppressive demands for tribute from the British East India Company. As the Company expanded its territorial control and sought to consolidate its revenue collection, particularly after gaining the 'Diwani' rights over certain regions, it began to assert authority over the autonomous Palayams. Kattabomman famously declared that he would pay no taxes, asserting the independence of his territory. This uncompromising stance ignited what is often considered one of the earliest and most significant uprisings against British rule in the Southern parts of India, predating the Great Revolt of 1857.

His refusal escalated into a direct military confrontation known as the First Poligar War of 1799. Kattabomman's fort at Panchalankuruchi became a symbol of resistance, enduring sieges and demonstrating remarkable resilience. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, his forces, consisting of local levies and passionate adherents, fought fiercely against the Company's well-equipped army. His leadership inspired many, turning him into a formidable adversary for the British.

Capture, Betrayal, and Martyrdom

The British East India Company, determined to quell the rebellion and make an example of Kattabomman, launched a comprehensive campaign against him. Facing overwhelming odds, Kattabomman was eventually betrayed. He was captured with the crucial assistance of Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, the then-ruler of the neighbouring kingdom of Pudukottai. This act highlights the complex political landscape of the time, where local rivalries and alliances often played a pivotal role in the larger colonial narrative.

Following his capture, a swift and summary trial was conducted. On 16 October 1799, at the tender age of 39, Veerapandiya Kattabomman was publicly hanged at Kayathar, a site that has since become a sacred place of remembrance and pilgrimage for his admirers. His execution was intended as a deterrent to other defiant local rulers, yet ironically, it served to solidify his status as a martyr and an enduring symbol of Tamil pride and resistance against foreign domination. His legacy continues to inspire generations, marking him as a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veerapandiya Kattabomman

Who was Veerapandiya Kattabomman?
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was an 18th-century Tamil Palayakarrar (feudal chief or Poligar) and the king of Panchalankuruchi in Tamil Nadu, India. He is celebrated as one of the earliest freedom fighters who vehemently opposed the British East India Company's attempts to assert sovereignty and collect taxes.
Why did Kattabomman refuse to accept British sovereignty?
Kattabomman steadfastly refused to accept the British East India Company's sovereignty and their demands for tribute or taxes, seeing it as an infringement on the autonomy of his kingdom. His defiance was rooted in his conviction to protect the independence of Panchalankuruchi and its people from foreign subjugation, sparking the First Poligar War of 1799.
When and where was Veerapandiya Kattabomman executed?
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was executed by the British on October 16, 1799. He was publicly hanged at Kayathar, a town located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, India, at the age of 39.
Who helped the British capture Kattabomman?
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was captured by the British with the assistance of Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman, the ruler of the neighbouring kingdom of Pudukottai. This act was a result of complex political alliances and rivalries prevalent among the regional powers at that time.