Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Celebration in Our Office


Pair Dress competition - MySelf & Raveendran
Mis Matching Dress competition - MySelf & Saravanan & Sanjeev




Christmas Celebration -
Left to Right : Shilpa, Asha, Rajeev, xxx,Jacob, Santhosh, Sanjeev, myself, Raveendran, and last our GM Ramesh Menon





Thursday, December 10, 2009

பெண் பக்க போர்ரவுங்களுக்கு ஒரு மடல்

நாடறிந்த ஒரு IT கம்பெனியில் Project Leader ஆகிய எனக்கு நாலு கழுதை
வயதாகிவிட்டதால் திருமண ஏற்பாடு நடந்தது. நாளை பெண்பார்க்கும் படலம். நல்ல குடும்பம், அழகான, அறிவான வரன் ...என்னை தான் சொல்கிறேன்!!!!. யாருக்கு தான் என்னை பிடிக்காது.

பெண்ணின் தகப்பனார் வங்கியில் மேலாளராக இருக்கிறார்.
பார்க்கவிருக்கும் பெண்ணின் போட்டோ கூட தரவில்லை. கேட்டதற்கு, "நாங்க Orthodox family" என் பதில் வந்தது. "Orthodox Family" ல இருக்கவங்கள போட்டோ எடுத்தா பிரிண்ட் விழாதான்னு நீங்க அதஇத கேட்டு என்னோட கல்யாணத்த நிறுத்திடாதீங்க ப்ளீஸ்.


இது தான் முதல் முறை. எனக்கு என்னவோ மாதிரி இருந்தது. அம்மா அப்பா எல்லோர் முன்னிலையிலும் ஒரு பெண்ணை பார்க்க வேண்டும். அப்பொழுது மொத்த குடும்பமும் என்னைத்தான் பார்த்துக்கொண்டிருக்கும் .

நாளை என்ன நடக்கும்... ஏன்டா பொண்ணைத்தான பாக்குற? ஏதோ Zoo ல காண்டாமிருகத்த பாக்குற மாதிரி திகிலோட பாக்குறியே...கொஞ்சம் Romance ஆ பாருடா என தாய்மாமா சொல்வாரோ?

பல சிந்தனைகள், பயங்கள், நெருடல்கள். இதற்கு ஒருவழி இருக்கிறது. என்னுடைய நெருங்கிய நண்பன் பட்டாபி உடன் இருந்தால் கொஞ்சம் தெம்பாக இருக்கும்.

பட்டாபி என்னுடைய பால்ய சிநேகிதன். மிக நல்லவன், வெகுளி. எப்பொழுதும் பேசிக்கொண்டே இருப்பான். நாளை இவனும் இருந்தால், ஏதாவது பேசிக்கொண்டே இருப்பான். எல்லோர் கவனமும் இவன் மீதே இருக்கும். நான் நிம்மதியாக பெண்ணை பார்க்கலாம் பேசலாம். பட்டாபி விஷயத்தை அம்மாவிடம் சொன்னேன்.

நானே சொல்லனும்னு நெனச்சேன். கண்டிப்பா வரசொல்லு என்றார்.
மறுநாள் காலை...9:05 மணி. இராகுகாலம் முடிந்து புறப்பட்டோம். வழியெல்லாம் பெண்ணைப்பட்றியே சிந்தனை. அழகாக இருப்பாளா, எந்த சினிமா நடிகை மாதிரி இருப்பாள்? கண்கள் எப்படி இருக்கும் ? புதிய அனுபவமாக இருந்தாலும் நன்றாகவே இருந்தது!!. பெண் வீட்டை அடைந்துவிட்டோம். வாசலில் வெளிநாட்டு நாய் ஒன்று கட்டிபோடப்பட்டு இருந்தது. அது எங்களை பார்த்தும் பார்க்காதது மாதிரி முகத்தை திருப்பிக்கொண்டது. காலிங் பெல்லை அழுத்தினார் அப்பா. உள்ளே இருந்து ஒரு ஐந்து ஆறு தலைகள் திபுதிபுவென வெளியே வந்தார்கள். வாங்க வாங்க பிரயாணம் எல்லாம் நல்லபடியா இருந்ததா? வாங்க உள்ள வாங்க என்றார்கள்.

உள்ளே நுழைந்தோம். ஹாலில் ஒரு போட்டோவை Frame செய்து மாட்டி வைத்து
இருந்தார்கள். அதில் ஒரு பெண்ணும், வெளியில் கட்டி போட்டு இருக்கும் நாயும் இருந்தார்கள். அப்பா சொன்ன அடையாளம் எல்லாம் வச்சி பார்த்தா, இவ தான் நான் பாக்க போற பொண்ணா இருக்கணும். அடடா என்ன அழகு.. நான் என் மனதை பறிகொடுத்தேன். உடனே என் மனதில் டூயட். "ஏதோ சொல்ல நெனச்சிருந்தேன்
ஏதேதோ சொல்ல வாயெடுத்தேன்". பாடி முடிக்கவில்லை...அதற்குள் பட்டாபி வாயெடுத்தான்.
அந்த போட்டோ ல இருக்க ரெண்டு நாயும் அழகா இருக்குல்ல? என்றான். டேய் அதுல ஒன்னு எனக்கு பார்த்து இருக்க பொண்ணுடா.
சாரி சாரி ஹேர் ஸ்டைல் ஒரே மாதிரி இருந்ததா நான் Confuse ஆயிட்டேன். ன்னடா பதில் இது. டேய் வேற யார்கிட்டயாவது இப்படி சொல்லிடாத. இந்த நேரத்தில், ஒரு ஆன்ட்டி என்னருகில் வந்தார். hai, How is Your job? என்றார்.

நல்லா இருக்கு. ஆமா நீங்க யாரு? என்றேன். நான் பொண்ணோட சித்தி, US ல இருக்கேன். நடராஜ் நாளைக்கி வருவார். நடராஜ் உங்க பையனா?

No No, He is my Husband . கூட காமராஜ் ம் வருவார். உங்களுக்கு மொத்தம் எத்தன Husband என கேட்டான் பட்டாபி!!!!.

you rubbish, காமராஜ் என்னோட Son. சாரி ஆன்ட்டி, பேர் rhyming ஆ இருந்ததால கேட்டேன்.
ஆன்ட்டி என்னிடம், Is there any Onsite opportunity? நமக்கு எங்க அதெல்லாம்... நான் Offshore ல இருக்க figure அ தான் இன்னும் site அடிச்சிகிட்டு இருக்கேன் என நினைத்துக்கொண்டு....No Onsite , Only Offshore
சைட் Opportunity என இல்லாத புது வார்த்தையை சொன்னேன். Oh That is also very good na!!?!!?!!? என்றார். நடராஜ் Con-Call ல் பேசியதை வைத்து இந்த ஆன்ட்டி english ல் படம் போடுவது
அப்பட்டமாக தெரிந்தது. நல்ல நேரம் முடியிறதுக்குள்ள பொண்ண கூப்பிடுங்க என்றார் என் அப்பா.
பெண் தயாராகிவிட்டாள். இதோ கூப்புடுறேன் என்ற பெண்ணின் தகப்பனார் பெண்ணை
அழைத்தார். பெண் ரூம் ல் இருந்து வெளியில் வர வெட்கப்பட்டுக்கொண்டு இருப்பது அப்பாவின் முகபாவனைகளில் தெரிந்தது.

வாம்மா ரொம்ப சாது, ஒன்னும் பண்ணாது என்றார். எனக்கு ஒன்றுமே புரியவில்லை. இவர் யாரை சொல்கிறார். அட வாம்மா, கடிக்காதுனு சொல்றேன் ல?.

என்னை தான் சொல்லி இருக்கிறார். நாய் வளர்ப்பவர் என்று தெளிவாக காட்டினார்
அந்த மனுஷன். ஒரு வழியாக பெண் வெளியில் வந்தாள். போட்டோவில் பார்த்ததைவிட அநியாயத்திற்கு ஒல்லியாக இருந்தாள். அடப்பாவிங்களா போட்டோவ Zoom-In பண்ணி பிரிண்ட் போட்டீங்களா?

பொண்ணு இருக்குற எடமே தெரியாதுன்னு சொல்வாங்களே அது இது தானா என்றான் பட்டாபி பெண்ணின் தகப்பனாரைப்பார்த்து. டேய் நீ வேற வேல் பாய்ச்சாதடா என்றேன். ஒல்லியாக இருந்தாலும் லட்சணமாக இருந்தாள். எனக்கு பிடித்துதானிருந்தது.
பெண்ணை உள்ளே அழைத்து சென்றுவிட்டார்கள். பெண்ணின் தகப்பனார் பேச ஆரம்பித்தார்.
இந்த சம்பந்தம் எங்களுக்கு ரொம்ப திருப்தி ஆனா இதுல ஒரு விஷயத்த நான் சொல்லணும். பொண்ணுக்கு ஆயில்ய நட்சத்திரம். அத கொஞ்சம் பார்த்துக்கோங்க என்றார்.
உடனே பட்டாபி, ஆயில்ய நட்சத்திரத்துல என்ன சார் பிரச்னை? அதுக்கு இல்லை, பெண்ணுக்கு ஆயில்ய நட்சத்திரம்னா, மாப்பிள்ளைக்கு அம்மா இருக்க கூடாது என்றார். அய்யய்யோ என தோன்றியது எனக்கு. ஆனால் பட்டாபி அசராமல் சொன்னான். அதுக்கென்ன Sir, இன்னைக்கி சாயங்காலமே மாப்பிள்ளையோட அம்மா கதைய முடிச்சிவிட்டுடறோம். நாளைக்கே உங்களுக்கு சேதி அனுப்பிடறோம். அடுத்த முகூர்த்தத்துல கல்யாணம் வச்சிடலாம்.
என்னம்மா நான் சொல்றது என என்னுடைய அம்மாவையே கேட்டான்.

எங்க அம்மா சாமி வந்த மாதிரி உட்கார்ந்து இருந்தார். Sir, அதுல எல்லாம் எங்களுக்கு நம்பிக்கை இல்லை. மனசு ஒத்து போச்சினா கல்யாணத்த முடிச்சிடலாம் என்றார் என்னுடைய அப்பா.
ரொம்ப சந்தோஷம், அப்போ பையனோட கடைசீ ஆறு மாச Salary Slip அப்புறம் ஆறு மாச
பேங்க் Statement குடுத்துவிடுங்க என்றார் பெண்ணின் பாட்டி!. உடனே பட்டாபி, பாட்டி நாங்க பொண்ணு பாக்க வந்தோம். Housing Loan வாங்க வந்தோம்னு நெனச்சிட்டீங்க போல என்றான்.
பெண்ணினுடைய அப்பா இடைமறித்தார். இல்லை இல்லை, அவுங்க சரியா தான் கேக்குறாங்க
அவுங்க கேட்ட documents அப்புறம் உங்க கம்பெனியோட அஞ்சி வருஷ Balance Sheet, பேங்க்
statement, auditor யாரு, உங்க கம்பெனி முதலாளி யாரு, இப்போ எங்க இருக்கார். எல்லா
detail ம் குடுத்து அனுப்புங்க என்றார்.
அதற்கு பட்டாபி, நாட்டு நடப்பு முழுக்க தெரிஞ்சி வச்சி இருக்கீங்க. குடுக்குறது பத்தி
இல்லை சார், இவனோட கம்பெனி முதலாளி பத்தி எல்லா detail ம் விசாரிச்சிட்டு, இவனைவிட அவரு better ஆ இருக்காருன்னு நீங்க அவருக்கு பொண்ண குடுத்துட கூடாதேனு பாக்குறோம் என்றான்.

பொண்ண குடுக்குறதுன்னா சும்மாவா என்றார் பெண்ணின் தகப்பனார்.

அட நீங்க வேற சார், எங்க அப்பா கூட என்னோட தங்கச்சிய கல்யாணம் பண்ணி
குடுக்குறதுக்கு முன்னாடி, லூஸ் மாதிரி நீங்க கேட்ட கேள்வி எல்லாம் கேட்டு தான் கட்டி
குடுத்தாரு. ஆனா பாருங்க கல்யாணத்துக்கு அப்புறம் தான் தெரிஞ்சது...மாப்பிள்ளைக்கு ஏற்கனவே ஒரு கல்யாணம் ஆன சேதி. அதனால எது தேவையோ அத கேளுங்க சார்.


டேய் உனக்கு ஏற்கனவே கல்யாணம் ஆயிடுச்சாடா என்றான் என்னைப்பார்த்து.

டேய் நீ கொஞ்சம் சும்மா இருக்கியா என்றேன். அப்போ நாங்க புறப்படறோம் என்றார் என்னுடைய அப்பா.
ரொம்ப சந்தோஷம். ஒரு வாரத்துல சொல்லி அனுப்பறோம். இது பெண்ணின் தகப்பனார்.
ஏதாவது குழந்தை இருந்தா குடுங்க சார், பேர் வச்சிட்டு கிளம்பறேன் என்றான் பட்டாபி.
குழந்தை எதுவும் இல்லை. அடுத்த வாரம் தான் எங்க நாய், குட்டி போட போகுது.
போட்ட உடனே சொல்லி அனுப்பறோம் என்றார் அந்த US ஆன்ட்டி.

அப்படியா, என்ன குட்டின்னு ஸ்கேன் பண்ணி பார்த்தீங்களா? . இது பட்டாபி.
இல்லை. இது ஆன்ட்டி.
pregnant ஆன ஆறு மாசத்துல!? என்ன குட்டின்னு ஸ்கேன் பண்ணா தெரிஞ்சிடும் என்றான்.
எனக்கு ஐயோ என கத்த வேண்டும் போல இருந்தது. டேய் பட்டாபி கிளம்புடா என்றேன்.
வீடு திரும்பும்போது அம்மா, அப்பாவை பார்த்து கேட்டார், ஏங்க, வழக்கமா பையன்
வீட்லதான தகவல்
சொல்லி அனுப்பரோம்னு சொல்வாங்க. இங்க என்ன பொண்ணோட அப்பா சொல்றாரு?

எனக்கும் அது தான் யோசனையா இருக்கு. பார்க்கலாம் விதின்னு ஒன்னு இருக்குல்ல
என்றார் அப்பா.

ஒரு வாரம் ஆகியும் தகவல் வரவில்லை. நாங்களே தொலைபேசியில் அழைத்து
விசாரித்ததில் அவர்களுக்கு இந்த சம்பந்தத்தில் விருப்பம் இல்லையாம்.
அவர்கள் சொன்ன காரணம் : "பையனுக்கு சேர்க்கை சரி இல்லை!".

அடப்பாவி பட்டாபி, இப்படி என்னோட வாழ்க்கைல விளக்கு ஏத்திட்டியேடா!..
விரக்தியோடு அடுத்த வரனுக்காக காத்திருக்கிறேன்!!

பி.கு. :
உங்களுக்கு தெரிஞ்ச நல்ல குடும்பத்துல ஏதாவது பொண்ணு இருந்தா எனக்கு
சொல்லுங்க. கண்டிப்பா
பட்டாபிய கூட்டிகிட்டு வரமாட்டேன். இது சத்தியம்!!

நம்ம மொக்கை சாமி

மொக்கைச்சாமி, மொக்கைச்சாமின்னு ஒருத்தன். கடவுளை நோக்கி ரொம்ப நாளா தவம் இருந்தானாம். என்னடா வரம் வேணும்னு கடவுள் கேட்டாராம். இவன் சொன்னானாம்..

“கடவுளே.. எனக்கு சாவே வரக்கூடாது” “அப்படியே ஆகுக”ன்னு சொல்லிட்டு சிரிச்சுட்டே போய்ட்டாராம் கடவுள்.

ரொம்ப நாள் காட்டுல தவம் இருந்தவன் வரம் பெற்ற இறுமாப்புல நெஞ்சை நிமித்தி நடந்து வந்துட்டிருக்கறப்ப.. ஒரு சாமியார் எதிர்ல வந்து “யாரப்பா.. நீ?”ன்னு கேட்டாராம்..
.
இவன் சொன்னானாம்... “ மொக்கைமாமி ”

பாவம்.. அவனுக்கு ‘சா’ வே வரல!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

கவிதைகள்

போன வருடம்
பூங்கொத்துடன் வாழ்த்து சொன்ன
தோழி ஒருத்திக்கு
இந்த பிறந்த நாளில்
இருக்கேனா? செத்தேனா ?
எனத் தெரிய வில்லை

அடுத்த கவிதை தொகுப்பின்
முதல் பிரதி தனக்கே
வேண்டுமென சொன்ன
முப்பது தோழிகளும்
முகவரியை தொலைத்து இருந்தார்கள்
என் மகளை தன் மகனுக்கு
கேட்பேன் எனச் சொன்ன
தோழி ஒருத்தி
அவள் திருமணத்திற்கே என்னை
அழைக்கவில்லை !

இப்படிக்கு
ஹரிஹர சுதன் . ரா.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன் - பஞ்சலங்குருட்சி தூத்துக்குடி மாவட்டம் [ Veerapandiya Kattabomman


மாவீரன் வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன் வீர வரலாறு!!
Veerapandiya Kattabomman (Tamil: வீரபாண்டிய கட்டபொம்மன்) also known as Katta Bomman was an 18th century Indian Palaiyakkarar chieftain from Panchalankurichi and who was one of the earliest to oppose British rule. He waged a war against the British six decades before the Indian War of Independence which occurred in 1857 in Northern parts of India. After a bloody war, he was captured by the British and hanged in 1799 CE. His fort was destroyed and his wealth looted by the British army. Today Panchalankurichi is a historically important place in the present day Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu state, India.His mother tongue is telugu and described himself as a Telugu king of தமிழ்நாடு.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was born to Jagaveera Kattabomman and Arumugattammal on January 4, 1760. He had two younger brothers Dalavai Kumarasami and Duraisingam. Veerapandiyan was fondly called ‘Karuthaiah’ (the black prince), and Dalavai Kumarasami, ‘Sevathaiah’ (the white prince). Duraisingam, a good orator, was nicknamed ‘Oomaidurai’ meaning the Mute Prince. The royal family spoke Telugu.
Kattabomman ancestors are from Telugu.Azhagiya Veerapandiapuram (Otta-pidaram of today) was ruled by Jagaveera Pandiyan. His minister Bommu, a brave warrior, was named after the god Sasta Ayyappan Swamy to describe his strength and fighting qualities. Over a period of time, the name became Kattabomman in Tamil. Katta-bomman ascended the throne after Jagaveera Pandiyan, who had no issue, as Adi Kattabomman, the first of the Katta-bomman clan.
Legend has it that during a hunting trip into the forests of Salikulam (close to Azhagiya Pandiyapuram) one of the Kattabommans was amazed to see a hare chasing seven hounds. Believing that the land possessed the power to instil courage in his people, he built his fort there and named it Panchalankurichi.
On February 2, 1790, Veerapandiyan, 30, became the king of Panchalankurichi as Veera Pandia Kattabomman supposedly the 47th ruler of the region and the 5th ruler from the Kattabomman clan and a
Palya-karrar (or Polygar) of the Madurai Nayak kingdom.
Following its collapse in the mid-16th century, the Tamil governors of the Vijayanagara Empire broke away from the empire and established independent kingdoms. The old Pandiya country came to be governed by Naicker rulers in Madurai, who in turn divided their territories into 72 Palayams. These 72 Palayams were franchised to Palayakarrars (Tamil word) or Polygars or Poligars (a British Term), who had to administer their territories, collect taxes, run the local judiciary, and maintain a battalion of troops on behalf of the Naicker rulers of Madurai. Their function was a mixture of military governance and civil administration.
The regional/local chieftains and rulers who were earlier subordinates to the Madurai Kings became Polygars (or Palaya-karrar).
The Nayak rule in Madurai which controlled the entire West Tamil Nadu after two centuries came to an abrupt end in 1736 when Chanda Sahib of Arcot seized the Madurai throne from the last queen of Madurai in an act of treason. Chanda Sahib was later killed after the Carnatic Wars and the territory came under the Nawab of Arcot. The Palaya-karrars of the old Madurai country refused to recognize the new Muslim rulers driving the Nawab of Arcot to bankruptcy, who also indulged in lavishes like building palaces before sustaining his authority in the region.
Finally the Nawab resorted to borrowing huge sums from the
British East India Company, erupting as a scandal in the British Parliament. The Nawab of Arcot finally gave the British the right to collect taxes and levies from the southern region in lieu of the money he had borrowed. The East India Company took advantage of the situation and plundered all the wealth of the people in the name of tax collection. They even leased the country in 1750’s to a savage warrior Muhammed Yusuf Khan (alias Marutha Nayagam), who killed many of the Polygars including and later got himself killed by the Arcot British forces.
Many of the Polygars submitted, only with the exception of Katta-bomman.
Kattabomman refused to pay his dues and for a long time refused to meet Jackson the Collector of the East India Company. Finally, he met Jackson at Ramalinga Vilasam, the palace of Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram. The meeting turned violent and ended in a skirmish in which the Deputy Commandant of the Company’s forces, Clarke was slain. Kattabomman and his men fought their way to freedom and safety, but Thanapathi Pillai, Kattabomman’s secretary was taken prisoner.
The Commission of Enquiry that went into the incident fixed the blame on Jackson and relieved him of his post, thinking the Company’s plan to take over the entire country gradually could be marred by Jackson’s fight with Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
The new Collector of
Tirunelveli wrote to Kattabomman calling him for a meeting on 16 March, 1799. Kattabomman wrote back citing the extreme drought conditions for the delay in the payment of dues and also demanded that all that was robbed off him at Ramanathapuram be restored to him. The Collector wanted the ruling house of Sethupathis to prevent Kattabomman from aligning himself with the enemies of the Company and decided to attack Kattabomman.
The British also instigated his long time feuding neighbor Ettayapuram Poligar to make provocative wars over Kattabomman on their long pending territorial disputes.
Kattabomman refused to meet the Collector and a fight broke out. Under Major Bannerman, the army stood at all the four entrances of Panchalankurichi’s fort. At the southern end, Lieutenant Collins was on the attack. When the fort’s southern doors opened, Kattabomman and his forces audaciously attacked the corps stationed at the back of his fort, and slew their commander Lt. Collins.
The British after suffering heavy losses, decided to wait for reinforcements and heavy
artillery from Palayamkottai. Sensing that his fort could not survive a barrage from heavy cannons, Kattabomman left the fort that night.
A price was set on Kattabomman’s head. Thanapathi Pillai and 16 others were taken prisoners. Thanapathi Pillai was executed and his head perched on a bamboo pole was displayed at Panchalankurichi to demoralise the fighters. Soundra Pandian Nayak, another rebel leader, was brutally done to death by having his head dashed against a village wall.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman hid in so many places including thirumayam, virachilai and finally stayed at Kolarpatti at Rajagopala Naicker’s house where the forces surrounded the house. Kattabomman and his aides fled from there and took refuge in the Thirukalambur forests close to Pudu-k-kottai. Bannerman ordered the Raja of Pudukkottai to arrest Kattabomman. Accordingly, Kattabomman was captured and on October 16, 1799 the case was taken up (nearly three weeks after his arrest near Pudukkottai).
After a summary trial, Kattabomman was hanged unceremoniously on a Tamarind tree in Kayathar (near Thirunelveli).
Some of the other noteworthy persons who were hanged along with Kattabomman were Veeraghechayan Naicker, Dali Ethalappa Naicker and Palayakarrars of Kaadalkudi, Nagalapuram Puthur, Vripachy, Sivagangai, to death by hanging on charges of treason.
சங்க காலத்தமிழ் காப்பியங்களில் வீரத்தமிழ்மன்னர்கள் தம் நாட்டு மக்களின் துயர் தீர்க்க தன்னுயிரையும் தர இசைந்தார்கள். தாய்ப்புலி தான் ஈன்ற குட்டிகளை தன்னுயிர் போனாலும் கவர்ந்து செல்ல யாருக்கும் அனுமதியளிக்காது. அவ்வாறே ஒரு மன்னன் தன் நாட்டு மக்களை காக்க வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் கொண்டவர்களாக அன்றைய தமிழ் மன்னர்கள் திகழ்ந்தார்கள் என புறநானூற்றுப்பக்கங்கள் நமக்கு பறைசாற்றுகின்றன. இதற்கு உதாரணமாகத்திகழந்தவர் கட்டபொம்மன். தம் எதிர்கால மக்கள் சுதந்திரமாக வாழவேண்டுமென்பதற்காக கொண்டகொள்கைகளை கடைசிவரை காப்பாற்றி தமிழகத்தின் வரலாற்றில் ஆழமாக பதியப்பட்டு நிற்கின்றார்.
பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சியை ஆண்ட கட்டபொம்மனின் மூதாதையர்களில் ஒருவர் காலத்தில் நடந்ததாகக்கருதப்படும் கதைகளில் ஒன்று இன்றும் பேசப்படுகின்றது. ஒரு நாள் வேட்டையாடும் நேரத்தில், வேட்டை நாய்களினால் துரத்தப்பட்டு வந்த முயலொன்று குறிப்பிட்ட இடத்தில் வந்தவுடன் வேட்டை நாய்களை நோக்கி முயல் சீறிப்பாய்ந்ததாகவும் அதைக்கண்ணுற்ற அன்றைய கட்டபொம்மர் அதுவே தாம் கோட்டை கட்டுவதற்கு உகந்த இடம் எனத்தீiமானித்து அவ்விடத்திலேயே பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சி கோட்டையை நிறுவியதாகவும் கூறப்படுகின்றது.
கருத்தையா என்ற வீரபாண்டியன் 02.02.1790ல் கட்டபொம்மர்களின் வாரிசாக கருதப்பட்டு ஆட்சி அமைக்க அன்றைய மதுரைப்பாளையர்க்காரர்களால் அனுமதிக்கப்பட்டார். கட்டபொம்மன் பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சியின் மன்னனாகப் பொறுப்பேற்றார்.
1736 க்கு முன் ஏறத்தாழ இரண்டு நூற்றாண்டுகள் மதுரை நாயக்கர் வம்ச அரசர்களால் பரிபாலனம் செய்யப்பட்டு வந்தது. அதன் பிறகு சந்தாப் சாகேப் ஆர்கோட் என்பவரால் மதுரை அங்கு கடைசியாக ஆண்ட ராணியிடமிருந்து பறிக்கப்பட்டு நவாப் ஆட்சியின் கீழ் கொண்டு வரப்பட்டது. இக்காலகட்டத்தில் மக்களின் வரிப்பணம் பெருமளவில் சுரண்டப்பட்டதின் காரணமாகவும் மக்கள் மிக்க அதிருப்தி கொண்டிருந்தனர்.
அத்துடன் இஸ்லாமிய ஆட்சிமுறையை பெரும்பாலான பாளையக்காரர்கள் எதிர்க்கத்துணிந்தனர். இத்தகைய போக்குகள் இறுதியில் ஆர்க்காடு அரசினை வெள்ளையர்களிடம் நாட்டை அடகு வைக்கும் நிலைக்கு கொண்டு சென்றது. சரியான தருணம் பார்த்திருந்த ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் ஆர்க்காடு நவாப் அரசுக்கு கொடுத்துள்ள கடனுக்காக நவாப்பிடமிருந்து வரிவசுலிக்கும் அதிகாரத்தை தங்கள் கையில் எடுத்துக்கொண்டு மக்களிடமிருந்து தாறுமாறாக வரி என்ற பெயரில் கொள்ளையடிக்க ஆரம்பித்தார்கள்.
வரியை மக்களிடமிருந்து வாங்கிக்கொடுக்காத பாளையக்காரர்கள் கொடுமைக்காளானார்கள். இத்தகைய நிலை ஏறத்தாழ 40,50 ஆண்டுகள் நீடித்த நிலையில்தான் பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சியில் கட்டபொம்மன் ஆட்சிக்கு வந்தார். மக்களின் வரிப்பணம் பாலாக்கப்பட்டு நிர்வாகம் தறிகெட்டுக்கிடந்த ஒரு காலகட்டத்தில் மக்களை புரட்சியிலிருந்து ஒடுக்குவதற்கு ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் கடுமையான நடவடிக்கைகளை மேற்கொண்டார்கள். இத்தகைய போக்கு பிரச்சனைகளை மேலும் மோசமாக்குவதாக அமைந்தது.
இத்தகைய குழப்பமான நிலையில் ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் தங்களுக்கேயுரித்தான பிரித்தாழும் சதிவேலைகளை மேற்கொண்டு மக்களிடம் ஒற்றுமையின்மையை ஏற்படுத்தினார்கள்.
இக்காலகட்டத்தில் ஆஙகிலேயரின் ஒடுக்குமுறைக்கு சற்றும் சளைக்காமல் கட்டபொம்மன் அவர்களுக்கு வரி சேகரித்துக் கொடுப்பதை நிறுத்தினார். புல அச்சுறுத்தலுக்களுக்கும் பணியாமல் கட்டபொம்மன் தன் நிலையில் உறுதியாக இருந்தார். இதனால் கட்டபொம்மனை வஞ்சக வலைவிரித்து கவிழ்க்கத் தருணம் பார்த்திருந்தார்கள். கட்டபொம்மனின் மந்திரியாக செயல்பட்டு வந்தவர் தானாதிப்பிள்ளை அவர்கள்.
பிரதான தளபதியாக அமைந்தவர் சுந்தரலிங்கம் என்று அறியப்பட்டு பாஞ்சாலங்குறிச்சிக்காக தன் இன்னுயிரைத் தியாகமாக்கியவர். மதுரை பாளையக்காரர்களால் அணைவரிடமிருந்தும் கப்பம் பெற்றுக்கொண்ட ஆங்கிலேயர்களால் கட்டபொம்மனிடம் தங்கள் கொட்டம் பலிக்காமல் அவமானம் அடைந்தனர். அதனால் சமாதானம் பேசுவது என்ற போர்வையில் கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு தூது அனுப்பினார்கள்.
பேசுவதற்காக ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்ட இடம் இராமநாதபுரம் சேதுபதி ராஜா மாளிகை. பேச்சுவார்த்தைக்கு பொறுப்பாக நியமிக்கப்பட்டவர் ஜாக்ஸன் துரை. கட்டபொம்மன், தானாதிபிள்ளை மற்றும் தன் குழுவினருடன் இராமநாதபுரம் சென்றார். அங்கே நடந்த பேச்சுவார்தை தோல்வியாகி கைகலப்பில் முடிந்தது. ஆங்கிலேயரின் இந்த திட்டமிட்ட வஞ்சக வலையில் சிக்காமல் தன் வீரத்திறமையால் அங்கிருந்து தப்பினார். ஆனால் தானாதிப்பிள்ளை கைது செய்யப்பட்டார்.
இந்த நடவடிக்கைக்காக ஜாக்ஸன் துரை பதவி நீக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டார். இதற்காக அமைக்கப்பட்ட கமிட்டி ஆலோகனையின்பேரில் திருநெல்வேலி கலெக்டர் கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு வரி கொடாமைக்கு காரணம் கேட்டு கடிதம் 16..03.1799ல் அனுப்பினார். இதற்கு கட்டபொம்மன் வரி செலுத்த வேண்டிய பணம், தானியங்கள் எல்லாம் கொள்ளையடிக்கப்பட்டதாக பதில் அனுப்பினார்.
கட்டபொம்மனின் தலைவணங்காத்தன்மை வெள்ளையர்களை மேலும் கோபத்துக்குள்ளாக்கியது. கட்டபொம்மனை நாட்டின் பொது எதிரியாக்கி தீர்மானம் நிறைவேற்றினர். தங்கள் நயவஞ்சக திட்டத்துக்கு கட்டபொம்மனுக்கு எதிராக எட்டப்பனை தேர்ந்தெடுத்து கட்டபொம்மனின் ஒவ்வொரு நடவடிக்கையும் ஆராய்ந்து சரியான தருணம் பார்த்து இராணுவத்தளபதி பாணர்மேன் தலைமையில் பாஞ்சாலம்குறிச்சி கோட்டையை தகர்க்கும் திட்டமத்தை உருவாக்கி,. கேர்னல் கொலினிஸ் தலைமையில் கோட்டையின் நாலாபக்கமும் தாக்குதல் நடத்தினார்கள்.
வெகு சுலபம் என எதிர்பார்த்த கொலின்ஸ் தாக்குதலை சமாளிக்கமுடியாமல் பின்வாங்கி மேலும் ஆயுதங்கள் தேவை என செய்தி அனுப்பினார். இதைப்பயன்படுத்தி கட்டபொம்மன் கோட்டையை விட்டு தப்பிச்சென்றார். பெருத்த ஏமாற்றத்துக்குள்ளான வெள்ளையர் கட்டபொம்மன் தலைக்கு விலை வைத்தார்கள். தானாதிப்பிள்ளை முதலிய 16 பேரை கைது செய்து அழைத்துச்சென்றார்கள். கைது செய்யப்பட்ட தானாதிபிள்ளையின் தலையை வெட்டி பொது மக்கள் பார்வைக்கென பொது இடத்தில் வைத்தார்கள்
கட்டபொம்மன் புதுக்கோட்டை ராஜாவிடம் தஞ்சம் புகுந்தார். ஆனால் வெள்ளையரின் வஞ்சனையின் காரணமாக கட்டபொம்மன் சரணடையவேண்டிய கட்டாயம் ஏற்பட்டது.
16.10.1799 ல் கைது செய்யப்பட்டு மூன்று வாரங்களுக்குப்பிறகு, இன்றைய தூத்துக்குடி மாவட்டம் கயத்தாறு என்ற இடத்தில் புளியமரத்தில் தூக்கிலிடப்பட்டார். அவருடன் சேர்ந்து தங்கள் இன்னுயிரைத்தந்த வீர மறவர்கள் என்றென்றும் போற்றுதற்குறியவர்கள்.
கட்டபொம்மனின் வீழ்ச்சிக்கு காரணகர்த்தாவாக விளங்கிய எட்டப்பன், எட்டயபுர ராஜாவாக ஆக்கப்பட்டு அவருக்கு சர் பட்டம் வழங்கப்பட்டது. பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி கோட்டை கொள்ளையடிக்கப்பட்டு தரைமட்டமாக்கப்பட்டது. ஆனால் வீரபாண்டியகட்டபொம்மன் என்ற மாமனிதனின் பெயர் உலகம் உள்ளவரை நிலைத்திருக்கும் என்பதில் சந்தேகமில்லை. முப்பத்து ஒன்பது ஆண்டுகளே வாழ்ந்த அவரின் தியாகத்தை போற்றுவோமாக.
கட்டபொம்மனின் நினைவு என்றும் போற்றத்தக்க வகையில் கயத்தாற்றில் அவருடைய சிலையும், பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சியில் கோட்டையும் நிலைபெற்றுள்ளது.
விடுதலைக்கு விலையாக பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி என்ற ஊரும் கோட்டையும் அன்று வெள்ளையர்களால் மண்மேடுகளாகப்பட்டது. இந்திய சரித்திரத்தில் ஜல்லியன் வாலாபாக் படுகொலை மிகப்பெரியதாக கருதப்படுகின்றது. அகைவிட பலமடங்கு பெரிய தியாகங்களை தமிழர்கள் இந்திய விடுதலைக்காக ஆற்றியுள்ளனர் என்பதற்கு பாஞ்சாலஞ்குறிச்சி ஒரு உதாரணமாகும்.




THIRUMALAI NAYAKKAR - The King of Madurai






Thirumalai Nayak: ruled Madurai between 1623 to 1659 CE. He was the most notable of the thirteen Madurai Nayak rulers in the 17th century. His contributions are found in the many splendid buildings and temples of Madurai. His kingdom was under constant threat from the armies of Delhi Sultanate and the other neighbouring Muslim kingdoms, which he managed to repulse successfully. His territories comprised much of the old Pandya territories which included Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai districts, Aragalur in southern Tamil Nadu and some territories of territories of the Travancore kingdom
Thirumalai Nayak was a great patron of art and architecture and the Dravidian
Koil architecture evolved into the Madurai style. He rebuilt and renovated a number of old temples of the Pandya period. His palace known as the Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a notable an architectural masterpiece.
Tirumala Nayak succeeded Muttu Virappa Nayak on the Madurai throne in 1623 CE. The political situation in south Tamil Nadu was confused with the decline of the Vijayanagar empire, and the once feudatory Nayak governors of Madurai,
Thanjavur, Gingee and Mysore were quarrelling to divide the dissolving Vijayanagara Empire. The Muslim kingdoms in the Deccan began to press southwards. Immediately after becoming king, Tirumala Nayak withheld the payment of tributes to the Vijayanargara kings. He also gathered a large army in Thiruchirapalli and strengthened its fortifications.
Around 1638, the Vijayanagara King Ranga, succeeded to the throne of
Chandragiri and he soon resolved to put an end to the independence of Thirumalai and prepared to march southwards. Thirumalai had meanwhile persuaded the Vijayanagar governors of Tanjore and Gingee (in south Arcot) to join him in his defiance of their mutual suzerain, and thus Ranga was left with only Mysore, of all his feudatories, to support him. The Nayak governor of Thanjavur eventually left his allies, sent in his submission, and betrayed the other Nayaks
Ranga advanced upon
Gingee Fort and laid siege to it. Thirumalai requested the Bijapur Sultan to send assistance. However the Bijapur toops defeated the Vijayanaraga army and turned on the Nayak armies by attacking the Gingee fort themselves. Gingee soon fell to the Bijapur troops. Thirumalai retreated in dismay of Madurai, and the Bijapur army advanced southwards, defeated the Thanjavur Nayak, and proceeded to lay waste the Madurai country. Thirumalai then submitted, apparently without striking a blow, paid a large ransom to the invaders, and agreed to send an annual tribute to the Sultan of Bijapur.
The Vijayanagar ruler had taken refuge with the king of Mysore, and now these two monarchs combined to endeavour to recover those portions of the Vijayanagara territories, which had recently been captured by
Golconda. Thirumalai, making use of the opportunity to settle a long-standing quarrel with the kingdom of Mysore, persuaded the Sultans of Golconda and Bijapur to help him attack Mysore from the south. The Sultan of Golconda accepted and attacked Mysore and extinguished the Vijayanagara Empire and humbled the kingdom of Mysore. In return Thirumalai Nayak the Thanjavur Nayak and paid large amounts as tribute to the Golconda Sultan.
Thirumalai had another conflict with Mysore towards the end of his reign. The battles began with an invasion of Coimbatore by the Mysore king apparently in revenge for Thirumalai’s contribution to his defeat at the hands of the Golconda Sultanate. Coimbatore was occupied by the Mysore armies with ease, and Madurai itself was threatened. The Mysore troops were however repulsed from the town by the assistance of the Setupati of Ramnad. This campaign was known as the ‘hunt for noses’ because under the orders of the Mysore king, the invaders cut off the noses of all their prisoners and sent them in sacks to Seringapatam as trophies.
A counter invasion of Mysore was undertaken shortly afterwards by Thirumalai under the command of Kumara Muttu Nayak, his younger brother, and was a success, in which the king of Mysore himself was captured and his nose was cut off and sent to Madurai.
Thirumalai’s capital was Madurai. The royal residence had been moved from there to Thiruchirapalli by his predecessor, but Thirumalai moved it back to Madurai again, notwithstanding the strategic importance of Thiruchirapallai, with its almost impregnable rock, its never failing Cauvery river and its healthy climate, was by nature far superior to Madurai, where the fort was on level ground, the Vaigai was usually dry and fever was almost endemic. The reason for this move is claimed to be due to a dream Thirumalai had.
Thirumalai is best remembered for the many splendid public buildings he built in Madurai. Despite so many upheavals, Thirumalai Nayak's reign is famous for the legacy he left behind in numerous constructions. He added a tower to the Meenakshi temple, the unfinished tower called the Raja Gopuram and added a hall. He is credited for excavating the huge artificial pond, or Teppakulam.
He also built the beautiful palace called
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal a.k.a Thirumalai Nayak Palace. The palace was divided into two major parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. The royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden were situated in these two portions. The courtyard and the dancing hall are the major centre of attractions of the palace.
Thirumalaii Nayak took great personal interest in the erection of the Pudumandapa at the Madurai temple. There are some account which recount that on one occasion, Sumandramurti Achari, the principal architect, was so deeply engrossed in sculpting a relief of the stone elephant eating sugarcane, an incident in the temple's puranic history, that he did not notice the Nayak standing by him. The Nayak rolled some
betel leaves and areca nuts and handed them to him. Thinking that it was an assistant who had done so, he took them and began to chew them without looking around. When he realised that it was the Nayak himself, he was so much affected that he damaged the two fingers of his that had taken the betel leaves. Moved by his devotion to duty, the Nayak gave him many gifts.[citation needed]
On another occasion a son of an artist pestered him for a mango when that fruit was not in season. He would not take no for an answer. The Nayak ordered that gold mangoes be brought from the palace. The boy was content and allowed his father to continue the work undisturbed. From this incident the family came to be called the "Mampazham" family.
When, on yet another occasion, an artist was making a sculpture of a consort of the Nayak's and a chip broke off from the thigh. By curious coincidence, the queen actually had a scar in the same place as the chip. The artist started work on another image, but a chip again appeared at the same place. A minister of the Nayak advised the artist to finish the statue with the chip. When the Nayak saw the image, he was angry, wondering how the minister knew that his queen had a scar on her thigh. He sent for him. The minister knew that the Nayak was angry and might punish him. So he put out his eyes. At this the Nayak was filled with remorse. Thereupon the minister composed a poem in the praise of the Goddess, beseeching her to give him back his eyesight if he was innocent. She restored it. The minister was a famous Sanskrit poet ,named Sri. Nilakanta Diksihtar. Among his works are the "Shivalilamava", on the traditions of Lord Shiva in Madurai, and the "Gangavatarana", on the descent of the Ganga to the earth. After this incident the minister took leave of the King and was endowed with a village called Palamadai (Neelakanta Samudram) East of present-day Sankarnagar, in Tirunelveli. Sri. Nilakanta Diksihthar was the grand nephew of Appaya Diksihtar and this family clan has a rich tradition of intellectuals.
Another anecdote tells us that Thirumalai first brought his queen to the Thirumalai Nayak palace after it was completed. She commented that the giant pillars and arches reminded her of a stable for elephants, sending the king into such a rage that he had her confined for the rest of her life. And he took another wife.
Thirumalai Naik died in 1659. He was between sixty-five and seventy years of age at the time and had reigned for thirty-six years. His territories at his death comprised the present districts of Madurai (including the territories of Ramnad and Sivaganga), Thirunelveli, Coimbatore, Salem and Thiruchirapalli, with Pudukkotai and parts of Travancore. Another story states that he had an intrigue with the wife of a priest and that as he was returning from visiting her one dark night he fell into a well and was killed. Thirumalai was succeeded by his son Muttu Alakadri Nayak in 1659. A letter written by one of the Jesuit priests just after his death states:It is impossible to refuse him credit for great qualities, but he tarnished his glory at the end of his life by follies and vices which nothing could justify. He was called to render account to God for the evils which his political treachery had brought upon his own people and the neighbouring kingdoms. His reign was rendered illustrious by works of really royal magnificence. Among these are the pagoda of Madura, several public buildings, and above all the royal palace the colossal proportions and astonishing boldness of which recall the ancient monuments of Thebes.


3rd century BC
Greek ambassidor Megasthanes visited Madurai and made outstanding remarks about Madurai
27 BC
Pandya kings constructed Romans neighborhood in Madurai with the relationship of roman emperor - Augustus Ceaser
140 AD
Ptolemy called Madurai as "Mediterranean Emporium of the South"
2nd Century AD
Kadaichangam ended in Madurai
3rd Century AD
Pandya kings established Tamil Sangam in Madurai
3rd to 6th Century AD
Madurai was under the rule of Kalar-Pirar
470 AD
Vasindranandhi (Samana Periyar) established Dhravidar Sangam
7th Century AD
Thirugnana Sambandar did Tamil literary work in Madurai
9th Century AD
Manikkavasagar did Tamil literary work in Madurai
575 to1310 AD
Pandya Kings took back the rule of Madurai.
1268 to 1310 AD
Venice traveller Marco-polo visited Madurai during this reign of Maravarman Kulasekaran
1311 AD
Malik Kapoor and Kushrukan captured Madurai
1328 AD
Madurai became the part of Muhamad-bin Tuklak empire
1330 AD
Jallaudin Hansha was appointed as Madurai's first collector
1377 AD
Delhi sultan's rule came to an end
14th Century AD
Vijayanagar emperor Hariharar appointed a new collector for Madurai
1529 to 1564 AD
Visuvanatha Nayakar ruled Madurai
1623 to 1659 AD
Thirumalai Nayakar ruled Madurai
1645 AD
Vandiyoor Teppakulam was built by Thirumalai Nayakar
1689 to 1706 AD
Rani Mangammal ruled Madurai
1707 to 1736 AD
Namaha Nayakar ruled Madurai under the kingdom of Krishna Deverayar.
17th Century AD
Robert-de Nobili did Tamil literary work in Madurai
1736 AD
Arcot Navab captured Madurai
1759 to 1764 AD
Khan Sahib ruled Madurai
1790 AD
British's East India company took over Madurai
1790 AD
Madurai got a new English collector Alexander Macliot
1840 AD
Collector Black Burne demolished the fort and the moth around old Madurai and expanded the city.
1851 AD
Dr. R.Graul, Director of Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Lepsic stated that "Madurai is the Athens of the east"
1857 AD
English rule started officially
1869 AD
Central Jail was built in Madurai
1873 AD
District Court was built in Madurai
1875 AD
Railway transportation system was introduced in Madurai
1914 AD
Underground sewage system was constructed in Madurai
1947 AD
English rule came to an end


When Krishna Devaraya was the King of Vijayanagar, he sent one general Nagama Naick to Madurai to control the internal confusion in the Madurai regional politics. Nagama Naick controled the waring groups and restored peace, but declared himself as an independant ruler. This act provoked the King Krishna Devaraya and he sent Viswanatha Naick, the son of the revolutionary Nagama, to arrest and produce his father in the royal court. Viswanatha fulfilled the order of the King, but justified his father's act and explained the real condition of the region. King, being convinced by the explanation of Viswanatha, released his father and crowned Viswanatha as the ruler of Madurai as a reward to his loyalty. Thus the Madurai Naick Principality was established about 1530 A.D. This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. In these two parts, there are royal residence, theatre, shrine, apartments, armoury, palanquin place, royal bandstand, quarters, pond and garden. King Thirumalai Nayak celebrated festivals like Sceptre festival, Navarathri, Chithirai festival, Masi festival and the Float festival.He conducted daily dance and music performances in the palace. This palace was destroyed by his grandson Chokkanatha Nayak and the valuables were transferred to other places.During 19th century, Lord Napier, governor of Madras between 1866 and 1872 made several renovation works. Today, only the spacious rectangular courtyard called the swarga Vilasam and a few adjoining biuldings survive, their awesome scale evoking the grandeur of a vanished era. The courtyard measures 3,900 sq.m and is surrounded by massive circular pillars. To its west lies the Throne Chamber, a vast room with a raised, octagonal dome. This room leads to the Dance Hall. Then the palace was utilized to house some officials of the judiciary and district administration. After independence, this palace was declared as a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamilnadu Archaeological Department. It can be visited from 9a.m to 5 p.m on payment of the entrance fee.The thousand pillar mandapam is supposed to have been built by Arya Natha Mudaliyar, the Prime Minister of the first Nayaka of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.) and the founder of 'Poligar System'. An equestrian statue of the Mudaliyar flanks one side of the steps leading to the 'mandapam'. Except the inner shrines, probably no part of the temple is older than the 16th century. The general plan of the sanctuary is typical of the gigantic South Indian temples with vast quadrangular enclosures and lofty 'gopurams' overlooking the central shrine. Round about the temple, outside the higher wall is, a neat garden fenced with iron railings. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures in this shrine. The ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. There is a beautiful painting of the marriage of Sundareswarar with Devi Meenakshi. Another beautiful painting is that of Harihara.In the outer corridor are the most popular musical pillars, five in number, each composed of twenty two slender rods carved out of a single rock of granite, which produce the 'Saptha Swaras' when gently tapped with a wooden rod. There is a spacious 'pushkarini' in front of the Meenakshi shrine called the Golden Lotus Tank or 'Ponthamaraikulam'. Beautifully paved stone steps on all the four sides are set to reach the placid water. The great tower of the south reflected in the Golden Lilly Tank is perhaps the best known view of the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple.According to mythology, Indra from Devaloka entered this tank and it was filled with golden Lillies. It is said that the tank was also used to judge the literary merit of the manuscripts of poets and authors. When placed on the water, the manuscripts would float supported by a plank if its value was considered worthy otherwise it would sink to the bottom. This testing miraculous plank was called 'Sanga Palkki' (sanga plank) and can still be seen in the temple museum. This tradition amply substantiates the view that Madurai was once a centre of learning and erudition. The Pandyan kings were great patrons of arts and letters. One of the first monarchs of the dynasty, Ugra Paruvaludi (128-140 A.D.) is gratefully remembered for the patronage he extended to poet Tiruvalluvar.In the 14th century, Madurai aroused the cupidity of Malikkafur who invaded it and set up a Mohammadan dynasty that remained in power for nearly fifty years, at the end of which it was conquered by a General of the Vijayanagar Empire and became a feudatory. The Vijayanagar Emperor, while guarding the kingdom against the invaders, subsequently restored it to the descendants of the Pandyan kings.From the middle of the 16th century, right up to the eighth decade of the 18th century. the city retained its glory as the principal seat of the Nayakas. Although Vishwanatha Nayaka, the first and greatest of a long line of distinguished rulers, is credited with having laid the foundations of a well planned and well fortified city. Tirumala Nayaka, who ascended to throne in 1623 A.D., and ruled over Madurai for 36 years can be said to have made the largest single contribution towards the enhancement of the beauty and splendour of the town by magnificent edifices and monuments.A little away from the temple precincts in the town is the ruins of Palace of Tirumala Nayaka constructed during his reign (1623-1645 A.D.). It contains beautiful domes and arches. One of the domes stands without the support of girder -an architectural feat of everlasting wonder. They must have been an extravagance of stucco in its heyday.Tirumala Nayaka was undoubtedly the greatest of the Nayaka rulers. The Nayakas of Madurai like those of Thanjavur and gingee ruled South India as the Governors of Vijayanagar emperors and gradually became independent rulers as the empire began to decline and breakup, though they did not like to call themselves as kings due probably to their reverence to the dynasty.

Monday, December 7, 2009

போடிநாயக்கனூர் - தேனீ மாவட்டம்





Welcome to Bodinayakanur...
also know as "The South Kashmir". The City of Bodinayakanur is beautifully located in the foot hills of Western Ghats, Tamilnadu. It is a market place for cardamom, coffee, tea, pepper, and silkcotton.The city is also called as "Cardamom City" because of the large quantity of cardamom trade in this area.The people in this city speak Tamil language. But of late owing to immigrants from other states, there has been a discernible increase in the number of languages spoken in this city. Today several languages such as Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and other Indian languages are being spoken in the city.Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the majority of the population. The weather is nice and moderate throughout the year. Bodinayakanur is also famous for its sweet and tasty water.
History
Bodinayakanur, also called Bodi is a small town located on the foothills of the Western Ghats, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. This town is surrounded by the ranges of Western Ghats on three sides, offering spectacular views of the Ghats. Theni, the nearest market town is 16 kms from Bodi.
During the nineteenth century, Bodinayakanur was an important place in the Travancore province. There is a small palace built by the Rajah of Travancore. This palace has been built with the Jaipur Palace in mind.
Origin of the name
The history behind the name of the place is interesting. Once a wild boar roamed the nearby lowland forest. It often intruded into the town and ruined the farms. So the Rajah of Travancore had announced that the town will be named after the person, who kills the wild boar. So the town has been named as Bodayanayakkanur, after the person Bodayanayakkar, who killed the wild boar. Later it got transformed to Bodinayakanur.
Travel
This town serves as a best vantage point for the nearby tourist places.
Munnar is four hours away. Bodi Mettu, is an hours journey. Cumbum Mettu is four hours journey. Kurankani is 6 kms from here. The best time to visit Kurankani is during October, wherein the ground is fresh by the monsoon rain and the mountain is filled with butterflies. Thekkady, Kodaikanal, Suruli waterfalls, Veerabandi temple are the other places nearby. The Paramasivan Temple on the top of the small hill, brings people together, during festival season. Anappillaiyar temple, on the banks of the Rettaiyaru stream and Theerthathoti, a famous Murugan Temple are the must see places near by.
Munnar
Munnar is a town located in the southern state of Kerala in India. The name is most often used to refer to the whole tourist area, of which the town forms a part. The name Munnar is believed to be derived from the Malayalam words Muunu (three) and aaru (river), referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the mountain streams of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai and Kundala. Situated at nearly 1,600 to 1,800 meters above sea level, the region is surrounded by vast jungles and remains wet and cold during most of the year. Mattupetty Dam is a must see place and is very nearby.
Thekkady
Thekkady is the location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an important tourist attraction in this area, located about 50 km from Bodi. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.The Periyar Widlife sanctuary is spread across 777 km², of which 360 km² is thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar river adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Thekkady has immense possibilities for Adventure Tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger trail, Nature walk, Bamboo rafting etc.
Suruli Falls
Suruli Falls that drops from a height of 150 feet gathers into a pool, flows for a short distance and again plummets to a depth of 40 feet, offering a spectacular sight of nature’s raw and wild beauty. Suruli is 30 minutes drive (approx. 25km) from Bodi. The dense forests that surround it provide an awesome backdrop. The special feature of the fall is that it is “a round the year” fall. However, the best season to visit is June–October, when the water column is heaviest. The beauty of this fall finds mention in Tamil epic, Silappathikaram written by poet Ilango.



தஞ்சை சரபோஜி மன்னனின் மனோரா கோட்டை - தஞ்சாவூர்.



The Manora fort is situated 65-km away from Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India. The fort was built by Maratha ruler Serfoji II in 1814-1815 to commemorate the successful advance of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte. It is an 8-storied, hexagonal tower, which is 230-meters high overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The fort derives its name Manora, from the word "Minaret".
In December
2004, five monuments including the fort were damaged in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. It was planned in 2007 by the State Tourism Department to renovate the structure and improve its infrastructure by building several additional facilities including upgrading the children's park and building a tourist's shed.
A historical important tourist spot with a serene atmosphere and scenic beauty, with a calm Bay of Bengal surrounding it, is not fully exploited in Tanjore district. The place is Manora, located 20 km south of Pattukottai in Sethubhavachatram panchayat union in Tanjore district. The place derives its name from the fort built here by King Serfoji who ruled Tanjore. The fort is called Manora, a derivative of the Minars of North Indian architecture. The 140 ft monument stands majestically on the shore amidst lush green coconut groves. Looking like an ancient lighthouse, the tower was built by King Serfoji in 1811 to commemorate the victory of the British army over Napolean Bonaparte, in the historic battle of Waterloo. The hexagonal shaped ten storeyed fort has a moat around it. Each story of the tower offers a different view of the sea, fishing boats and coconut groves. The Maratha Kings used the fort as a summer palace. The moat with sea water is provided with drainage facility. Rest sheds surround the moat; soldiers who used to guard the fort stayed in these sheds. Hanging lasers were used to reach the other side of the moat. Graffiti on the walls of the fort has defaced it. Some of the portions have given way and the sheds are not clean. The sea water in the moat is highly polluted. Though the fort was declared as a monument and handed over to the Tamil Nadu Archaeological department, little had been done by the department to protect the monument. Now the Government has sanctioned Rs. 6 lakhs for the work which the Department of culture will take up. The tourism department is very keen to develop the place into a tourist spot. According to Mr. G. Bhaskaran Dhanraj, Tanjore district officer, Department of Tourism, a plan has been prepared to develop the place into a water sports and seaside resort centre. The proposal has been sent to the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan foundation for getting aid under the Integrated Coastal Area development scheme. Mr. Dhanraj said that the sea was suitable for wind surfing riding water scooters and developing various water sports. The sea is not rough at Manora as it takes a turn at Point Calimere and enters the Palk Strait. A beach resort around the fort would attract a lot of tourists to the place; the fort has approach roads. If the buses plying on the East Coast road which is one km from the fort are diverted to Manora it would solve the transport problem. It would also help a hundred families of fishermen who live near the fort in a colony. After Nagapattinam district was bifurcated from Tanjore, the parent district is left only with Manora for a beach resort. It is felt it developed properly it would serve the people of Trichy Pudukottai and Tanjore districts and also foreign tourists visiting Tanjore. Now those who live around Manora as well as school children visit the place on holidays.

In December 2004, five monuments including the fort were damaged in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. It was planned in 2007 by the State Tourism Department to renovate the structure and improve its infrastructure by building several additional facilities including upgrading the children's park and building a tourist's shed.
The fresh whitewash seems to cloud the 200-year-old history of the memorial that the Maratha king, Serfoji, built in commemoration of the British victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo. And the 75-foot tower, which is a peculiar blend of architectural style, seems dwarfed against the vast expanse of the sea. Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Sarabendrarajapattinam village, Manora was once an active port, a centre for ship building and maritime

Friday, December 4, 2009

பானசுரா ஹில் - வயநாடு - ராயல் கிங் கேரளா வர்மா பழசி ராஜா - கெயிடு





Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja







Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja was born into Padinjare Kovilakam of Purannatt Swarupam, the royal dynasty of princely state of Kottayam. This Padinjare Kovilakam or Western Branch of this royal dynasty was located at Pazhassi. So came the nick name Pazhassi Raja. Kingdom of Kottayam covered what is today Talassery taluk [1000 sq.km] of Kannur District and Raja of Kottayam was also in possession of Wynad District [2000 sq.km]. Head-quarters of this kingdom was located in Kottayam, a small town not far from Tellicherry.






THE night of November 29, 1805 was surprisingly hot and humid in the jungles beyond Wayanad. A small army of rebels from Malabar had crossed over to the Mysore side and was holed up there, hiding from the British. None of them could sleep properly and there was a sense of unease.The next morning, their leader, Kerala Varma, was up early. It was an important day for him, his mother's death anniversary. He bathed in the Mavila Thodu, and finished his prayers. He discussed strategy with his men for a while, and then they formed a protective circle around him as he sat on the bank and the ceremonies began. Suddenly, in the middle of the rituals, they found themselves surrounded by the English army under Sub-Collector Thomas Harvey Baber.Bullets were fired and the men scattered. His men pleaded with Kerala Varma to escape, but he refused. In the ensuing confusion, a bullet caught him in the chest. With a prayer to Sriporkali, the goddess of Pazhassi, he collapsed on the bank. His men stood helpless, watching the end of their only hope of freedom.
Ingenious tactics



The story of Pazhassi Raja Kerala Varma isn't well known outside Kerala, but he was one of our country's first freedom fighters. He had to reckon with the armies of the Mysore rulers as well as the British. The British first used him against Tipu's army and then reneged on their treaty, coming in to usurp the land. He was forced to flee his palace in Kottayam with a band of trusted followers and spent the rest of his days in the treacherous Wayanad jungles, refusing to give up, and inflicting grave and humiliating injuries on the British. His survival depended on the loyalty and resilience of his subjects under British pressure and the ingenuous strategies he employed to evade and attack the enemy. Using guerrilla tactics and informers, he kept the British on tenterhooks for longer than any other regional ruler. When the British brought out their trump card, Colonel Arthur Wellesley, the strategy worked and ended in the death, if not capture, of the royal rebel.Pazhassi Raja Kerala Varma was exposed to warfare from his early teens. Many of his family members and several well-placed Nair families fled south because of local skirmishes and confrontations with Hyder Ali. But Kerala Varma stayed on in Pazhassi, determined to face the invaders, protect his people and remain close to the family deity, Sriporkali. Pazhassi's first revolt against the British began in 1793. The people were unhappy over the tax collections and the neglect of their welfare. The British selected a pliable administrator for Kottayam, ignoring Kerala Varma's claim, and gave him complete authority. The move was so blatant that even some British reports questioned its wisdom.
Uncanny knowledge



The British soon realised that they were up against a formidable enemy in Kerala Varma. Even when his palace was ransacked and he had to seek refuge in the mountains, he continued to frustrate their efforts with his guerrilla tactics. With the help of tribals and an uncanny knowledge of the treacherous jungles, he and his men indulged in cat-and-mouse games that depleted the strength of the British forces, and soon their single-point agenda was to claim the Raja's head. They accomplished this by befriending a dependant of Kerala Varma, a man who had come to him as a boy on the brink of starvation and grown up under his care. This man, Pazhayaveettil Chandu, knew the Raja and his hiding place intimately, and had no qualms about sharing his knowledge with the British. Kerala Varma was devastated by this betrayal. Even as they moved away to the Mysore side of the forest, they all sensed that the end was imminent.There are no contemporary portraits of Kerala Varma that show his likeness, but word-pictures remain. Walter Ivor, a member of the former British Court of Directors, happened to be present during a discussion before the first peace treaty with Kerala Varma was signed. He describes a small man with a smile. His followers seemed to love and respect him greatly. Later, the Governor, Jonathan Duncan, who met the Raja in the Tellicherry Fort, had this to say about him: "Pazhassi Raja had long hair and a short thick beard, and was a small man. Sometimes he was in the habit of wearing a red cap. His face radiated a great glow."His nemesis, Baber, was an energetic young man, reputed to be purposeful and correct. He made sure that people would see Pazhassi Raja's death as the death of a great king and not simply that of an enemy. He placed the body in his own palanquin, and the last rites were performed in a manner befitting a royal departure. Baber described the Raja as an "extraordinary and singular character".
Legend and history
British ranged from the idolatry to the acrimonious, and it was difficult to isolate the historical facts. The British had razed the original palace to the ground and built a road over it. Now there was this flat square piece of land beside the road and an ancient pond which, presumably, had been witness to many of the bloody goings-on.



Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja [1750-1805], popularly known as the Lion of Kerala was a prince from the royal dynasty of Kottayam. He had three senior Rajas above him for his claim to the throne. However, when the Muslim Mysore army occupied Malabar for a second time [1773-1790] all the seniors of Kottayam Royal family fled to Travancore. It was Pazhassi Raja who led a well organized guerrilla struggle against Mysorean invader who were far stronger than Kottayam army. So he emerged in course of time as most powerful man in Kottayam as people stood firmly behind this beloved prince of theirs who had not abandoned them in hour of misfortune. . His troops were drawn from ranks of warrior Nayars as well as tribal Kurichias & Mullukurumbas.




Hyder Ali invaded Malabar for a second time in 1773 on pretext that Rajas of Malabar had not paid him tribute as fixed in 1768. Most of Malabar Rajas with their kin and kith fled to Travancore in terrified of Hyder's ferocious troops. Though resistance sprang all over Malabar in response to bigotry, plunder and atrocity perpetuated by Mysorean officers, it degenerated into anarchy as those who should have led resistance had bolted like rabbits. Only Pazhassi Raja declared loud and clear that escape in face of danger is cowardice and stayed in Kottayam where he gathered a force and engaged in guerrilla warfare as he had neither in numbers guns and troops to face Mysoreans in open field. Raja set up a large number of bases in the nearly impenetrable forested mountains of Puralimala* and Wynad and repeatedly inflicted grevious losses to Mysorean army in Kottayam as well as Wynad.[*Puralimala is a mountain range that extends east-west from Mozhakkunnu to Mattannur. It is not a part of Western Ghats] In 1778, Hyder’s vassal, Raja of Chirakkal besieged Talassery and enforced an economic blockade-under order from Hyder himself. British factors at Talassery armed Pazhassi Raja’s men to enable them to recover Kottayam from Mysorean occupation army. This move by British ensured that Chirakkal army was now in risk of being struck in rear by Pazhassi’s force. So Chirakkal troops began to retreat. But Pazhassi chased and devastated Chirakkal army and then marched in Kottayam where he obliterated Mysorean army of occupation and over-ran all of Kottayam. But at this critical moment when Mysorean army in Malabar could have been destroyed by a joint action on part of British and Rajas, British factors at Talassery was instructed by Governor not to upset the nominal peace with Hyder.Thus British decision not to exploit victory at Talassery was exploited by Mysore well. Chirakkal army reinforced by a Mysorean contingent under Balwant Rao marched into Kottayam. Pazhassi’s men, though secretly supplied with arms and ammunition by English, could not hold or defeat this huge host as he lacked numbers and soon Kottayam army was forced to disperse after a fight. Then Mysore-Chirakkal army captures Kadathanad and installs a puppet Raja who joins hand with Mysore. In 1779, a huge Mysore-Chirakkal-Kadathanad army besieged Talassery. Pazhassi Raja sent a force of 1300 Nayars to aid British defence of Talassery-and this enables factors to hold on successfully.By end of 1779, Sardar Khan, Mysorean general is sent to Talassery to speedily bring the siege to a successful conclusion. Sardar Khan knew that it was Pazhassi’s help that enabled British to resist him and so he opened negotiations with Pazhassi-his offer was restoration of Mysore occupied territories of Kottayam if Pazhassi was to ally with Mysore and pay an immediate tribute of 5 lac rupees. It was well beyond the capacity of Kottayam to raise so huge a sum in so short a time. But Pazhassi did his best to pay Sardar Khan [probably in hope that latter will make concessions] and 60,000 rupees was paid to latter. But Khan was not satisfied and rejected Pazhassi’s request that he be restored his possessions in Malabar. This greedy and tactless approach of Sardar Khan made sure that there was little chance for Mysore to capture Talassery.In 1780, Pazhassi Raja proposed to British a plan to break Mysorean siege of Talassery-He and his men will strike enemy in rear from east as British should come out of fort and strike Mysorean line in front and both armies are to effect a junction that will spilt enemy into two and then Mysorean and allied troops can be routed easily. But it was only in 1781 that British understood the value of this plan and their Bombay authorities agreed with Pazhassi and an operation was carried out as Pazhassi suggested-It ended with destruction of Mysorean force and Sardar Khan himself was killed. What followed was rebellion in Kottayam by Nayar militia led by Pazhassi Raja and soon Mysoreans were ousted from their country. By 1782, Kottayam was once more a free land. But by Treaty of Mangalore [1784] after Second Anglo-Mysore War, British recognised Malabar as Tipu’s sphere of action. Thus with only valuable ally lost, Kottayam was ready to become a vassal state of Mysore. But once more, as Sardar Khan did in 1779, Mysore made an exorbitant rate of tribute. While Ravi Varma, elder brother of Pazhassi Raja agreed to pay 65,000 rupees per year, Mysore demanded 81,000 rupees instead. Hiked rate of tribute meant greater hardship for peasantry [largely Tiyar/Izhava] who had suffered from years of foreign occupation. So Pazhassi Raja took up this issue and decided to launch a mass resistance struggle once more.By end of 1788, Pazhassi’s loath for Tipu had shot up on account of latter’s policy of forcible conversions and Pazhassi was convinced that British was definitely the lesser evil and so Pazhassi-British ties became stronger than before as now it was a fight to death with Tipu. Not surprisingly, Tipu had sent that year an army under Lally with a mission-Extermination of Nayar warrior caste [chief opponent of Mysore terror] from Kottayam to Palakkad. But in 1790, Tipu abandons Malabar as war in Deccan forced him. Pazhassi Raja joined British with a force of 1500 Nayars in their capture of Mysorean strong-hold in Katirur [near Talassery]. After Katirur, Pazhassi and troops move south-east and captures Kuttiyadi fort from Tipu’s men. Thus once more whole of Kottayam was in control of Pazhassi Raja. In 1790, British also recognized Pazhassi Raja as head of Kottayam as actual Raja was in refuge at Travancore. Raja agreed to pay 25,000 rupees as tribute to British.But by Treaty of Seringapatam [1792] signed between British and Tipu after latter failed in Third Anglo-Mysore War, Malabar was ceded to English. British then began to work for establishment of their supremacy in Malabar. [Logan] This was where British and Pazhassi had opposite opinions-Pazhassi helped British not because he was ready to accept British suzerainty but he wanted his country Kottayam to be a free land. Pazhassi was disturbed when he read the terms which British put forward to Rajas of Malabar in 1792. Though he was unsure in beginning, he made up his mind and agreed to British terms. Their summary is as follows-1. Raja can rule as before but British will control him “in case of oppressing inhabitants”.2. A resident will be appointed to enquire about “complaints of oppression”.3. Two persons on part of British and two persons on part of Raja to make valuation of land revenue of Kottayam.4. Tax to be paid by each subject to be ascertained.5. Raja’s tribute to be settled in October of 1792 according to appearance of crop.6. English’s share of pepper to be delivered at a price fixed by British in December of 1792.7. Remnant pepper to be bought only by merchants appointed by English.These terms converted monarchs to mere agents of English. Rajas now are stripped of their right to rule as they willed and they also lost control over their economies too.Why did a man who fought for his country’s freedom for 17 years sign so unfair an agreement? Probably Pazhassi would have thought that British would not interfere in domestic administration of Kottayam as autonomy was practised by tributary Rajas even during Mysore days. If this was how Pazhassi had thought future would look like, he was to be disillusioned with British in near future.


Pazhassi Kudeeram-a memorial for Pazhassi Raja at his burial spot in Mananthavadi, Wayanad,KeralaPazhassi Raja resisted British imperialism from 1793 onwards till his death in 1805. He fought two wars to resist English intervention in domestic affairs of his kingdom. From 1793-1797 he fought over the question of management of Kottayam and from 1800-1805 over the issue of who is master of Wynad.First Revolt [1793-1797]Pazhassi Raja was not on good terms with his uncle Vira Varma, Raja of Kurumbranad. In 1793, this foxy uncle Raja convinced British Commissioners to let him collect tax in Kottayam. He calculated that a good collection might please British and that will let him seize all of Kottayam. Needless to say that Pazhassi Raja was angry at this British move. He felt betrayed. After all he was the only Raja in Northern Malabar to have helped British consistently in war with Mysore. Vira Varma Raja was a real crook-on one hand he undertook to collect tax in Kottayam directly and on other hand he instigated Pazhassi Raja to oppose English. Moreover, British assessment was harsh and beyond peasant capacity to pay. They resisted forcible collection by agents of British and Pazhassi Raja took up their cause. As seen before, Raja was deadly opposed to extortion of peasantry. In 1793, Pazhassi Raja made sure that no tax was collected in Kottayam by English-as a mark of his protest. He also threatened that if British officials did not give up their enumeration of pepper vines, he will have vines destroyed. Local British authorities, however, debated with Raja and soon both discovered Vira Varma’s dirty games. So British put forward a solution acceptable to Raja by which 20 percent of gross revenue would go to Raja and another 20 percent would go for temples’ expense. No tax would be imposed on temple property in immediate future. In 1793, Tipu’s Vakils protested with British that Pychy Raja who was latter’s tributary had overrun most of Wayanad, still under Mysore. Soon Raja is supreme in Wayanad Plateau. But Governor General unwisely revoked the agreement in 1794 and gave Kottayam on a five year lease to Kurumbranad Raja. Raja was truly angry at this decision and decided retaliate by ruling his country as per customary law. That year before lease was concluded Raja provided asylum to a Nayar noble Narangoli Nambiar of Iruvazinad who had been declared an outlaw by British for murder of three men who killed his kinsman. Raja’s kind treatment to Nambiar irritated English. British also became angry that Raja impaled two robbers as per customary law. British planned to arrest Raja for ‘murder’ but gave up the idea as Raja had a bodyguard of 500 well armed Wayanad Nayars. In 1795, even after a year Vira Varma Raja got Kottayam on lease, he was not able to collect tax in Kottayam-thanks to his nephew Raja’s determination. So British troops arrived in Kottayam to help Vira Varma’s tax collectors, but Pychy Raja’s men resisted them with success In 1796, orders were issued from Bombay to collect tax arrears for 2 years in Kottayam. For British no more pretexts were needed to arrest Raja. 300 men under Lieutenant James Gordon marched from Talassery and seized Raja’s fortified house at Pazhassi-but Raja fled four days earlier to Manattana [near Kottiyur]. Gordon plundered the palace where traditional treasure of Raja was kept. Raja was angry at this loot and sent a letter to Supervisor at Talassery. Raja was also angry that one of his former general named Pazayamviden Chandu had become an agent of Kurumbranad Raja and what angered him even more than that was that this turn-coat had the audacity to boss him with Vira Varma’s and Britons’ blessings. Chandu was later killed by a follower of Kaitheri Ambu when latter was about to be killed by Pazayamviden. Raja shifted his HQ to Purali Range and then into Wayanad. Raja then blocked all British communications between Wayanad and Low Malabar through Kuttiyadi Pass. British retaliated by cutting all communications between Raja and Low Malabar. But as they did not have enough troops to chase him they waited for reinforcements. British commandant was Colonel Dow, whom Raja knew well during Siege of Talassery. So Raja thought that this old friend might help him mediate with British government. Raja offered to give up struggle provided he was pardoned and his treasure and house restored. Colonel and Raja being old soldiers hated needless bloodshed and so he forwarded Raja’s request to Commissioners, who though were bitterly opposed to Raja’s independent style, agreed to Colonel’s suggestion as there was a risk that Raja might ally with join with Tipu. So Northern Superintendent orders restoration of house back to Raja [but not treasure] and pardon to Raja was confirmed by Bombay and Supreme Governments. But orders of government was communicated to Raja via Vira Varma-which meant uncle Raja took care not to report his nephew of British agreement of his demands. Uncle Raja had vested interest in war between Company and his nephew Pazhassi Raja.Vira Varma also removed Kaitheri Ambu, a favourite noble and general of Raja, form home administration of Kottayam. Ambu along with followers went to Kannoth, where he planned and executed a mass resistance with people’s support, which made sure that Vira Varma could make no tax collection in Kottayam. But Ambu acted clearly on guidance of Raja, who felt expulsion of Ambu was another of his uncle’s conspiracies to undermine him. Raja feared that British planned to seize him [not knowing that their truce terms were kept blocked from him by his uncle] and retreated into depths of Wayanad. British troop build up in Wayanad also accelerated his doubts. However Raja was still eager to avoid a war and came to meet Northern Superintendent with a bodyguard of 1500 armed men. Vira Varma Raja was also ordered to be present. Pazhassi Raja’s main demand was that Kottayam must be under his rule-a demand his uncle was not ready to accede. British Commissioners’ attitude also was arrogant-they were already prejudiced towards Raja and so were blind towards Raja’s logical argument that Vira Varma had no business in Kottayam. As talks broke down, Commissioners’ issued a threat proclamation in Kottayam that if those Kottayam men in service of Raja does not desert him and come home, they would be declare enemies and their properties would be confiscated. But this proclamation had little effect in Kottayam where resistance to British-Kurumbranad rule became stronger. British, to their horror, found out that a large number of Vira Varma’s troops had deserted to join ranks of resisters and Vira Varma himself was not much interested to help British-after all his aim was to create a flare up between his nephew and British for sake of pure self-interest. Raja then visited to Mysorean commandant at Karkankotta in 1796 and in 1797 held an audience with old enemy Tipu in Mysore who posted 6000 men at Karkankotta to aid Raja in case of war and also to supply ammunition to rebels. He also began to collect troops and armament. War was imminent. 1200 troops and artillery under Major General was sent by Bombay Government to deal with Pazhassi. British also began to set up outposts in Kottayam and sent more troops to Wayanad.In early 1797, Nayar militia rose all over Kottayam and British outposts were trapped in a true state of siege. Partisan bands became active all over Kottayam and harassed reinforcements and supply convoys. Same was the case in Wayanad where British troops that moved out of safety of block-houses risked being way-laid by Kurichia bowmen. British suffered good loss in terms of men, ammunitions and stores in these ambuscades. Periya Pass Episode-This event is the most important in the whole war. In 1797, Colonel Dow & force marches into Wayanad. His plan was to block Periya Pass and then crush a large rebel force in Kannoth once their retreat is blocked. Reinforcements under Lieutenant Mealy were to reach Dow at Periya, but on way they were severely harassed by a force of Nayars and Kurichias and suffered a casualty of 105 men. So instead of Periya they retreated to their original base. Dow’s troops suffered chronic shortage of supplies and so Dow applied for reinforcements and re-supplies to be sent under Major Anderson of Bowles’ regiment. But as Mappila guides of Anderson deserted at last moment. That caused a delay in journey of Anderson-a delay that had fatal consequence for British.Dow then received news that Tipu had sent sepoys to aid Raja as Tipu considered British entry into Wayanad a violation of Seringapatam Pact. Dow decided that he will go to Talassery to consult authorities there and to plan a greater operation to deal with troops of Raja and Tipu simultaneously in Wayanad. He left with a small band of men but was ambushed on way by Raja’s men aided by Mysorean sepoys but Dow escaped unhurt. Day after he left, British force of 1100 under Major Cameroon in Periya decided to descend into Kottayam via Periya Pass as their supplies have exhausted. But what they did not know was that Raja who learnt of true state of British army laid a trap for them-he ordered troops lay concealed in camouflaged stockades built on both sides of pass. Once the whole British force entered the narrow pass, hidden troops were to pounce on their enemy who must be caught unawares. Plan worked well and what followed was great slaughter of British. Had it not been for arrival of Major Anderson’s force the following day, hardly any would have survived due to lack of medical care. Most of enemy were killed and all their guns, ammunition, baggage and cattle were plundered along with Union colours. Senior British officers like Major Cameroon, Lieutenant Nugent, Lieutenant Madge and Lieutenant Rudderman were killed in action. Around this time, Commissioners took a decision on advice of Swaminatha Pattar, a Tamil Brahmin who was minister of Zamorin that sowed the eventual downfall of Pazhassi Raja. They decided to raise an irregular force of local traitors to harass Pazhassi Raja. This force was a fore-runner of the infamous Kolkar, a Malabar version of Turkish Bashi-Bazouks, who became infamous for their sycophancy to British and cruelty to resisters and people. A brief introduction to Shamnath-He is an arch rogue who helped to consolidate British rule in Calicut. He was so hated by right minded people of Calicut that near kin of Zamorin made a nearly successful attempt to have this rascal killed. [Logan] But for time being, Raja was in a strong position. On account of British disasters, Bombay Government sent a Committee of Government composed of men of highest ranks-Commander-In-Chief Lieutenant General Stuart and Governor Jonathan Duncan. They decided to make peace as they were anxious that guerrilla warfare in a mountainous and forested terrain could last long and that Raja might join forces with Tipu or French. They also decided that Kurumbranad Raja Vira Varma should be ousted form administration of Kottayam. Rajas of Chirakkal and Parappanad acted as mediators in negotiation between Raja and British and a peace pact was signed between Pazhassi and British in 1797. Treaty of 1797 agreed on following points-1. Pazhassi Raja was to be ‘pardoned’.2. He will be returned his treasure.3. He will be provided an annual allowance of 8000 rupees.4. He will be given back his confiscated house at Pazhassi.5. Ravi Varma, elder brother of Pazhassi Raja will be head of Kottayam. A pardon and restoration of property was also extended to Narangoli Nambiar of Iruvazinad also.Thus Raja’s efforts of four years ended in a political victory. Peace dawned after four years of antagonism and war.
After fall of Tipu, Wayanad fell to British. They sent a Mysore Commission to seize Wayanad and planned to annex it to either Canara or Coimbatore. But as Wayanad was a traditional possession of Kottayam Raja and that Pazhassi is in control of this region since 1793, Pazhassi correctly saw move was an encroachment on his country’s ancient provinces. Raja retaliated by collecting a large force of Nayars which was now supplemented by Mappilas and Pathans, latter being ex-soldiers of Tipu who became unemployed after Tipu’s death. British Government at Madras appointed Colonel Arthur Wellesley as British army commandant of Mysore, Canara & Malabar- He planned a double pronged move from Malabar Coast and Mysore into Wayanad and began preparations for that end. Raja observed Colonel-latter had brought reinforcements and building roads in Wayanad and outposts across rebel country. In response, Raja also recruited numerous men which so alarmed Wellesley that latter even wanted to kidnap kith and kin of rebels so as to check Raja’s recruitment. Raja learnt that Wellesley had left to Deccan on a military mission-Raja who understood that Colonel’s absence is a great chance swiftly made his move. He marched across Kuttiyadi Pass and below he made a junction with Unni Mutha Muppan, a Walluvanad Mappila leader & his men and soon several great nobles of Iruvazinad like Kampuratt Nambiar, Peruvayal Nambiar and Kannoth Nambiar also joined Raja with their men. By monsoon of 1800, rebels who controlled all of country-side of Kottayam threatened to overwhelm British outposts in Kottayam. Wellesley sent a large force under Colonel Sartorius to recapture rebel held Kottayam. But the plan could not be carried out as there were not enough troops in Malabar. Wellesley advised Commissioners to stop all communications with Wayanad so as to starve Raja of supplies. But shortage of troops also meant this plan too remained on paper. By the time, Wellesley decided to smash Raja by a double drive from Malabar Coast and Mysore into Wayanad, Manjeri Athan Gurikkal an Ernad Mappila leader along with his followers agreed to support of Raja.By 1801, a large British force of over 7000 men swarmed all over Kottayam and Wayanad and they blocked all passes that linked Wayanad with Malabar. Before so large numbers, rebels thought wise to go under-ground for time being. Raja also found that he could no longer contact his supporters in Southern Wayanad and Southern Malabar. Raja became a wanderer in forests but even then, to surprise of British, he ruled out compromise -it seems he understood that there was no alternative to full freedom.Raja had six close aides and 25 musketeers in his wanderings. First he went north via Payyavur along montane forests of eastern Chirakkal to rally support. But British were on his trail but failed to catch him. Raja then visited his secret bases in Kottayam and then moved into Kadathanad and into jungles of Kurumbranad. British were angered that where ever he went, nobles supported him in secret and decided to punish them for their help to rebel Raja. As a part of terrorization, Peruvayal Nambiar who was arrested was hanged. British also threatened brutal penalty and confiscation of property for all those rebels who failed to surrender in six weeks time. But a pardon was also issued for surrendered rebels. But none of these threats and temptations worked and Raja was still at large. But some of his chief supporters were arrested of whom Kannoth Nambiar was most famous. Kannoth Nambiar and his son were hanged too and their property was confiscated. Following murder of Kannoth Nambiar, a deceptive calm descended on North Malabar-calm before storm. Collector Major MacLeod believed that war was over and went ahead with exploitation program. He immediately declared a total disarmament of Malabar and threatened those who kept arms with death penalty. He also doubled the rate of tax and ordered a reassessment of tax of whole Malabar in a mere forty days. All these stupid ‘reforms’ paid back in 1803 when whole Malabar was on verge of revolt as people were pushed to wall. MacLeod tried to calm this with corrective measure-He cancelled all his ‘reforms’ and old system was reinstated. But it was too late for Wayanad where Raja’s men were prepared for a rebellion. Capture of Panamaram FortFirst major event was capture of Panamaram Fort. Edachena Kungan planned the operation and was helped by 150 Kurichia bowmen under Talakkal Chandu. Fort had 70 men under Captain Dickenson and there was a large force of 360 men under Major Drummond only a few miles away in Pulinjali. So if Major came to help Captain in time Kurichia force would be overwhelmed by gun-fire and numbers. But Kungan and Chandu decided to take risk. Whole garrison was slaughtered in the surprise attack led by the two generals and they lost only 5 dead and 10 wounded. Dickenson himself was killed. Rebels got 112 muskets, six boxes of ammunitions and 6000 rupees. They also destroyed the whole fort.Wellesley was enraged at this rebel audacity and dispatched 500 men to retaliate. But by then rebel victory had roused all of Wayanad and Kottayam. Edachena Kungan, hero of Panamaram success, went to Pulpally shrine and issued a proclamation to people to join Raja’s war. 3000 men volunteered. They were posted at Valliyurkav at Mananthavadi, Motimjarra [?], and Edappally and 100 of them under brother of Kungan posted themselves at Periya Pass and 25 men were posted at Kottiyur Pass. Rebel outposts were set up en route from Dindimal to Valliyurkav. Rebel army was mostly composed of archers and sword men, but some had muskets.Edachena Kungan led an attack on a British detachment headed from Mysore to Mananthavadi. Harassment began once this force entered Wayanad till it reached a stream between Manathavadi and Bhavully [?] river. There they were blocked by a rebel force entrenched on opposite side of stream. But to ill luck of rebels a reinforcement which had caught up with blocked British army outflanked the rebel entrenchment and took a large number of prisoners. All these prisoners were disarmed and marched to a road where they were murdered. [Logan]Besides, British reinforcements arrived in Wayanad from all directions. But British could find rebels nowhere. Rebels now concentrated in Kottayam. In 1802, they raided a supplies convoy near Kottiyur. British were frustrated by Kottayam people’s total lack of cooperation. To add to their trouble, in 1803, a rebel force took to field in Kurumbranad* & Payyormala* and people were sympathetic to rebels. Kungan marched towards Pazhassi to wipe out the British outpost there but had to retreat with large loss of men. But rebellion spread into Chirakkal where armed bands of partisans launched operations and often fought British openly. Raja’s army by end of 1803 was ranging as far as Kannur and Talassery. [*Both in northern and eastern parts of modern Calicut District]In March 1803, a rebel force marched as far as Calicut and captured Sub-Jail where they killed all guards and seized their firearms and ammunition. They also released prisoners, many of whom joined ranks of rebel army. This was too much for MacLeod and he resigned immediately after this event.In 1803, Wellesley left for Europe, after three years of inconclusive war with Pazhassi Raja, later destined to become Duke of Wellington, vanquisher of Napoleon at Waterloo.In 1804, a large British army arrived and 1200 Kolkar were also ready for action. Most importantly Thomas Harvey Baber, a cunning man was appointed as Sub-Collector. It was he who crushed Pazhassi Revolt forever. It is indeed ironic that what a military genius like Wellesley could not attain, a puny civil servant could!In 1804, a huge rising lead by Kalyat Nambiar [a powerful Chirakkal noble but Raja’s sympathiser] and Raja’s men in largely forested eastern Chirakkal was crushed by British. If there was large and long revolt warfare in Chirakkal, it would have immensely profited Raja. Though there was a lot of supporters of Raja in Chirakkal, as revolt collapsed fast as rebels opted for open confrontation instead of time honoured guerrilla warfare. Another cause for failure of revolt was treacherous Kolkar also served their White pay-masters well. So once more rebel force had retreat to Wayanad. They were hotly chased by British who had 2000 Sepoys and 1000 Kolkar. A reward of 3000 pagodas was offered for Raja along with 10000 Pagodas for Edachena Kungan and bounties were put on heads of 10 other associates of Raja. But rebels, mostly Kurumbas, struck at Churikunji [?] in Wayanad. Though they had to withdraw, they had devastated their enemy. That year, a party of Kolkar nearly caught Raja but he escaped thanks to timely warning of a Kurumba guard.But monsoon and brutal climate of Wayanad soon aided Raja. Of 1300 Kolkar only 170 were not sick by October. Raja and Edachena Kungan organized a large force of Kurichias and Kurumbas at Pulpally shrine and positioned them to as far as Kurichiyat. Also effort of Kungan to rally Nayar nobles of Wayanad to support Raja’s war-effort had also succeeded. British for past couple of years did not have to suffer loss on a scale of Periya in 1797, but matters were not easy for British at all. Even in Kottayam which had become quiet might explode once more and a large rebel force with Raja as head was still at large. But one must remember that the whole revolt is a one man show as Wellesley himself remarked once-“We are not fighting 1000 men [Raja’s army]...but one man...Kerala Varma.” [ Raja’s end would mean end of revolt.T.H Baber went to Mysore to direct operations himself and began a large search for informants and traitors. True, British themselves admit that they did not get lot of informants as locals were devoted to Raja, but some of those few informants proved devastating to revolt-one of them a Chetti, found out where Raja had camped and informed Baber who took to field with 100 Kolkar and 50 Sepoys. On 1805, November 30, Raja and retainers were camped near close to Karnataka on shore of a stream named Mavila or Mavila Tod [not far from Pulpally]. Raja and party were caught by surprise and an intense but short fight followed. Large number of rebels fled away. Six rebels were killed. One of the earliest rebels to be killed was Pazhassi Raja. Raja’ wife and her female servants along with 2 rebels were caught. Baber made arrangements for medical care of Raja’s wife who was dreadfully sick due to privations and made sure she got good treatment in captivity.To credit of T.H Baber, he treated Raja’s body with due respect and arranged for cremation with full traditional honours. Baber justified his respectful treatment in following word-“I was induced to this conduct from the consideration that, although a rebel, he was one of the natural chieftains of the country, and might be considered on that account rather as a fallen enemy.” Baber also added-“Thus terminated the career of a man who has been enabled persevere in hostilities against the Company for near nine years, during which many thousand valuable lives have been sacrificed and sums of all money beyond all calculation expended”
“...but in all classes, I observed a decided interest for the Pyche [Pazhassi] Raja, towards whom the inhabitants entertained a regard and respect bordering on veneration, which not even his death can efface.”Pazhassi Raja was only a junior prince of his dynasty and it was Fate that he rose to leadership. As foretold, people of all castes, tribes and classes of Kottayam & Wynad adored him as their beloved Raja. They came to love this man so much that he became a hero of folk songs in Northern MalabarFollowing are some reasons why he can be viewed as a great man-1. When Mysorean army invaded all kings and princes fled in terror leaving their people and land to its fate. But Pazhassi Raja preferred hard life in mountain fastness than comfortable sanctuary in Travancore.2. He led mass resistance against Mysoreans and British, in which all sections of people, directly or indirectly took part.3. His troops worshiped him as he was a fearless warrior and a first rate general who led from the front and lived during wartime as an ordinary soldier-he shared all soldierly hardships with them. He had great physical endurance that enabled him to fight in in the cruel mountain fastness of Puralimala and Wynad.He knew well how to use his limited armed ability to resist far superior enemies. Remember, Raja's men were mostly armed with sabers and bows as gunpowder was short in supply and his enemies were superior in terms of numbers and fully armed with firearms. Yet, he defied Mysoreans for nearly 20 years and British for 10 years-Perhaps one of best examples of the fact that good leadership can compensate other handicaps.British could conquer great powers like Nawabs, Marathas & Sikhs with far more ease once they opened war with them. But it took well over a decade to crush this turbulent prince who had no more than 3000-5000 men armed with primitive weapons.What greater tribute is needed to Pazhassi Raja's military genius other than the fact that even Arthur Wellesley aka Duke of Wellington could not subdue him even after 3 years of severe struggle? Wellesley's experience in war with Pazhassi enabled him to use Raja's tactics in Spain to bleed Napoleon's army to death4. Some historians like Woodcock have denounced Pazhassi Raja as a casteist and feudal obscurantist who have no feeling for low caste majority. But Pazhassi Raja cannot be expected to mouth slogans of French Revolution about which he had only a dim idea, if ever he knew of it.But Raja's attitude towards low caste majority was generous and kindly indeed. For e.g-unlike his contemporary princes and lords of Malabar who on return from exile in 1792, launched a wave of inhuman tax extraction from Malabar people who had suffered endless privation in 20 year Mysorean terror, Pazhassi Raja borrowed a large sum from rich merchants and encouraged his farmer-folk with free seeds and saplings to resume agriculture.Also as mentioned before Raja was opposed to exorbitant taxation of peasantry, who were majority of his subjects and mostly low caste,and it was this issue that led him to war in 1784 and 1793.5. Raja took special care of his aides and troops. In fact, he was so brutal in revenge if any of his follower or his kin is harmed that not even most fearsome of bandits dare not to threaten Raja's followers' homes, where during war, only women and children were present.6. Raja promoted capable men to key posts. All of them remained loyal to Raja to the bitter end. Only Pazayamviden betrayed his master. Had it not been for these able and loyal lieutenants, of whom Edachena Kungan, Talakkal Chandu, Kaitheri Ambu & Kannoth Nambiar are most important, Raja could not have held out against foreign aggressors for so long.