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Unit - 6
Early Revolts
against British Rule
in Tamil Nadu
Learning Objectives
To acquaint ourselves with
Palayakkarar system and the revolts of Palayakkarars against the
British
Velunachiyar, Puli Thevar, Kattabomman and Marudhu Brothers in
the anti-British uprisings
Vellore Revolt as a response to British pacification of south India
Introduction Palayakkarars (Poligar

is how the British
After defeating the French and their referred to them)
Indian allies in the three Carnatic Wars, the in Tamil refers to
East India Company began to consolidate the holder of a little
and extend its power and influence. However, kingdom as a feudatory
local kings and feudal chieftains resisted this. to a greater sovereign.
The first resistance to East India Company’s Under this system,
territorial aggrandisement was from Puli palayam was given
Thevar of Nerkattumseval in the Tirunelveli for valuable military Viswanatha Nayaka
region. This was followed by other chieftains services rendered by any individual.
in the Tamil country such as Velunachiyar, This type of Palayakkarars system was in
Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the Marudhu practice during the rule of Prataba Rudhra
brothers, and Dheeran Chinnamalai. Known of Warangal in the Kakatiya kingdom.
as the Palayakkarars Wars, the culmination The system was put in place in Tamilnadu
of which was Vellore Revolt of 1806, this by Viswanatha Nayaka, when he became
early resistance to British rule in Tamilnadu the Nayak ruler of Madurai in 1529, with
is dealt with in this lesson. the support of his minister Ariyanathar.
Traditionally there were supposed to be 72
Resistance of Palayakkarars.
6.1 Regional Powers The Palayakkarars were free to collect
against the British revenue, administer the territory, settle
disputes and maintain law and order. Their
(a) Palayams and Palayakkarars
police duties were known as Padikaval
The word “palayam” means a domain, or Arasu Kaval. On many occasions the
a military camp, or a little kingdom. Palayakarars helped the Nayak rulers to
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restore the kingdom to them. The personal to Tirunelveli.
relationship and an understanding between Madurai easily
the King and the Palayakkarars made the fell into their
system to last for about two hundred years hands. Thereafter
from the Nayaks of Madurai, until the Colonel Heron
takeover of these territories by the British. was urged to deal
Eastern and Western Palayams with Puli Thevar
as he continued to
Among the 72 Palayakkarars, created Puli Thevar
defy the authority
by the Nayak rulers, there were two blocs,
of the Company. Puli Thevar wielded much
namely the prominent eastern and the
influence over the western palyakkarars. For
western Palayams. The eastern Palayams
want of cannon and of supplies and pay to
were Sattur, Nagalapuram, Ettayapuram, and
soldiers, Colonel Heron abandoned the plan
Panchalamkurichi and the prominent western
and retired to Madurai. Heron was recalled
palayams were Uthumalai, Thalavankottai,
and dismissed from service.
Naduvakurichi, Singampatti, Seithur. During
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the Confederacy and Alliance with
Palayakkars dominated the politics of Tamil Enemies of the British
country. They functioned as independent,
Three Pathan officers, Nawab Chanda
sovereign authorities within their respective
Sahib’s agents, named Mianah, Mudimiah
Palayams.
and Nabikhan Kattak commanded the
Revenue Collection Authority to Madurai and Tirunelveli regions. They
the Company Rule supported the Tamil playakkarars against
The Nawab of Arcot had borrowed money Arcot Nawab Mohamed Ali. Puli Thevar
from the East India Company to meet the had established close relationships with
expenses he had incurred during the Carnatic them. Puli Thevar also formed a confederacy
Wars. When his debts exceeded his capacity to of the Palayakkars to fight the British. With
pay, the power of collecting the land revenue the exception of the Palayakkarars of Sivagiri,
dues from southern Palayakkarars was given all other Maravar Palayams supported him.
to the East India Company. Claiming that Ettayapuram and Panchalamkurichi also
their lands had been handed down to them did not join this confederacy. Further,
over sixty generations, many Palayakkarars the English succeeded in getting the
refused to pay taxes to the Company support of the rajas of Ramanathapuram
officials. The Company branded the defiant and Pudukottai. Puli Thevar tried to get
Palayakkarars as rebels and accused them of the support of Hyder Ali of Mysore and
trying to disturb the peace and tranquillity the French. Hyder Ali could not help Puli
of the country. This led to conflict between Thevar as he was already locked in a serious
the East India Company and the Palaykkarars conflict with the Marathas.
which are described below.
Kalakadu Battle
Palayakkarars’ Revolt
6.2 The Nawab sent an additional contingent
1755-1801 of sepoys to Mahfuzkhan and the reinforced
(a) Revolt of Puli Thevar army proceeded to Tirunelveli. Besides the
1755–1767 1000 sepoys of the Company, Mahfuzkhan
received 600 more sent by the Nawab. He also
In March 1755 Mahfuzkhan (brother of
had the support of cavalry and foot soldiers
the Nawab of Arcot) was sent with a contingent
from the Carnatic. Before Mahfuzkhan could
of the Company army under Colonel Heron
Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 2

station his troops near Kalakadu, 2000 Ondiveeran
soldiers from Travancore joined the forces
of Puli Thevar. In the battle at Kalakadu, Ondiveeran led one of the army units
Mahfuzkhan's troops were routed. of Puli Thevar. Fighting by the side of
Puli Thevar, he caused much damage to
the Company’s army. According to oral
Yusuf Khan and Puli Thevar
tradition, in one battle, Ondiveeran’s hand
The organized resistance of the was chopped off and Puli Thevar was
palayakkarars under Puli Thevar gave an saddened. But Ondiveeran said it was a
opportunity to the English to interfere directly reward for his penetration into enemy’s fort
in the affairs of Tirunelveli. Aided by the causing many heads to roll.
Raja of Travancore, from 1756 to 1763, the
palyakkarars of Tirunelveli led by Puli Thevar (b) Velunachiyar (1730–1796)
were in a constant state of rebellion against the Born in 1730 to the Raja Sellamuthu
Nawab’s authority. Yusuf Khan (also known Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram, Velunachiyar
as Khan Sahib or, before his conversion to was the only daughter of this royal family.
Islam, Marudhanayagam) who had been The king had no male heir. The royal family
sent by the Company was not prepared to brought up the princess Velunachiyar,
attack Puli Thevar unless the big guns and training her in martial arts like valari, stick
ammunition from Tiruchirappalli arrived. fighting and to wield weapons. She was also
As the English were at war with the French, adept in horse riding and archery, apart from
as well as with Hyder Ali and Marathas, the her proficiency in English, French and Urdu.
artillery arrived only in September 1760. Yusuf
Khan began to batter the Nerkattumseval At the age of 16,
fort and this attack continued for about two Velunachiyar was
months. On 16 May 1761 Puli Thevar’s three married to Muthu
major forts (Nerkattumseval, Vasudevanallur Vadugar, the Raja of
and Panayur) came under the control of Sivagangai, and had
Yusuf Khan. a daughter by name
Vellachinachiar. In
In the meantime, after taking 1772, the Nawab
Pondicherry the English had eliminated the of Arcot and the
French from the picture. As a result of this Company troops
the unity of palyakkarars began to break under the command Velunachiyar
up as French support was not forthcoming. of Lt. Col. Bon Jour stormed the Kalaiyar Kovil
Travancore, Seithur, Uthumalai and Surandai Palace. In the ensuing battle Muthu Vadugar
switched their loyalty to the opposite camp. was killed. Velunachiyar escaped with her
Yusuf Khan who was negotiating with daughter and lived under the protection of
the palayakkarars, without informing the Gopala Nayakar at Virupachi near Dindigul for
Company administration, was charged with eight years.
treachery and hanged in 1764.
During her period in hiding, Velunachiyar
organised an army and succeeded in securing
Fall of Puli Thevar
an alliance with not only Gopala Nayakar but
After the death of Khan Sahib, Puli Hyder Ali as well. Dalavay (military chief)
Thevar returned from exile and recaptured Thandavarayanar wrote a letter to Sultan Hyder
Nerkattumseval in 1764. However, he was Ali on behalf of Velunachiyar asking for 5000
defeated by Captain Campbell in 1767. Puli infantry and 5000 cavalry to defeat the English.
Thevar escaped and died in exile. Velunachiyar explained in detail in Urdu all the
3 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

problems she had with East India Company. Jagavira Pandya
She conveyed her strong determination to fight Kattabomman.
the English. Impressed by her courage, Hyder The Company’s
Ali ordered his Commandant Syed in Dindigul administrators,
fort to provide the required military assistance. James London and
Colin Jackson, had
Gopala Nayak, the Palayakkarar of
considered him a
Virupachi
man of peaceful Kattabomman
Gopala Nayak spearheaded the famous disposition. However, soon several events
Dindigul League, which was formed with led to conflicts between Veerapandya
Lakshmi Nayak of Manaparai and Poojai Kattabomman and the East India Company.
Nayak of Devadanapatti. He drew inspiration The Nawab, under the provisions of a treaty
from Tipu Sultan who sent a deputation to signed in 1781, had assigned the revenue of
show his camaraderie. He led the resistance the Carnatic to the Company to be entirely
against the British from Coimbatore and under their management and control during
later joined Oomaidurai, Kattabomman’s the war with Mysore Sultan. One-sixth of
brother. He put up a fierce fight at Aanamalai the revenue was to be allowed to meet the
hills where the local peasants gave him full expenses of Nawab and his family. The
support. But Gopala Nayak was overpowered Company had thus gained the right to
by the British forces in 1801. collect taxes from Panchalamkurichi. The
Company appointed its Collectors to collect
Velunachiyar employed agents for
taxes from all the palayams. The Collectors
gathering intelligence to find where the British
humiliated the palayakkarars and adopted
had stored their ammunition. With military
force to collect the taxes. This was the bone
assistance from Gopala Nayakar and Hyder Ali
of contention between the English and
she recaptured Sivagangai. She was crowned as
Kattabomman.
Queen with the help of Marudhu brothers. She
was the first female ruler or queen to resist the Confrontation with Jackson
British colonial power in India.
The land revenue
Kuyili, a faithful arrear from Kattabomman
friend of Velunachiyar, was 3310 pagodas in
is said to have led the 1798. Collector Jackson,
unit of women soldiers an arrogant English
named after Udaiyaal. officer, wanted to send
Udaiyaal was a shepherd an army to collect the
girl who was killed for not revenue dues but the Madras Government
divulging information on did not give him permission. On 18
Kuyili. Kuyili is said to Kuyili August 1798, he ordered Kattabomman
have walked into the British arsenal (1780) to meet him in Ramanathapuram. But
after setting herself on fire, thus destroying Kattbomman’s attempts to meet him in
all the ammunition. between proved futile, as Jackson refused
to give him audience both in Courtallam
(c) Rebellion of Veerapandya and Srivilliputhur. At last, an interview was
Kattabomman 1790-1799 granted and Kattabomman met Jackson in
Veerapandya Kattabomman became Ramanathapurm on 19 September 1798. It
the Palayakkarar of Panchalamkurichi at is said that Kattabomman had to stand for
the age of thirty on the death of his father, three hours before the haughty Collector

Jackson. Sensing danger, Kattabomman of Aanamalai. Marudhu Pandiyar acted as
tried to escape, along with his minister its leader. The Tiruchirappalli Proclamation
Sivasubramanianar. Oomaithurai suddenly had been made. Kattabomman was interested
entered the fort with his men and helped in this confederacy. Collector Lushington
the escape of Kattabomman. At the gate of prevented Kattabomman from meeting the
the Ramanathapuram fort there was a clash, Marudhu Brothers. But Marudhu Brothers
in which some people including Lieutenant and Kattabomman jointly decided on a
Clarke were killed. Sivasubramanianar was confrontation with the English. Kattabomman
taken prisoner. tried to influence Sivagiri Palayakkarars, who
refused to join. Kattabomman advanced
Appearance before Madras Council towards Sivagiri. But the Palayakkarars of
On his return to Panchalamkurichi, Sivagiri was a tributary to the Company.
Kattabomman represented to the Madras So the Company considered the expedition
Council about how he was ill-treated by of Kattabomman as a challenge to their
the collector Jackson. The Council asked authority. The Company ordered the army to
Kattabomman to appear before a committee march on to Tirunelveli.
with William Brown, William Oram and
John Casamajor as members. Meanwhile, The Siege of Panchalamkurichi
Governor Edward Clive, ordered the release
of Sivasubramanianar and the suspension
of the Collector Jackson. Kattabomman
appeared before the Committee that sat
on 15 December 1798 and reported on
what transpired in Ramanathapuram. The
Committee found Kattabomman was not
guilty. Jackson was dismissed from service
and a new Collector S.R. Lushington
appointed. Kattabomman cleared almost all
the revenue arrears leaving only a balance of Panchalamkurichi Fort
1080 pagodas.
In May 1799, Lord Wellesley issued orders
from Madras for the advance of forces from
Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur and Madurai to
Tirunelveli. Major Bannerman commanded
the troops. The Travancore troops too
joined the British. On 1 September 1799,
an ultimatum was served on Kattabomman
to surrender. Kattabomman’s “evasive
Pagodas (coins) reply” prompted Bannerman to attack his
fort. Bannerman moved his entire army to
Kattabomman and the Panchalamkurichi on 5 September. They
Confederacy of Palayakkarars cut off all the communications to the fort.
In the meantime, Marudhu Pandiyar Bannerman deputed Ramalinganar to convey
of Sivagangai formed the South Indian a message asking Kattabomman to surrender.
Confederacy of rebels against the British, Kattabomman refused. Ramalinganar
with the neighbouring palayakkars like gathered all the secrets of the Fort, and on
Gopala Nayak of Dindigul and Yadul Nayak the basis of his report, Bannerman decided

the strategy of the operation. In a clash at organised resistance against the British. After
Kallarpatti, Sivasubramanianar was taken a the death of Kattabomman, they worked along
prisoner. with his brother Oomathurai. They plundered
the granaries of the Nawab and caused damage
Execution of Kattabomman
and destruction to Company troops.
Kattabomman escaped to Pudukottai.
The British put a prize on his head. Rebellion of Marudhu Brothers
Betrayed by the rajas of Ettayapuram and (1800–1801)
Pudukottai Kattabomman was finally Despite the suppression of Kattabomman’s
captured. Sivasubramanianar was executed revolt in 1799, rebellion broke out again in
at Nagalapuram on the 13 September. 1800. In the British records it is referred to as
Bannerman made a mockery of a trial for the Second Palayakarar War. It was directed by
Kattabomman in front of the palayakarars on a confederacy consisting of Marudhu Pandyan
16 October. During the trial Kattabomman of Sivagangai, Gopala Nayak of Dindugal,
bravely admitted all the charges levelled Kerala Verma of Malabar and Krishnaappa
against him. Kattabomman was hanged Nayak and Dhoondaji of Mysore. In April
from a tamarind tree in the old fort of 1800 they meet at Virupachi and decided to
Kayathar, close to Tirunelveli, in front organise an uprising against the Company.
of the fellow Palayakkars. Thus ended The uprising, which broke out in Coimbatore
the life of the celebrated Palayakkarars of in June 1800, soon spread to Ramanathapuram
Panchalamkurichi. Many folk ballads on and Madurai. The Company got wind of it and
Kattabomman helped keep his memory alive declared war on Krishnappa Nayak of Mysore,
among the people. Kerala Varma of Malabar and others. The
Palayakars of Coimbatore, Sathyamangalam
(d) The Marudhu Brothers
and Tarapuram were caught and hanged.
In February 1801 the two brothers of
Kattabomman, Oomathurai and Sevathaiah,
escaped from the Palayamkottai prison to
Kamudhi, from where Chinna Marudhu
took them to Siruvayal his capital. The fort at
Panchalamkurichi was reconstructed in record
time. The British troops under Colin Macaulay
retook the fort in April and the Marudhu
brothers sought shelter in Sivagangai. The
English demanded that the Marudhu Pandyars
hand over the fugitives (Oomathurai and
Sevathaiah). But they refused. Colonel Agnew
and Colonel Innes marched on Sivagangai.
Marudhu Brothers
In June 1801 Marudhu Pandyars issued a
Periya Marudhu or Vella Marudhu proclamation of Independence which is called
(1748–1801) and his younger brother Chinna Tiruchirappalli Proclamation.
Marudhu (1753-1801) were able generals of
Muthu Vadugar of Sivagangai. After Muthu Proclamation of 1801
Vadugar's death in the Kalaiyar Kovil battle The Proclamation of 1801 was an
Marudhu brothers assisted in restoring the early call to the Indians to unite against
throne to Velunachiyar. In the last years of the British, cutting across region, caste,
the eighteenth century Marudhu Brothers creed and religion. The proclamation was

pasted on the walls of the Nawab’s palace (e) Dheeran Chinnamalai
in Tiruchirappalli fort and on the walls of (1756–1805)
the Srirangam temple. Many palayakkars of Born as
Tamil country rallied together to fight against Theerthagiri in 1756
the English. Chinna Marudhu collected in the Mandradiar
nearly 20,000 men to challenge the English royal family of
army. British reinforcements were rushed Palayakottai,
from Bengal, Ceylon and Malaya. The rajas Dheeran was well
of Pudukkottai, Ettayapuram and Thanjavur trained in silambu,
stood by the British. Divide and rule policy archery, horse riding
followed by the English spilt the forces of the and modern warfare.
palayakkarars soon. He was involved in
Dheeran Chinnamalai
resolving family and
Fall of Sivagangai land disputes in the Kongu region. As this
region was under the control of the Mysore
In May 1801, the English attacked the
Sultan, tax was collected by Tipu’s Diwan
rebels in Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli. The
Mohammed Ali. Once, when the Diwan was
rebels went to Piranmalai and Kalayarkoil.
returning to Mysore with the tax money,
They were again defeated by the forces of Theerthagiri blocked his way and confiscated
the English. In the end the superior military all the tax money. He let Mohammed Ali
strength and the able commanders of the go by instructing him to tell his Sultan that
English Company prevailed. The rebellion “Chinnamalai”, who is between Sivamalai
failed and Sivagangai was annexed in 1801. and Chennimalai, was the one who took away
The Marudhu brothers were executed in the taxes. Thus he gained the name “Dheeran
Fort of Tirupathur near Ramanathapuram Chinnamalai”. The offended Diwan sent a
on 24 October 1801. Oomathurai and contingent to attack Chinnamalai and both
Sevathaiah were captured and beheaded at the forces met and fought at the Noyyal river
Panchalamkurichi on 16 November 1801. bed. Chinnamalai emerged victorious.
Seventy-three rebels were exiled to Penang Trained by the French, Dheeran
in Malaya. Though the palayakkarars fell mobilised the Kongu youth in thousands and
to the English, their exploits and sacrifices fought the British together with Tipu. After
inspired later generations. Thus the rebellion Tipu’s death Dheeran Chinnamalai built a
of Marudhu brothers, which is called South fort and fought the British without leaving
Indian Rebellion, is a landmark event in the the place. Hence the place is called Odanilai.
history of Tamil Nadu. He launched guerrilla attacks and evaded
capture. Finally the English captured him
Carnatic Treaty, 1801 and his brothers and kept them in prison in
Sankagiri. When they were asked to accept
The suppression of the Palayakkarars
the rule of the British, they refused. So they
rebellions of 1799 and 1800–1801 resulted in
were hanged at the top of the Sankagiri Fort
the liquidation of all the local chieftains of
on 31 July 1805.
Tamilnadu. Under the terms of the Carnatic
Treaty of 31 July 1801, the British assumed
6.3 Vellore Revolt 1806
direct control over Tamilagam and the
Palayakarar system came to an end with the Before reducing all palayakkarars of south
demolition of all forts and disbandment of Tamilnadu into submission the East India
their army. Company had acquired the revenue districts

of Salem, Dindigul at the conclusion of the war sons and the family members of Tipu being
with Tipu in 1792. Coimbatore was annexed interned in Vellore Fort. The trigger for the
at the end of the Anglo-Mysore War in 1799. revolt came in the form of a new military
In the same year the Raja of Thanjavur whose regulation notified by the Commander-in-
status had been reduced to that of a vassal in Chief Sir John Cradock.
1798 gave up his sovereign rights over that According to the new regulations, the Indian
region to the English. After the suppression soldiers were asked not to wear caste marks or ear
of resistance of Kattabomman (1799) and rings when in uniform. They were to be cleanly
Marudhu Brothers (1801), the British charged shaven on the chin and maintain uniformity
the Nawab of Arcot with disloyalty and forced a about how their moustache looked. The new
treaty on him. According to this Treaty of 1801, turban added fuel to fire. The most objectionable
the Nawab was to cede the districts of North addition was the leather cockade made of animal
Arcot, South Arcot, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai skin. The sepoys gave enough forewarning by
and Tirunelveli to the Company and transfer refusing to wear the new turban. Yet the Company
all the administrative powers to it. administration did not take heed.
(a) Grievances of Indian Soldiers (b) Outbreak of the Revolt
But the resistance did not die down. The
On 10 July 1806, in the early hours, guns
dispossessed little kings and feudal chieftains
were booming and the Indian sepoys of the
continued to deliberate on the future course
1st and 23rd regiments raised their standard of
of action against the Company Government.
revolt. Colonel Fancourt, who commanded
The outcome was the Vellore Revolt of 1806.
the garrison, was the first victim. Colonel
The objective conditions for a last ditch fight
MeKerras of the 23rd regiment was killed next.
existed on the eve of the revolt. The sepoys
Major Armstrong who was passing the Fort
in the British Indian army nursed a strong
heard the sound of firing. When he stopped
sense of resentment over low salary and
to enquire he was showered with bullets.
poor prospects of promotion. The English
About a dozen other officers were killed
army officers’ scant respect for the social and
within an hour or so. Among them Lt. Elly
religious sentiments of the Indian sepoys also
and Lt. Popham belonged to His Majesty’s
angered them. The state of peasantry from
battalion.
which class the sepoys had been recruited also
bothered them much. With new experiments Gillespie’s Brutality
in land tenures causing unsettled conditions
and famine breaking out in 1805 many of the Major Cootes, who was outside the
sepoys’ families were in dire economic straits. Fort, informed Colonel Gillespie, the
The most opportune situation come with the cavalry commandant in Arcot. Gillespie
Vellore Fort


reached the fort along with a squadron of chief Sir John Cradock, the Adjutant General
cavalry under the command of Captain Agnew and Governor William Bentinck were
Young at 9.00 am. In the meantime, the held responsible for the revolt, removed
rebels proclaimed Fateh Hyder, Tipu’s from their office, and recalled to England.
eldest son, as their new ruler and hoisted The military regulations were treated as
the tiger flag of Mysore sultans in the withdrawn.
Fort. But the uprising was swiftly crushed (d) Estimate of Revolt
by Col. Gillespie, who threw to winds all
war ethics. In the course of suppression, The Vellore Revolt failed because
according to an eyewitness account, eight there was no immediate help from outside.
hundred soldiers were found dead in the Recent studies show that the organising
fort alone. Six hundred soldiers were kept part of the revolt was done perfectly by
in confinement in Tiruchirappalli and Subedars Sheik Adam and Sheik Hamid and
Vellore awaiting Inquiry. Jamedar Sheik Hussain of the 2 nd battalion
of 23 rd regiment and two Subedars and the
(c ) Consequences of Revolt Jamedar Sheik Kasim of the 1st battalion of
Six of the rebels convicted by the Court the 1st regiment. Vellore Revolt had all the
of Enquiry were blown from the guns; five forebodings of the Great Rebellion of 1857.
were shot dead; eight hanged. Tipu’s sons The only difference was that there was no
were ordered to be sent to Calcutta. The civil rebellion following the mutiny. The
officers and men engaged in the suppression 1806 revolt was not confined to Vellore
of the revolt were rewarded with prize money Fort. It had its echoes in Bellary, Walajabad,
and promotion. Col. Gillespie was given Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Nandydurg, and
7,000 pagodas. However, the commander–in- Sankaridurg.
SUMMARY
The Palayakarar system is explained.

Prominent Palayakkarars of Tamil country and their resistance to the rule of East India Company

are discussed.
The wars waged by Puli Thevar, Velunachiyar, Veerapandya Kattabomman, followed by Marudhu

brothers of Sivagangai and Dheeran Chinnamalai against the British are elaborated.
The reasons for the Vellore Revolt and the ruthless manner in which it was suppressed by Gillespie

are detailed.

GLOSSARY
dependent, a person who receives

protege பிறர் ஆதரவில் இருப்பவர்
support from a patron
the act of elevating or raising one’s செல்வாக்கை வளர்த்தல், ஆக்கிரமிப்பு
aggrandizement
wealth, prestige and power செய்தல்
defiant resisting, disobedient பணிய மறுக்கும்
harmony, peace, free from

tranquillity அமைதி
disturbances
treachery disloyalty, betrayal, breach of trust வஞ்சித்தல்
audacious daring, fearless பயமற்ற, துணிவுமிக்க
ultimatum a final dominating demand இறுதி எச்சரிக்கை
payment or reward – something

bounty க�ொடை
given liberally
an ornament, especially a knot of
cockade த�ொப்பியை அணிசெய்யும் குஞ்சம்
ribbon worn on the hat
cognizance notice, having knowledge of கவனம்
trounce crush, defeat த�ோற்கடி
interned imprisoned சிறைப்படுத்தல்
EXERCISE
3. Who had established close relationship

I. C
hoose the
with the three agents of Chanda Sahib?
correct answer
a) Velunachiyar b) Kattabomman
1. Who was the first c) Puli Thevar d) Oomai thurai
Palayakkarars to resist the East 4. Where was Sivasubramanianar executed?
India Company’s policy of territorial a) Kayathar b) Nagalapuram
aggrandizement? c) Virupachi d) Panchalamkurichi
a) Marudhu brothers 5. Who issued the Tiruchirappalli
b) Puli Thevar proclamation of Independence?
c) Velunachiyar a) Marudhu brothers
d) Veerapandya Kattabomman b) Puli Thevar
2. Who had borrowed money from the East c) Veerapandya Kattabomman
India Company to meet the expenses he d) Gopala Nayak
had incurred during the Carnatic wars? 6. When did the Vellore Revolt breakout?
a) Velunachiyar a) 24 May 1805
b) Puli Thevar b) 10 July 1805
c) Nawab of Arcot c) 10 July 1806
d) Raja of Travancore d) 10 September 1806

7. Who was the Commander-in-Chief a) (i), (ii) and (iv) are correct
responsible for the new military b) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct
regulations in Vellore fort? c) (iii) and (iv) are correct
a) Col. Fancourt d) (i) and (iv) are correct
b) Major Armstrong
2. i)
Under Colonel Campbell, the English
c) Sir John Cradock
Army went along with Mahfuzkhan’s army.
d) Colonel Agnew
8. Where were the sons of Tipu Sultan sent ii) After Muthu Vadugar’s death in Kalaiyar
after the Vellore Revolt? Kovil battle, Marudhu Brothers assisted
a) Calcutta b) Mumbai Velunachiyar in restoring the throne to
c) Delhi d) Mysore her.
II. Fill in the blanks iii) Gopala Nayak spearheaded the famous
Dindigul League.
1. The Palayakkarars system was put in place
in Tamil Nadu by ____________. iv)
In May 1799 Cornwallis ordered
the advance of Company armies to
2. Except the Palayakkarars of ____________,
Tirunelveli.
all other western Palayakkarars supported
Puli Thevar. a) (i) and (ii) are correct
3. Velunachiyar and her daughter were under b) (ii) and (iii) are correct
the protection of __________ for eight years. c) (ii), (iii) and (iv )are correct
d) (i) and (iv) are correct
4. Bennerman deputed __________ to
convey his message, asking Kattabomman 3. Assertion (A): Puli Thevar tried to get the
to surrender. support of Hyder Ali and
5. Kattabomman was hanged to death at the French.
____________. Reason (R): yder Ali could not help
H
6. The Rebellion of Marudhu Brothers was Puli Thevar as he was
categorized in the British records as the already in a serious conflict
___________. with the Marathas.
7. ___________ was declared the new Sultan a) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is
by the rebels in Vellore Fort. not the correct explanation of (A)
8. _____________ suppressed the revolt in b) Both (A) and (R) are wrong
Vellore Fort. c) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is
III. Choose the correct statement the correct explanation of (A)
d) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct
1. i) T
he Palayakkarars system was in
practice in the Kakatiya Kingdom. 4. Assertion (A):
Apart from the new
military Regulations the
ii) P
uli Thevar recaptured Nerkattumseval
most objectionable was the
in 1764 after the death of Khan Sahib.
addition of a leather cockade
iii) Yusuf Khan who was negotiating with in the turban.
the Palayakkarars, without informing the Reason (R):
The leather cockade was
Company administration was charged made of animal skin.
with treachery and hanged in 1764. a) (A) is wrong and (R) is correct
iv) Ondiveeran led one of the army units of b) B
oth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is
Kattabomman. the correct explanation of (A)

c) B oth (A) and (R) are wrong VII. Answer in detail
d) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is
1. Attempt an essay of the heroic fight
not the correct explanation of (A)
Veerapandya Kattabomman conducted
IV. Match the following against the East India Company.
2. Highlight the tragic fall of Sivagangai and
1. Theerthagiri - Vellore Revolt
its outcome.
2. Gopala Nayak - Ramalinganar
3. Account for the outbreak of Vellore
3. Bannerman - Dindigul Revolt in 1806.
4. Subedar Sheik Adam - Vellore Fort
VIII. Activities
5. Col. Fancourt - Odanilai
1. Teacher can ask the students to prepare
V. Answer the questions briefly an album of patriotic leaders of early
revolts against the British rule in Tamil
1. What were the duties of the Palayakkarars?
Nadu. Using their imagination they can
2. Identify the Palayams based on the also draw pictures of different battles in
division of east and west. which they attained martyrdom
3. Why was Heron dismissed from service? 2. Stage play visualising the conversation
4. What was the significance of the Battle of between Jackson and Kattabomman be
Kalakadu? attempted by students with the help of
5. What was the bone of contention between teachers.
the Company and Kottabomman? 3. A comparative study of Vellore Revolt and
6. Highlight the essence of the Tiruchirappalli 1857 Revolt by students be tried enabling
Procalamation of 1801. them to find out to what extent Vellore
7. Point out the importance of the Treaty of Revolt had all the forebodings of the latter.
1801.
VI. A
nswer the questions given REFERENCE BOOKS
under each caption
1. Burton Stein, Peasant State and Society in
1. Velunachiyar Medieval South India, New Delhi:Oxford
a) Who was the military chief of University Press, 1980.
Velunachiyar?
2. P.M. Lalitha, Palayakararss as Feudatories
b) What were the martial arts in which
Under the Nayaks of Madurai, Chennai:
she was trained?
Creative Enterprises, 2015.
c) Whom did she marry?
d) What was the name of her daughter? 3. K. Rajayyan, South Indian Rebellion,
1800–1801, Madurai, Ratna Publication,
2. Dheeran Chinnamalai
2000 (Reprint).
a) When was Dheeran Chinnamalai born?
b) How did he earn the title “Chinnamalai”? 4. K.A. Manikumar, Vellore Revolt 1806
c) Name the Diwan of Tipu Sultan? (Chennai: Allied Publishers, 2007).
d) Why and where was he hanged to
death?

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British declared the fourth Anglo-Mysore judicial powers and dispensed justice over
war in 1799. General David Baird stormed civil and criminal cases.
Srirangapatnam. Tipu’s offer of peace was
rejected and in the eventual battle Tipu The origin of the Palayakkarar (poligari)
was wounded and soon after shot dead by system dates back to the 1530s. It is
a European Soldier. believed that this system was practiced
The elimination of Tipu and the earlier in Kakatiya kingdom of Warangal.
restoration of the old Wodeyar dynasty The literal meaning of Palayakkarar is the
to the Mysore kingdom marked the real holder of a camp as well as the holder of
beginning of Company rule in south India. an estate on military tenure. Prior to the
The sons of the slain Tipu were interned enforcement of this system Servaikarars
first at Vellore, and later, after the Vellore and Talayaris collected fees for police
Revolt of 1806, shifted to Calcutta. Thus work. After the creation of palayams, the
ended the valiant fight of Mysore Sultans Servaikarars turned Palayakkarars and
against the British subordinated Talayaris to their authority.
Based on the topographical

18.2 Early Resistance distribution they are classified as western
of Southern palayams and eastern palayams. The
Palayakkarars against palayams held by Maravar chieftains were
mostly in the western parts of Tirunelveli.
the British The settlement of Telugu migrants in
Origin of Palayams and the black soil tracts, lying in the eastern
Palayakkarars
part of Tirunelveli, left those parts under
Nayak Palayakkarars.
After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire,
Nagama Nayak who arrived as a viceroy
Revolt of Palyakkarars
to Madurai and his son Viswanatha Nayak
asserted themselves as independent rulers The Nawab of Arcot, who had borrowed
of Madurai and Tirunelveli. Under the able heavily by pledging the villages in several
guidance of prime minister Ariyanayaga parts of Tamilnadu, entrusted the task
Mudaliyar, all the little kingdoms of the of collecting land revenue arrears to the
former Pandian Empire were classified and Company administration. Yusuf Khan,
converted into 72 palayams. Viswanatha remembered as Khan Sahib, had been
Nayak constructed a formidable fort employed as commander of the Company’s
around Madurai city, which consisted of Indian troops. He was entrusted not only
seventy two bastions. Each of them was with the command of the forces, but also with
placed under a chief. the collection of revenue. At the request of
A Palayakkarar was bound to pay the Nawab, a force of 500 Europeans and 200
a fixed annual tribute or supply troops to sepoys was (1755), ordered to proceed into
the king and to keep order and peace over the “countries of Madurai and Tirunelveli” to
a particular area. In order to enable him to assist him. The encroachment of East Indian
perform these duties and attend to other Company administration into palayakkarar’s
services, a certain number of villages authority aroused stiff resistance.
were granted for revenue collection. In Mafuzkhan (Arcot Nawab’s elder
addition he was presented with several brother) was appointed by the Nawab as
titles and privileges. Palayakkarars had his representative in those territories.
130 Early Resistance to British Rule
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Mafuskhan along with Colonel Heron

proceeded towards Tirunelveli. They easily Yusuf Khan was born as Maruthanayakam
took Madurai. An expedition was sent to Pillai. Originally he belonged to
reduce Kattabomman, the palayakkarar of Ramanathapuram district. When in
Panchalamkurichi but had to be recalled. Pondicherry he embraced Islam. He
While returning Colonel Heron was urged joined the company of sepoys under Clive
to storm the fort of Nel-Kattum-Seval. in 1752 and participated in the siege of
Its palayakkarar Puli Thevar wielded Tiruchirappalli during 1752-54. From 1756
enormous influence over the western to 1761 he was in charge of the districts of
palayakkarars. For want of cannon and of Madurai and Tirunelveli as Governor under
supplies and pay to soldiers, the attack of the Madras Government which had been
Colonel Heron had to be abandoned and controlling them though they belonged to
the force retired to Madurai. the Nawab of Arcot. He defeated Haider
Ali and captured Solavandan. At the time
Three Pathan officers, Nawab Lally’s siege of Madras (1758-59), he
Chanda Sahib’s agents, named rendered splendid service to the English. As
Mianah, Mudimiah and Nabikhan one in charge of administration of Madurai
Kattak, commanded the Madurai and and Tirunelveli regions he encouraged the
Tirunelveli regions. They supported weaving industry of Madurai. He gave a
Tamil palayakkarars against Arcot fixed amount for the conduct of worship
Nawab Mohamed Ali. Puli Thevar in the temples of Madurai and retrieved
had established close relationships the temple lands. Yusuf Khan rebelled
with them. The palayakkarars of because the English ordered him to serve
Uthumalai, Surandai, Thalaivankottai, the Nawab of Arcot.
Naduvakurichi, Singampatti, Urkad,
Seithur, Kollamkondan and Wadakarai
joined Puli Thevar’s confederacy. With From 1756 to 1763, aided frequently
the promise of restoring Kalakkadu, Puli by Travancore, the palyakkarars of
Thevar had already won over the ruler of Tirunelveli led by Puli Thevar were in
Tranvancore to his confederacy. a constant state of rebellion against the
authority of the Nawab. Yusuf Khan who
Nawab, on his side, sent an additional
had been sent by the Company would
contingent of sepoys to Mahfuzkhan and the
not venture to attack Puli Thevar unless
reinforced army proceeded to Tirunelveli.
the big guns and ammunition from
Besides the 1000 sepoys of the Company,
Tiruchirappalli arrived. As the English
Mahfuzkhan received 600 more sent by
were involved in a war with the French,
the Nawab. He also had the support of
as well as with Haider Ali and Marathas,
cavalry and foot soldiers from the Carnatic.
big guns arrived only in September
Before Mafuskhan could station his
1760. Yusuf Khan began to batter the
troops near Kalakadu, 2000 soldiers from
Nerkattumseval fort and this attack
Travancore joined the forces of Puli Thevar.
continued for about two months. On 16
In the battle of Kalakadu, Mahfuzkhan's
May 1761 Puli Thevar’s three major forts
troops were trounced.
namely Nerkattumseval, Vasudevanallur
The organized resistance of the and Panayur came under the control of
palayakkarars under Puli Thevar gave Yusuf Khan. After taking Pondicherry the
an opportunity to the British to interfere English commanded respect, as they had
directly in the affairs of Tirunelveli. eliminated the French from the picture.
Early Resistance to British Rule 131

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Consequently the unity of palyakkarars was killed by the Nawab’s forces, Velu
began to break up as French support was Nachiyar escaped with her daughter and
not forthcoming. Travancore, Seithur, lived under the protection of Haider
Uthumalai and Surandai switched their Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight
loyalty. Yusuf Khan, who was negotiating years. During this period she organized
with the palayakkarars without informing an army and succeeded in securing an
the Company administration, was charged alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Haider
with treachery and hanged in 1764. Ali. In 1780 Rani Velu Nachiyar fought
Puli Thevar, who had taken the British with military assistance from
asylum elsewhere after the forts were Gopala Nayaker and Haider Ali and won
taken over by Yusuf Khan, returned and the battle.
began to organize against the British.
Captain Campbell who was sent this time
by the British, laid siege and captured Velu Nachiyar employed her intelligence
Nerkattumseval in 1767. Nothing is gathering agents to discover where the
definitely known about the last days of British stored their ammunition. One of
Puli Thevar. her followers Kuyili, doused herself in
oil, set herself alight, and walked into the
storehouse. She also employed another
Velu Nachiyar
agent, her adopted daughter Udaiyaal,
to detonate a British arsenal, blowing
herself up along with the barracks. Velu
Nachiyar formed a woman’s army.
The Nawab of Arcot placed many

obstacles to the advancement of the
Rani’s troops. However she overcame
all the hurdles and entered Sivagangai.
The Nawab of Arcot was defeated and
taken captive. Velu Nachiyar recaptured
Sivagangai and was again crowned queen
with the help of Marudu brothers.
After ascending the throne Velu
Nachiar appointed Chinna Marudu as her
adviser and Periya Marudu as commander. In
Velu Nachiyar 1783 the English forces invaded Sivaganagai
The Sethupathys ruled the area that again. This time the Marudu Pandiyan
covered Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, saved the place by some diplomatic moves.
Virudhunagar, and Pudukkottai districts In 1790, Vellachi Nachiyar, daughter of Velu
of the present day. Velu Nachiyar was the Nachiyar who was married to Vengan Periya
daughter of Chellamuthu Sethupathy, the Udaya Thevar who became the king of
raja of Ramanathapuram. She married Sivagangai state due to compromise formula
Muthu Vadugar Periyaudayar, the Raja of the Englishmen, died under mysterious
of Sivagangai, and had a daughter named circumstances. Velu Nachiyar became sick
Vellachi Nachiar. When her husband and died in three years later in1796.

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Veera Pandiya Kattabomman

Pagoda was the dominant currency in use
at the time of arrival of European traders.
It was a gold coin of Vijayanagar descent.
It was called varagan in Tamil. During
the reign of Tipu Sultan, one pagoda was
the equivalent of three and half rupees in
Mysore. “Shaking the pagoda tree” was a
phrase used in England to describe the
opportunities for making quick fortunes
in India.
taxes. Collector Jackson wanted to send

an expedition to punish Veera Pandiyan
but the Madras administration did
not agree. The Company had already
withdrawn its forces from Tirunelveli
to be employed in the war against Tipu
Sultan of Mysore, and did not desire to risk
a conflict in the far south at this juncture.
It directed the collector to summon the
Veera Pandiya Kattabomman
Palayakkarar at Ramanathapuram and
While Velu Nachiyar was fighting the hold a discussion. Accordingly, on the
British and engaging their complete 18 August 1798 Jackson despatched an
attention on Ramanathapruam and order directing Veera Pandiyan to meet
Sivagangai, Veera Pandiya Kattabomman’s him at Ramanathapuram within two
resistance against the British was on weeks. After sending the summons, the
progress. Kattabomma Nayak was collector started on a tour of Tirunelveli.
the playakkarar of Panchalamkurichi. When Jackson halted at Chokkampatti,
Kattabomman Nayak was a family title. Sivagiri, Sattur and Srivilliputhur to
The chieftain of the Colonel Heron’s receive tribute from the Palayakkarars,
time was Jagaveera Kattabomman Veera Pandiyan sought an interview but
Nayak, the grandfather of Veera Pandiya was told that he could meet the collector
Kattabomman. This Veera Pandiya only at Ramanathapuram.
Kattabomman, born in 1761, became the
Despite this humiliation,
palayakkarar on the death of his father,
Kattabomman followed the Englishman
Jagaveera Pandiya Kattabomman. The
for twenty three days over 400 miles
collection of tribute continued to be a
through the latter’s route and reached
problem as there was a constant tussle
Ramanathapuram on 19 September. An
between the Company and the southern
interview was granted the same day and
palayakkarars. In September 1798 as the
the collector expressed his satisfaction that
tribute from Panchalamkuriuchi fell into
the Palayakkarar had behaved properly
arrears, Collector Jackson wrote to Veera
and thereby “saved himself from ruin”.
Pandiyan in his characteristic arrogance.
Upon a verification of accounts Jackson
The country experienced a severe was convinced that Kattabomman had
drought, in consequence of which the cleared most of the arrears, leaving only
palayakkarars found it difficult to collect 1080 pagodas as balance to be settled.
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Denied of courtesy, the palayakkarar and Thus in a bold attempt to strengthen

his minister Sivasubramania Pillai had his position an armed column consisting
to stand before the arrogant collector. of the followers of Veera Pandiyan, the son
Finally he directed them to stay inside of the Palayakkarar of Sivagiri and other
the Ramanathapuram fort. Now a few allied chiefs, led by Dalawai Kumaraswami
sepoys appeared, apparently to arrest Nayak, moved towards the west. As the
Kattabomman. But they escaped. At the Palayakkarar of Sivagiri was a tributary
gate of the fort a clash occurred, in which to the Company, the Madras Governor’s
some including Lieutenant Clarke were Council considered this as a challenge to
killed. Siva subramania Pilai was taken its own authority and ordered the march
prisoner but Kattabomman made his of the army.
escape. In May 1799 Lord Wellesley issued
After his return to Panchalamkurichi, orders from for the advance of forces from
Kattabomman wrote to the Madras Council Trichirapalli, Thanjavur and Madurai to
blaming the attitude of Jackson for the Tirunelveli. The Travancore troops joined
scuffle. In the meantime Governor Edward the British. Major Bannerman, armed with
Clive had issued a proclamation, inviting extensive powers, effectively commanded
the palayakkarar to submit to the authority the expedition.
of the Company. In the event of surrender On 1 June 1799 Kattabomman,
he assured a fair investigation into the attended by 500 men, proceeded to
Ramanathapuram incident. If he refused, Sivaganga. At Palayanur Kattabomman
he threatened Kattabomman with dire held deliberations with Marudu.
consequences. In response Kattabomman Subsequently, joined by 500 armed men
appeared before the committee which of Sivaganga, Kattabomman returned to
acquitted him of the charges of rebellion Panjalamkurichi.
and condemned the conduct of the collector.
S.R. Lushington was appointed collector in The Palayakkarars of Nagalapuram,
the place of Jackson, who was eventually Mannarkottai, Powalli, Kolarpatti
dismissed from service. and Chennulgudi had already formed
themselves into a combination due to the
However, Kattabomman remained efforts of Marudu brothers. They asserted
irreconciled. At this time Marudu their rights to collect taxes from certain
Pandiyan of Sivaganga along with Gopala villages in the Company’s territory.
Nayak of Dindigul and Yadul Nayak of Kattabomman proceeded to join this
Anamalai, was engaged in organising a league to take up its leadership by virtue
Confederacy against the British. In view of the influence that he wielded and the
of the identity of interests Kattabomman resources he possessed. Determined to
and Marudu Pandiyan came closer. strengthen this league, he persuaded the
Kattabomman also established chieftains of Satur, Yezhayirampannai,
contact with the Sivagiri palayakkarar. Kadalgudi and Kulathoor to join it.
While Panchalamkurichi was situated in On 1 September 1799 Major
an open plain and appeared vulnerable, Bannerman served an ultimatum directing
the strategic location of the fort of Sivagiri Kattabomman to see him at Palayamkottai.
at the foot of the Western Ghats and the As Kattabomman dodged Bannerman
formidable barriers around it rendered it decided on military action. The Company
eminently suited both for offensive and army reached Panchalamkurichi on
defensive operations. 5 September.
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Kattabomman’s fort, 500 feet long Marudu Brothers and the South
and 300 feet broad, was constructed Indian Rebellion of 1801
entirely of mud. The Company forces
cut off the communications of the fort.
Kattabomman’s forces fought gallantly
and successive attacks were repulsed.
Colonel Welsh recorded in his memoirs
the gallantry of Kattabomman's soldiers.
The English ordered for the arrival of more
troops. On 16 September reinforcements
arrived from Palayamkottai. As the broken
walls appeared vulnerable, the garrison
evacuated and reached Kadalgudi. In
a clash at Kalarpatti, Kattabomman’s Marudu Brothers
minister Sivasubramonia Pillai was taken
prisoner. The British forces followed By the treaty of 1772 the Arcot Nawab
up their victory with the reduction of had authorized the Company to collect
Nagalapuram and other strongholds the Stalam Kaval and Desakaval. This
of the defiant chiefs to submission. On affected the Kaval chiefs in both the
the appearance of the army the western Palayakkarar and non-palaykkarar
Palayakkarars too surrendered. territories. The aggrieved kavalkarars and
their chiefs had joined the palayakkarars
Vijaya Ragunatha Tondaiman, Raja in their fight against the Nawab and the
of Pudukottai, captured Kattabomman Company. In Sivagangai, Vella Marudu
from the jungles of Kalapore and handed and Chinna Marudu, who had taken over
him over to the enemy. Upon the fall of the administration from Periya Udaya
the Palayakkarar into the hands of the Tevar, who died in battle against the
enemy, his followers fled to Sivaganga Nawab’s forces, expelled the forces of the
and from there to the hills of Dindigul for Nawab and proclaimed Vellachi, daughter
taking service with Marudu Pandiyan and of Periya Udaya Tevar and Velu Nachiyar,
Gopala Nayak. as the queen of Sivagangai. The Marudus
assumed the charge of the ministers. The
Bannerman brought the prisoners
temple of Kalayarkoil in the heart of the
to an assembly of the Palayakkarars and
then Sivagangai forest became the rallying
after a mockery of trial sentenced them
point of the rebels. When Umathurai
to death. On 16 October Veera Pandiya
reached Kamudhi after the execution of
Kattabomman was tried before an assembly
his brother Veera Pandiya Kattabomman,
of Palayakkarars at Kayatar. Unmindful of
Chinna Marudu took him to Siruvayal, his
impending death Kattabomman admitted all
capital.
the charges levelled against him. He declared
that he did send his armed men against Now, Nawab Mohammad Ali
Sivagiri and that he did fight the British released Muthuramalinga Thevar from
troops in the battle at Panchalamkurichi. On jail and enthroned him as the Setupati
17 October Kattabomman was hanged to of Ramanathapuram. But the rebels
death at a conspicuous spot near the old fort proclaimed Muthu Karuppa Thevar as
of Kayatar. Kattabomman’s heroic exploits their ruler. They occupied the southern
were the subject of many folk ballads which and northern regions of the kingdom. The
kept his memory alive among the people. soldiers made their entry into Madurai
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too. In July Umathurai led his followers the able commanders of the British army
to Palayanad in Madurai and captured won the day. Following Umathurai’s arrest
it. In 1801 both the Sivagangai and Marudu brothers were captured from
Ramanathapuram forces joined together the Singampunary hills, and Shevathiah
under the command of Shevatha Thambi, from Batlagundu and Doraiswamy, the
the son of Chinna Marudu, and marched son of Vellai Marudu from a village
along the coast towards Thanjavur. near Madurai. Chinna Marudu and his
Thereupon the distressed peasants in brother Vellai Marudu were executed at
Thanjavur also joined the force of Shevatha the fort of Tiruppatthur on 24 October
Thambi. Captain William Blackburne, the 1801. Umathurai and Shevathiah, with
resident of Thanjaur collected a force and several of their followers, were taken to
defeated Shevatha Thambi near Mangudi. Panchalamkurichi and beheaded on 16
Serfoji, the raja of Thanjavur stood firmly November 1801. Seventy three rebels were
by the British. Yet the fighters could elude banished to Penang in Malaya in April
the pursuit of the British troops by rapid 1802.
movements, while laying the entire region
waste.
Theeran Chinnamalai
18.3 South Indian Rebellion

1801
The victory over Tipu and Kattabomman
had released British forces from several
fronts to target the fighting forces in
Ramanathapuram and Sivagangai.
Thondaiman of Pudukottai had already
joined the side of the Company. The
Company had also succeeded in
winning the support of the descendent
of the former ruler of Sivagangai named
Padmattur Woya Thevar. Woya Thevar
was recognised by the Company as the
legitimate ruler of Sivagangai. This Theeran Chinnamalai
divisive strategy split the royalist group,
eventually demoralizing the fighting The Kongu country comprising Salem,
forces against the British. Coimbatore, Karur and Dindigul formed
In May 1801 a strong detachment part of the Nayak kingdom of Madurai
under the command of P.A. Agnew but had been annexed by the Wodayars
commenced its operations. Marching of Mysore. After the fall of the Wodayars,
through Manamadurai and Partibanur these territories together with Mysore
the Company forces occupied the rebel were controlled by the Mysore Sultans. As
strongholds of Paramakudi. In the clashes a result of the Third and Fourth Mysore
that followed both sides suffered heavy wars the entire Kongu region passed into
losses. But the fighters’ stubborn resistance the hands of the English.
and the Marudu brothers’ heroic battles Theeran Chinnamalai was a
made the task of the British formidable. In palayakkarar of Kongu country who fought
the end the superior military strength and the British East India Company. He was
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trained by the French and Tipu. In his bid English. Thus the Vellore Fort became
to launch an attack on the Company’s fort the meeting ground of the rebel forces of
in Coimbatore (1800), Chinnamalai tried south India. The sepoys and the migrants
taking the help of the Marudu brothers to Vellore held frequent deliberations,
from Sivagangai. He also forged alliances attended by the representatives of the
with Gopal Nayak of Virupatchi; Appachi sons of Tipu.
Gounder of Paramathi Velur; Joni Jon
Kahan of Attur Salem; Kumaral Vellai of Immediate Cause
Perundurai and Varanavasi of Erode in
In the meantime, the English enforced
fighting the Company.
certain innovations in the administration
Chinnamalai’s plans did not of the sepoy establishments. They
succeed as the Company stopped the prohibited all markings on the forehead
reinforcements from the Marudu brothers. which were intended to denote caste
Also, Chinnamalai changed his plan and and religious, and directed the sepoys
attacked the fort a day earlier. This led to to cut their moustaches to a set pattern.
the Company army executing 49 people. Added to these, Adjutant General Agnew
However, Chinnamalai escaped. Between designed and introduced under his direct
1800 and July 31, 1805 when he was supervision a new model turban for the
hanged, Chinnamalai continued to fight sepoys.
against the Company. Three of his battles
The most obnoxious innovation
are important: the 1801 battle on Cauvery
in the new turban, from the Indian point
banks, the 1802 battle in Odanilai and the
of view, was the leather cockade. The
1804 battle in Arachalur. The last and the
cockade was made of animal skin. Pig
final one was in 1805. During the final
skin was anathema to Muslims, while
battle, Chinnamalai was betrayed by his
upper caste Hindus shunned anything to
cook Chinnamalai and was hanged in
do with the cow’s hide. To make matters
Sivagiri fort.
worse the front part of the uniform had
been converted into a cross.
Vellore Revolt (1806) The order regarding whiskers,
Vellore Revolt 1806 was the culmination caste marks and earrings, which infringed
of the attempts of the descendents of the the religious customs of both Hindu and
dethroned kings and chieftains in south Muslim soldiers, was justified on the
India to throw of the yoke of the British grounds that, although they had not been
rule. After the suppression of revolt of prohibited previously by any formal order,
Marudu brothers, they made Vellore the it had never been the practice in any well-
centre of their activity. The organizers of regulated corps for the men to appear with
an Anti-British Confederacy continued them on parade.
their secret moves, as a result of which The first incident occurred in
no fewer than 3,000 loyalists of Mysore May 1806. The men in the 2nd battalion
sultans had settled either in the town of of the 4th regiment at Vellore refused to
Vellore or in its vicinity. The garrison of wear the new turban. When the matter
Vellore itself consisted of many aggrieved was reported to the Governor by Col.
persons, who had been reduced to dire Fancourt, commandant of the garrison,
straits as a sequel to loss of positions or he ordered a band of the 19th Dragoons
whose properties had been confiscated (Cavalry) to escort the rebels, against
or whose relatives were slain by the whom charges had been framed, to the
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Presidency for a trial. The 2nd battalion Outbreak of Revolt

of the 4th regiment was replaced by the
2nd battalion of the 23rd regiment of
Wallajahbad. The Court Martial tried 21
privates (a soldier of lower military rank)–
10 Muslims and 11 Hindus–, for defiance.
In pursuance of the Court Martial order
two soldiers (a Muslim and a Hindu) were
sentenced to receive 900 lashes each and
to be discharged from service.
Despite signals of protest the
Vellore Fort
Government decided to go ahead with the
change, dismissing the grievance of Indian At 2:00 a.m. on 10 July, the sentry at the
soldiers. Governor William Bentinck also main guard informed Corporal Piercy
believed that the ‘disinclination to wear saying that a shot or two had been fired
the turban was becoming more feeble.’ somewhere near the English barracks.
Though it was initially claimed Before Piercy could respond, the sepoys
that the officers on duty observed made a near simultaneous attack on the
nothing unusual during the night of July British guards, the British barracks and
9, it was later known that the English the officers’ quarters in the Fort. In the
officer on duty did not go on his rounds European quarters the shutters were kept
and asked one of the Indian officers to open, as they were the only means of
do the duty and Jameder Sheik Kasim, ventilation from the summer heat. The
later one of the principal accused, had rebels could easily fire the gun ‘through
done it. The leaders of the regiment who the barred windows on the Europeans,
were scheduled to have a field day on the lying unprotected in their beds.’ Fire was
morning of 10 July, used it as a pretext to set to the European quarters. Detachments
sleep in the Fort on the night of 9 July. were posted to watch the dwellings of the
The Muslim native adjutant contrived to European officers, ready to shoot anyone
post as many of his followers as possible who came out. A part of the 1st regiment
as guards within the Fort. took possession of the magazines (place
where gun powder and ball cartridges
Jamal-ud-din, one of the twelve stored). A select band of 1st Regiment
princes of Tipu family, who was suspected was making their rounds to massacre the
to have played a key role in the revolt, European officers in their quarters.
kept telling them in secret parleys that
the prince only required them to keep the Thirteen officers were killed, in
fort for eight days before which time ten addition to several European conductors of
thousand would arrive to their support. ordnance. In the barracks, 82 privates died,
He disclosed to them that letters had been and 91 were wounded.
written to dispossessed palayakkarars Major Armstrong of the 16th native
seeking their assistance. He also informed infantry was passing outside the Fort
that there were several officers in the when he heard the firing. He advanced
service of Purniah (Tipu’s erstwhile to the glacis and asked what the firing
minister) who were formerly in the meant. He was answered by a volley from
Sultan’s service and would undoubtedly the ramparts, killing him instantly. Major
join the standard. Coates, an officer of the English regiment

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who was on duty outside the Fort, on the 19th dragoons under the direction of
hearing of the revolt tried to enter the Lieutenant Blakiston. The troops entered
Fort. As he was unable to make it, he sent the place, headed by a squadron of the
off an officer, Captain Stevenson of 23rd, cavalry under Captain Skelton.
to Arcot with a letter addressed to Colonel The Gillespie’s men were met by
Gillespie, who commanded the cavalry a severe crossfire. In the ensuing battle,
cantonment there. The letter reached Colonel Gillespie himself suffered bruises.
Arcot, some 25 km away, at 6 a.m. Colonel The sepoys retreated. Hundreds escaped
Gillespie set out immediately, taking over the walls of the Fort, or threw down
with him a squadron of the 19th dragoons their arms and pleaded for mercy. Then
under Captain Young, supported by a the cavalry regiment assembled on the
strong troop of the 7th cavalry under parade ground and resolved to pursue the
Lieutenant Woodhouse. He instructed fleeing soldiers, who were exiting towards
Colonel Kennedy to follow him with the the narrow passage of escape afforded by
rest of the cavalry, leaving a detachment the sally port. A troop of dragoons and
to protect the cantonment and to keep up some native horsemen were sent round
the communication. to intercept the fleeing soldiers. All the
When Colonel Gillespie arrived at buildings in the Fort were searched,
the Vellore Fort at 9 a.m., he thought it and mutineers found in them pitilessly
prudent to await the arrival of the guns, slaughtered. Gillespie’s men wanted to
since there was continuous firing. Soon enter the building and take revenge on the
the cavalry under Kennedy came from princes, the instigators of the plot; but Lt.
Arcot. It was about 10 o’Clock. The gate Colonel Marriott resisted the attempt of
was blown open with the galloper guns of the dragoons to kill Tipu’s sons.
According to J. Blakistan, an eyewitness to Gillespie's atrocity, more than 800 bodies were
carried out of the fort. In W.J. Wilson's estimate 378 were jailed for involvement in the revolt;
516 were considered implicated but not imprisoned. Based on depositions before the Court of
Enquiry, the Court Martial awarded death punishment and banishment to select individuals,
which were carried out by the commanding officer of Vellore on 23 September 1806.
1st battalion of 1st Regiment

Blown from a gun ... 1 Havildar, 1 Naik
Shot ... 1 Naik, 4 sepoys
Hanged ... 1 Jamedar, 4 sepoys
Transported ... 3 Havildars, 2 Naiks, 1 sepoy.
2nd battalion of 23rd Regiment

Blown from a gun ... 2 Subedars, 2 Lascars
Hanged ... 2 Havildars, 1 Naik
(Source: W.J. Wilson, History of the Madras Army, vol. III, 1888-89).

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Colonel Gillespie is said to have of revenue farming system, the peasantry

brought the Fort under the possession was oppressed by the revenue contractors
of the English in about 15 minutes. and company officials who imposed
Col. Harcourt (Commanding Officer high revenue demands and collected
at Wallajahbad) was appointed to the them forcibly. Initially the peasants sent
temporary command of Vellore on July a petition to the Company’s government
11. Harcourt assumed command of the asking for redress. But when their appeal
garrison on 13 July, 1806 and clamped for justice went unheeded, they organized
martial law. It was believed that the prompt themselves and resorted to direct action.
and decisive action of Gillespie put an end They attacked the local cutchery (revenue
to ‘the dangerous confederacy, and had collector’ office), looted gain stores and
the fort remained in the possession of refused to pay revenue.
the insurgents but a few days, they were A peasant movement of the 1840s
certain of being joined by fifty thousand and 1850s was the Malabar rebellion
men from Mysore.’ in present day Kerala. The Mappillas
But the obnoxious regulations were the descendents of Arab traders
to which the soldiers objected were who had settled in this region and had
withdrawn. The Mysore princes were married the Malabar women. Gradually
ordered to be sent to Calcutta, as according the Mappillais became dependent on
the Commission of Inquiry, their agriculture and turned into a community
complicity could not be established. They of cultivating tenants, landless labourers,
were removed from Vellore, on 20 August petty traders and fishermen. When the
1806. The higher tribunals of the Home British took over Malabar in 1792, they
Government held the chief authorities sought to revamp the land relations by
of Madras, namely the Governor, the creating individual ownership in land.
Commander-in-Chief, and the Deputy The traditional system provided for an
Adjutant General, responsible for the equal sharing of the net produce of the
bungling and ordered their recall. land by the janmi (holder of janmam
Vellore had its echoes in Hyderabad, tenure), the kanamdar (holder of kanam
Wallajahbad, Bangalore, Nandydurg, tenure), and the cultivator. The British
Palayamkottai, Bellary and Sankaridurg. system upset this arrangement by
Vellore Revolt had all the forebodings recognising the janmi as absolute owners
of Great Rebellion of 1857, if the word of land, with right to evict tenants, which
cartridge is substituted by cockade and did not exist earlier. Apart from that,
Bahadur Shah and Nana Sahib could be over-assessment, a huge burden of illegal
read for Mysore Princes. cesses and a pro-landlord attitude of the
judiciary and the police led the peasants
to live in conditions of extreme poverty.
18.4 Peasant and Tribal
Revolts A series of incidents therefore
occurred in Malabar throughout the
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth nineteenth century. Three serious
centuries the land tenures and revenue incidents occurred in Manjeri in August
settlements of the Company’s government 1849, in Kulathur in August 1851 – both
had fundamentally disrupted the Indian in south Malabar – and in Mattannur in
rural society and affected the peasantry in the north in January 1852. British armed
an unprecedented manner. In the early days forces were deployed to suppress the

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LESSON 10
VELLORE MUTINY
Learning Objectives
Students will understand
1. The Causes for the Vellore Mutiny.
2. The objectives of this Mutiny.
3. The suppression of the Mutiny.
4. The nature of this anti-British uprising.
Vellore was the capital of erstwhile North Arcot district in Tamil Nadu. At
present, this district is named after its capital Vellore. It is a well fortified and
beautiful city.
Vellore Fort
With the expansion of the East India Company’s rule in India, the native
rulers and their dependents suffered. The native rulers either submitted or rebelled.
These rebellions had no clear vision or ideal but purely motivated by the territorial
interest of the native rulers and their ambition to preserve the old feudal order. The
heroism and sacrifice of individuals like Puli Thevar, Kattabomman and Marudu
Brothers had no parallel. But all these leaders never organised the common
people for a unified and meaningful cause. The ideas of nationalism, political
consciousness and organized struggle came much later.
In Vellore the native sepoys rose in revolt in 1806.This incident differs from
other previous rebellions in. The earlier rebellions were those of the native rulers.
The Vellore Mutiny was organized by the sepoys. The earlier rebellions had only a
regional interest. Every prince wanted to safeguard his own kingdom at any cost.
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But Vellore Mutiny was the result of spontaneous outflow of the feelings of the
sepoys who served under the Company. It was a protest by the sepoys against the
Company. This protest showed the future possibilities.
Causes
Several causes are attributed to the Vellore Mutiny. Indian sepoys had to
experience numerous difficulties when they went to serve in the Company’s army.
The sepoys were forced to serve under the Company since their earlier
patrons (the native chieftains) were all disappearing from the scene. The strict
discipline, practice, new weapons, new methods and uniforms were all new to the
sepoys. Anything new appears to be difficult and wrong for a man who is well-settled
in the old way of life for a long-time.
Sir John Cradock, the commander-in-chief, with the -approval of Lord-

William Bentinck, the Governor of Madras, introduced a new from of turban,
resembling a European hat. Wearing ear rings and caste marks were also
prohibited.
The sepoys were asked to shave the chin and to trim the moustache. The
sepoys felt that these were designed to insult them and their religious and social
traditions. There was also a popular belief that this was the beginning of a process
by which all of them would be converted to Christianity.
The English treated the Indian sepoys as their inferior. There was the racial
prejudice. This was the psychological base for the sepoy mutinies in India during the
Company’s rule.
The sepoys once served the local chieftains (either Hindu or Muslim). The
chieftains were their own kinsmen but now they served under the foreigners. They
can never forget their original loyalties.
The Vellore uprising was preceded by a series of protests by the Indian

troops. In May 1806, the 4th Regiment rose in revolt against the new turban. The
Commander-in-Chief took severe action the sepoys who were found guilty were
punished with 500 to 900 lashes. Before the mutiny secret associations were formed
and meetings held in which Tipu’s family took part.
On June 17th 1806 a sepoy of the 1st Regiment named Mustapha Beg,
secretly informed his commanding officer, Colonel Forbes, that a plot had been
planned for the extermination of the European officers and troops. But this was not
taken seriously .
On the eve of the Mutiny at Vellore Fettah Hyder, the first son of Tipu, tried
to form an alliance against the English and sought the help of the Marathas and the
French.
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Fettah Hyder received secret information through one Mohommed Malick.

Besides, princes Fettah Hyder and Moiz-ud-Deen in particular were active in
planning the execution of the Mutiny.
Thus, there was the desire to revive the old Muslim rule in this region. The
sepoys were aware of the tragic end of Puli Thevar, Khan Sahib, Kattabomman,
Marudu Brothers, Tipu Sultan and others. Hence there were ill-feelings about the
British in the minds of the sepoys. All these led to the rebellion.
Course of the Mutiny
On July 10th in the early morning the native sepoys of the 1st and 23rd
Regiments started the revolt . Colonel Fancourt, who commanded the garrison,
was their first victim. Colonel Me Kerras of the 23rd Regiment, was shot down on the
parade-ground. Major Armstrong was the next officer to be killed during the mutiny.
About a dozen other officers were also killed.
Major Cootes who was outside the fort dashed to Ranipet, 14 miles away,
and informed Colonel Gillespie at 7 am . Col. Gillespie reached the Vellore fort at 9
A.M.
Meantime, the rebels proclaimed Futteh Hyder, Tipu’s first son, as their
new ruler and hoisted tiger-striped flag of Tipu Sultan. But the uprising was swiftly
crushed by Col. Gillespie. 800 Indian soldiers were found dead in the fort alone. Six
hundred soldiers were imprisoned in Tiruchi and Vellore. Some rebels were hung,
some shot dead. The uprising was thus brought to a bloody end. Tipu’s son was
sent to Calcutta. The commander-in-chief and the governor were recalled.
Vellore Mutiny failed. There was no proper leadership. The rebellion was
also not well organized. But it is the starting point of a new era of the resistance of
the sepoys to the British rule. The 18th century was marked by the resistance of the
local chieftains. The first six decades of 19th century was marked by the resistance of
sepoys.
K.K. Pillai rejects the thesis that Vellore Mutiny led to the 1857 revolt. V.D.
Savarkar calls the Vellore Mutiny of 1806 as the prelude to the first War of Indian
Independence in 1857. N. Sanjivi proclaims that the Tamils had taken the real
lead in the Indian freedom struggle. K. Rajayyan argues that this mutiny was a
continuation of the Marudu Brothers’ resistance movement against the colonial rule.
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Learning Outcome
The students have learnt
1. The multiple causes that led to this outbreak of Vellore sepoy

Mutiny.
2. The grievances of the sepoys such as new rules and customs

implemented by the British in the army.
3. The suppression of the revolt.
4. The nature of this anti-British rebellion.
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Which among the following was one of the causes for the Vellore Mutiny?
(a) Doctrine of lapse
(b) Collection of Tributes
(c) Introduction of new army regulations
(d) Economic exploitation of the British rule.
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The Commander-in-Chief of the Vellore Fort was ——————
2. ——— who was outside the fort dashed to Ranipet to seek help
III. Match the following.
1. Fettah Hyder a. Governor of Madras
2. Colonel Fancourt b. suppressed the mutiny
3. William Bentinck c. Tipu’s son
4. Col. Gillespie b. killed in the mutiny
IV. Find out the correct statement. One statement alone is right.
a) New army regulations were mainly responsible for the Vellore Mutiny.
b) Tipu’s family were not kept in the Vellore fort.
c) French help was not sought by Tipu’s son.
d) After the mutiny Tipu’s sons were sent to Penang.

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College, University of The implementation of Hindi as a
Madras. He advocated compulsory language in Tamil Nadu, at various
Buddhism in his early points of time, was seen as a threat to Tamil
life. He knew many language and culture. C. Rajaji, the Premier
languages, including of Madras Presidency, introduced Hindi as a
Tamil, English, Urdu, compulsory subject in schools. This created a stiff
Hindi, German, French opposition in Madras province. Periyar declared
and Russian and wrote that the introduction of Hindi over Tamil would
about the ideas of Karl deny the Dravidians of their job opportunities.
Singaravelar
Marx, Charles Darwin, Maraimalai Adigal pointed out that the Tamil
Herbert Spencer and Albert Einstein in Tamil. language would suffer with the introduction of
He organised the first ever celebration of May Hindi. The anti-Hindi campaigners considered
Day in 1923. He was one of the early leaders of it an ideological battle against Brahminism
the Communist Party of India. He published and the hegemony of Sanskrit over Tamil.
a Tamil newspaper, Thozhilalan (Worker) to They saw Sanskrit as a vehicle for propagation
address the problems of the working class. He of Brahmanical ideology, there by preserving
was closely associated with Periyar and the Self- the caste hierarchies and gender inequalities.
Respect Movement. The agitation was marked by massive protest
meetings, demonstrations, and hunger strikes.
Language Agitation Tens of thousands of people took part in
10.6 before Indian the agitation.
Independence 10.7 Women’s Movements
In general, language is a dominant
There were several streams of women’s
symbol of identity and it is associated with
movements and organisations established
culture and sentiments of any society. Tamil
in the early twentieth century to address the
regained its prominence in the latter half of
question of women empowerment in Madras
the nineteenth and early twentieth century.
Presidency. Women’s India Association (WIA)
Maraimalai Adigal’s Pure Tamil Movement,
and All India Women’s Conference (AIWC)
the language reforms of Periyar and Tamil
are the important among them in Tamil Nadu.
Isai Movement helped to galvanise the
WIA was started in 1917 by Annie Besant,
Tamil language. Tamil renaissance that led
Dorothy Jinarajadasa and Margaret Cousins
the Dravidian consciousness made a great
at Adyar, Madras. The Association published
intervention in the development of modern
pamphlets and bulletins in different languages
Tamil language and its art forms. Agamic
to detail the problems of personal hygiene,
temples did not permit rituals in Tamil.
marriage laws, voting rights, child care and
Tamil songs had a marginal place in musical
women’s role in the public. In the meantime,
concerts. Abraham Pandithar systematically
WIA formed the All India Women’s Conference
studied the history of Tamil music and
(AIWC) in 1927 to address the problem of
attempted to reconstruct the ancient Tamil
women’s education and recommended that the
musical system. He founded the Tanjore
government implement various policies for the
Sangitha Vidya Mahajana Sangam in 1912
uplift of women.
and it became the kernel of the Tamil Isai
Movement (Tamil Music Movement). The Women’s liberation was one of the important
movement gave importance to the singing of objectives of the Self-Respect Movement. Self-
Tamil compositions in music concerts. The respecters led by Periyar E.V.R. worked for
first Tamil Isai Conference was held in 1943, gender equality and gender sensitisation of the
to discuss the status of Tamil music. society. The movement provided a space for
Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu 78
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women to share their ideas. There was a custom of dedicating young
There were several women girls to the Hindu temples as a servant of God,
activists in the movement. known as devadasi. Though intended as a
Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, service to god it soon got corrupted leading
Nagammai, Kannamma, to extensive immorality and abuse of the
Nilavathi, Muvalur women. Dr. Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar, was in
Ramamirtham, Rukmani the forefront of the campaign pressing for a
Ammal, Alarmelmangai legislation to abolish this devadasi system. The
Thayammal, Nilambikai, and Muvalur Madras Devadasis (Prevention of Dedication)
Sivakami Chidambaranar Ramamirtham Act 1947 was enacted by the government.
are prominent among them.
In 1930, Muthulakshmi Ammaiyar introduced in the Madras Legislative Council a Bill on

the “prevention of the dedication of women to Hindu temples in the Presidency of Madras”. The
Bill, which later became the Devadasi Abolition Act, declared the “pottukattu ceremony” in the
precincts of Hindu temples or any other place of worship unlawful, gave legal sanction to devadasis
to contract marriage, and prescribed a minimum punishment of five years’ imprisonment for those
found guilty of aiding and abetting the devadasi system. The Bill had to wait for over 15 years to
become an Act.
SUMMARY
Nineteenth century India encountered a process of introspection among Indian intellectuals

due to the colonial intervention and the rise of rationalism. This led to the Indian renaissance.
In Tamil Nadu, the proliferation of the printing press acted as a catalyst for the publication and
spread of secular ancient Tamil literature.
Tamil scholars in the nineteenth century worked hard to publish Tamil classics. These triggered
an intellectual revolution and it was popularly known as Tamil renaissance.
The transformation not only revived Tamil language and literature. It challenged the prevailing
caste hierarchy and influenced the rise of Dravidian consciousness and established Tamil as a
language of the Dravidian family.
The Justice Party established in 1916 voiced the problems of non-Brahmin in the Madras
Presidency. The party introduced significant reforms such as communal representation,
women’s franchise rights, and Hindu Religious Endowment Board.
Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, the pioneer of the Self-Respect Movement, critiqued fundamentalism
and promoted rationalism among people for the better construction of human society. He
reformed Tamil society, gave special attention to the women empowerment and did an extensive
language reform for the betterment of Tamil language and culture.
Concurrently, Thatha Rettaimalai Srinivasan worked for the development of depressed castes,
and the labour movement addressed the problems of the working classes.
Meanwhile, Tamil Pure Movement and Tamil Music Movement promoted and preserved
Tamil language.
Ultimately, the rational ideas of Tamil Nadu became a model for constructive developments of
the modern Indian state.
79 Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu
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Consequently the unity of palyakkarars was killed by the Nawab’s forces, Velu
began to break up as French support was Nachiyar escaped with her daughter and
not forthcoming. Travancore, Seithur, lived under the protection of Haider
Uthumalai and Surandai switched their Ali at Virupachi near Dindigul for eight
loyalty. Yusuf Khan, who was negotiating years. During this period she organized
with the palayakkarars without informing an army and succeeded in securing an
the Company administration, was charged alliance with Gopala Nayaker and Haider
with treachery and hanged in 1764. Ali. In 1780 Rani Velu Nachiyar fought
Puli Thevar, who had taken the British with military assistance from
asylum elsewhere after the forts were Gopala Nayaker and Haider Ali and won
taken over by Yusuf Khan, returned and the battle.
began to organize against the British.
Captain Campbell who was sent this time
by the British, laid siege and captured Velu Nachiyar employed her intelligence
Nerkattumseval in 1767. Nothing is gathering agents to discover where the
definitely known about the last days of British stored their ammunition. One of
Puli Thevar. her followers Kuyili, doused herself in
oil, set herself alight, and walked into the
storehouse. She also employed another
Velu Nachiyar
agent, her adopted daughter Udaiyaal,
to detonate a British arsenal, blowing
herself up along with the barracks. Velu
Nachiyar formed a woman’s army.
The Nawab of Arcot placed many

obstacles to the advancement of the
Rani’s troops. However she overcame
all the hurdles and entered Sivagangai.
The Nawab of Arcot was defeated and
taken captive. Velu Nachiyar recaptured
Sivagangai and was again crowned queen
with the help of Marudu brothers.
After ascending the throne Velu
Nachiar appointed Chinna Marudu as her
adviser and Periya Marudu as commander. In
Velu Nachiyar 1783 the English forces invaded Sivaganagai
The Sethupathys ruled the area that again. This time the Marudu Pandiyan
covered Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, saved the place by some diplomatic moves.
Virudhunagar, and Pudukkottai districts In 1790, Vellachi Nachiyar, daughter of Velu
of the present day. Velu Nachiyar was the Nachiyar who was married to Vengan Periya
daughter of Chellamuthu Sethupathy, the Udaya Thevar who became the king of
raja of Ramanathapuram. She married Sivagangai state due to compromise formula
Muthu Vadugar Periyaudayar, the Raja of the Englishmen, died under mysterious
of Sivagangai, and had a daughter named circumstances. Velu Nachiyar became sick
Vellachi Nachiar. When her husband and died in three years later in1796.

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».Ã.1730M« M©L xnu bg© kfthf¤ njh‹¿at®
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nj®ªjh®. Átf§if k‹d® K¤JtLfehj® ntY
eh¢Áahiu kzªJbfh©lh®.
M§»nya® 1772M« M©L Átf§if¢
Óikæ‹ÛJ gilbaL¤jd®. M§»nyaU¡F«
K¤JtLfehjU¡F« Ïilna ngh® eilbg‰wJ.
m¥nghçš, k‹d® K¤JtLfehj® Åukuzkilªjh®. ntY eh¢Áah®, ikN®
k‹d® Ij® mèia¢ rªÂ¤J, M§»nyaiu vÂ®¥gJ F¿¤J¡ fyªJ ngÁdh®.
mtU¡F cjt éU«Ãa Ij®mè Iahæu« gilÅu®fis mtUl‹ mD¥Ãdh®.
kUJ rnfhju®fSl‹ Åu®gil¡F¤ jiyikna‰W¢ br‹w ntY eh¢Áah®
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bt‹W 1780M« M©oš Átf§ifia Û£lh®.
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mL¤J, eh‹ F¿¥ÃL« bgUik¡Fçat®

flÿ® mŠriya«khŸ Mth®. Ït® 1890M«
M©L flÿçš cŸs KJefçš vëikahd
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fhªÂaofŸ x¤JiHahik Ïa¡f¤ij¤ bjhl§»a
nghnj, mŠriya«khS« jkJ bghJthœ¡ifia¤
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nghuh£l«, c¥ò¡ fhŒ¢R« nghuh£l«, k¿aš
nghuh£l«, jåahŸ mw¥nghuh£l«, btŸisand
btënaW Ïa¡f« M»a mid¤J¥ nghuh£l§
fëY« fyªJbfh©L gy M©L Áiwæš thodh®.
nkY« mt® flÿ®, ÂU¢Á, ntÿ®, bgšyhç M»a mŠriya«khŸ
Áiwfëš ÏUªJŸsh®. ntÿ®¢ Áiwæš ÏUªjnghJ, fUÎ‰wãiyæš ÏUªj
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mŠriya«khë‹ kfŸ v‹gjid m¿ªJ, äfÎ« k»œÎ‰W, m¢ÁWäia¤
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fhªÂaofŸ flÿU¡F tªjnghJ, mtiu¢ rªÂ¥gj‰F
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g®jh ntlkâªJ, FÂiut©oæš fhªÂaofis V‰¿¢br‹wh®. mjdhš,
fhªÂaofŸ mŠriya«khis¤ bj‹dh£o‹ #h‹Áuhâ v‹wiH¤jh®.
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têtF¤jh®. kJiu Ûdh£Áa«k‹ Mya¤Â‰F¥ bgh‹D« bghUS« tH§»dh®.
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Må¤Â§fëš CŠrš ÂUéHh eilbgw V‰ghL brŒjh®. bfhŸël¤Âš

btŸs« V‰g£L k¡fŸ J‹ò‰wnghJ mt®fS¡F czÎ, cil, ciwÍŸ
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khÂç édh¡fŸ
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2. Ïuhâ k§f«khŸ brŒj mw¢brašfŸ ahit?.
15
விரிவானம்
இயல்
ஏழு வேலுநாச்சியார்
வணிகம் செய்ய வந்த ஆங்கிலேயர் சிறிது சிறிதாக நமது

நாட்டைக் கைப்பற்றிக் க�ொண்டனர். அவர்களை எதிர்த்து
வீ ர ப்போர் பு ரி ந்தவ ர ்க ள் பலர் . அ வ ர ்க ளு ள் வெ ற் றி
பெற்றவர்கள் சிலரே. வீரமும் அதனால் விளையும் வெற்றியும்
ப�ோருக்கு முக்கியமானவை. சூழ்நிலைக்கேற்பச் செயல்பட்டுப்
பெறும் வெற்றியே சிறந்தது. விடுதலைப்போரில் ஆண்களுக்கு
நிகராகச் செயல்பட்டு வெற்றி வாகை சூடிய பெண்களுள் ஒருவரைப் பற்றி அறிவ�ோம்
வாருங்கள்.
இராமநாதபுரத்தை ஆட்சி செய்த செல்லமுத்து மன்னரின் ஒரே மகள் வேலுநாச்சியார்.

தாய்மொழியாகிய தமிழ் மட்டும் அல்லாமல் ஆங்கிலம், பிரெஞ்சு, உருது ஆகிய
ம�ொழிகளையும் சிறப்பாகக் கற்றார். சிலம்பம், குதிரைஏற்றம், வாள்போர், வில்பயிற்சி
ஆகியவற்றையும் முறையாகக் கற்றுக் க�ொண்டார். சிவகங்கை மன்னர் முத்துவடுகநாதரை
மணந்து மகிழ்ச்சிய�ோடு வாழ்ந்து வந்தார்.
காளையார்கோவிலில் நடைபெற்ற ப�ோரில் முத்துவடுகநாதர் ஆங்கிலப் படையுடன்

ப�ோரிட்டு வீரமரணம் அடைந்தார். வேலுநாச்சியார் ஆங்கிலேயரை வென்று சிவகங்கையை
மீட்க உறுதி பூண்டார். திண்டுக்கல் க�ோட்டையில் தங்கி ஒரு படையைத் திரட்டிப் பயிற்சி
அளித்தார்.
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எட்டு ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பின்…
திண்டுக்கல் க�ோட்டையில் ஆல�ோசனைக் கூட்டம் ஒன்று நடந்து க�ொண்டிருந்தது.
கூட்டத்தின் நடுவே வீரமங்கை வேலுநாச்சியார் அமர்ந்திருந்தார். அவரைச் சுற்றி அமைச்சர்
தாண்டவராயன், தளபதிகளாகிய பெரிய மருது, சின்ன மருது மற்றும் குறுநில மன்னர்கள்
சிலர் இருந்தனர்.
“நாம் சிவகங்கையை இழந்து எட்டு ஆண்டுகள் ஆகிவிட்டன” வேலுநாச்சியார் கவலை

நிறைந்த குரலில் கூறினார்.
“கவலைப்படாதீர்கள் அரசியாரே, நாம் சிவகங்கையை மீட்கும் நேரம் நெருங்கிவிட்டது”

என்றார் அமைச்சர் தாண்டவராயன்.
”அந்த இனிய நாளைத்தான் நானும் ஆவலுடன் எதிர்பார்த்துக் க�ொண்டு இருக்கிறேன்”

என்றார் வேலுநாச்சியார்.
அப்போது வெளியே பெரும் ஆரவாரம் கேட்டது. “மைசூரிலிருந்து ஐதர்அலி அனுப்பிய

படை வந்துவிட்டது என நினைக்கிறேன்” என்றார் வேலுநாச்சியார்.
அப்போது அறையின் வாயிலில் வீரன் ஒருவன் வந்து நின்றான். ”அரசியாருக்கு

வணக்கம். மைசூரில் இருந்து ஐயாயிரம் குதிரைப் படை வீரர்கள் வந்துள்ளனர்”
என்றான். ”அப்படியா? மகிழ்ச்சி. அவர்களை ஓய்வு எடுக்கச் ச�ொல். நான் பிறகு வந்து
பார்க்கிறேன்” என்றார் வேலுநாச்சியார். வீரன் வெளியேறினான்.
”ஐதர்அலி உறுதியாகப் படையை அனுப்புவார் என்று எனக்கு முன்பே தெரியும்

அரசியாரே” என்றார் அமைச்சர் தாண்டவராயன்.
”எதனால் அப்படிச் ச�ொல்கிறீர்கள்?”
”நாம் இருவரும் ஐதர்அலியைச் சந்திக்க மைசூர் சென்றோம் அல்லவா? அப்போது

தாங்கள் அவரிடம் உருதும�ொழியில் பேசினீர்கள். அப்போது அவர் முகத்தில் பெரிய
மகிழ்ச்சி த�ோன்றியதை நான் கண்டேன்” என்றார் தாண்டவராயன்.
” ந ம் அ ர சி ய ா ரி ன் பன்மொ ழி
அறிவு நமக்குப் பெரிய நன்மையைத்
தந்திருக்கிறது” என்றார் சின்ன மருது.
” ஆ ம் . நம து வீ ர ர ்க ளு ட ன்
ஐதர்அலியின் ஐயாயிரம் குதிரைப்படை
வீரர ்க ளும் சேர்ந் து விட்டனர். நா ம்
படை யு ட ன் ந ா ள ை சி வ க ங ்கையை
மீட்கப் புறப்படலாம் அல்லவா?” என்று
கேட்டார் பெரிய மருது.
”என் கணவர் க�ொல்லப்பட்ட ஊர்

க ா ள ை ய ா ர ் க ோ வி ல் . எ னவே ந ா ம்
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முதலில் காளையார்கோவிலைக் கைப்பற்றுவ�ோம். பிறகு சிவகங்கையை மீட்போம்”
என்றார் வேலு நாச்சியார். அனைவரும் அதனை ஏற்றுக்கொண்டனர். மறுநாள்
காளையார்கோவில் ந�ோக்கி வேலுநாச்சியார் படை புறப்பட்டது. ஆண்கள் படைப்பிரிவுக்கு
மருது சக�ோதரர்களும் பெண்கள் படைப்பிரிவுக்குக் குயிலியும் தலைமை ஏற்றனர்.
காளையார்கோவிலில் வேலுநாச்சியாரின் படைக்கும் ஆங்கிலேயரின் படைக்கும்

இடையே கடுமையான ப�ோர் நடைபெற்றது. இறுதியில் ஆங்கிலேயரின் படை த�ோற்று
ஓடியது.
”அரசியார் அவர்களே! காளையார்கோவில் நம் கைக்கு வந்து விட்டது. நாம் இப்போதே

சிவகங்கைக் க�ோட்டையைத் தாக்கினால் ஆங்கிலேயரை விரட்டியடித்து விடலாம்” என்றார்
பெரிய மருது. “அவசரம் வேண்டாம். இப்போது சிவகங்கைக் க�ோட்டைக் கதவுகள்
அடைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும். வரும் விஜயதசமித் திருநாள் அன்று கதவுகள் திறக்கப்படும்.
அப்போது நமது படைகள் உள்ளே நுழையலாம்” என்றார் வேலுநாச்சியார்.
”அப்போதும் பெரிய காவல் இருக்குமே” என்றார் சின்ன மருது.
” வி ஜ ய த ச மி ந ா ளி ல் க�ோட்டைக் கு ள் ச ெ ல ்வ த ற் கு ப்
பெண்களுக்கு மட்டும் அனுமதி உண்டு. நமது பெண்கள்
பிரிவினர் கூடைகளில் பூக்கள், பழங்கள் ஆகியவற்றுடன்
ஆ யு த ங ்கள ை யு ம் மறை த் து க் க�ொண் டு க�ோட்டைக் கு ள்
செல்லட்டும். உள்ளே அவர்கள் தாக்குதலைத் த�ொடங்கியதும்
நம து ஆ ண ்க ள் பி ரி வி ன ரு ம் க�ோட்டைக் கு ள் நு ழைந் து
தாக்கட்டும். ஆங்கிலேயரை விரட்டியடித்து விடலாம்” என்றார்
வேலுநாச்சியார்.
”அப்படியே செய்யலாம் அரசியாரே. இன்னும் ஒரு செய்தி.

தங்களைக் காட்டிக் க�ொடுக்குமாறு உடையாள் என்னும்
பெண்ணை ஆங்கிலேயர்கள் வற்புறுத்தினார்களாம். அவள்
மறுத்ததால் க�ொன்றுவிட்டார்களாம். அவளுக்கு நாம் உரிய
நடுகல்
முறையில் சிறப்புச் செய்ய வேண்டும்” என்றார் அமைச்சர்
தாண்டவராயன்.
”அவளுக்கு ஒரு நடுகல் நடுவதற்கு ஏற்பாடு செய்யுங்கள் அமைச்சரே. அவளது

பெருமையை எல்லோரும் அறிந்து க�ொள்ளட்டும்” என்றார் வேலுநாச்சியார்.
”அப்படியே செய்வோம்” என்றார் அமைச்சர்.
வி ஜ ய த ச மி க் கு மு த ல் ந ா ள் சி வ க ங ்கையை ந�ோக் கி ப் பு ற ப்பட்ட து படை .

வழியில் உடையாளுக்காக நடப்பட்ட நடுகல் முன்பு குதிரையில் இருந்து இறங்கினார்
வேலுநாச்சியார். தாம் வைத்திருந்த தாலியை எடுத்து அந்த நடுகல்லுக்குக் காணிக்கையாகச்
செலுத்தி வணங்கினார். அருகில் நின்ற வீரர்கள் ”உடையாள் புகழ் ஓங்குக” என்று
முழக்கமிட்டனர்.
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ேலட �றுொள் காலை சி்வகஙலகலே
அலட்நதது. வைரிநது வைளி்ைாம்
” அ ர சி ே ா ய ர , ெ ா ன் ெ � து ச ே ண க ள்
ேலடப்பிரிவுடன் �ாறுய்வடத்தில் உள்யை ய்வலுொச்சிோரின் காைம் 1730-1796
செல்கியறன். உள்யை சென்றதும் அஙகுள்ை ய்வலுொச்சிோர சி்வகஙலகலே மீட்ட
ஆயுதக கிடஙகுககு எப்ேடிோ்வது தீ ல்வத்து ஆணடு 1780.
விடுகியறன். தீ எரி்வது சதரி்நததும் ெம் ேலட ஜான்சிராணிககு முன்யே ஆஙகியைேலர
உள்யை நுலழேட்டும்” என்று கூறிைாள் எ தி ர த் து வீ ர ப் ய ே ா ர பு ரி ்ந த ்வ ர
குயிலி. ய்வலு ொச்சிோர.
”அப்ேடியே ஆகட்டும்” என்றார ய்வலு ொச்சிோர.
குயிலியும் சேணகள் ேலடயிைரும் யகாட்லடககுள் சென்றைர. சிறிது யெரத்தில்

யகாட்லடககுள் சேரும் கூச்ெல் எழு்நதது. உள்யை உேர�ாகத் தீ எரி்வது சதரி்நதது.
”ெ�து ேலட உள்யை நுலழேட்டும்” என்று ஆலணயிட்டார ய்வலுொச்சிோர. ேலட

வீரரகள் யகாட்லடககுள் ோய்்நது சென்றைர. ஆஙகியைேரின் ேலடயுடன் கடுல�ோகப்
யோரிட்டைர. இறுதியில் ஆஙகிைப்ேலட யதால்விேலட்நது யகாட்லடலேவிட்டு ஓடிேது.
”ச்வற்றி ச்வற்றி” என்று முழககமிட்டைர வீரரகள்.
”இ்நத ச்வற்றிககுக காரண�ாை குயிலி எஙயக?” என்று யகட்டார ய்வலுொச்சிோர.
”குயிலி தன் உடலில் தீ ல்வத்துக சகாணடு ஆயுதக கிடஙகுககுள் குதித்துவிட்டாள்”

எை வீரரகள் கூறிைாரகள்.
”குயிலி தன் உயிலரத் த்நது ெம்ொட்லட மீட்டுக சகாடுத்திருககிறாள். அ்வைது

துணிவுககும் திோகத்திற்கும் வீரத்திற்கும் தலை்வணஙகுகியறன்” என்று உணரச்சிப்
சேருகயகாடு கூறிைார ய்வலுொச்சிோர.
ய்வலுொச்சிோரின் வீரம், �ருது ெயகாதரரகளின் ஆற்றல், ஐதரஅலியின் உதவி

ஆகிே்வற்யறாடு குயிலியின் திோகமும் இலண்நததால் சி்வகஙலக மீட்கப்ேட்டது.
கற்பவை கற்றபின்
இககலதலே ொடக�ாக ்வகுப்ேலறயில் ெடித்துக காட்டுக.
மதிப்பீடு
1. ய்வலுொச்சிோர ஐதரஅலியின் உதவிலே எவ்வாறு சேற்றார?

2. ய்வலுொச்சிோர சி்வகஙலகலே மீட்ட நிகழல்வச் சுருகக�ாக எழுதுக.
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Unit - 9
Freedom Struggle
in Tamil Nadu
Learning Objectives
To acquaint ourselves with:
Anti-colonial struggles in Tamil Nadu
Contribution of Christian missionaries to the development of education
and amelioration of the depressed classes
Challenge of the Justicites to the Congress in Tamil Nadu
Militant mass movement of the Congress in Tamil Nadu
Introduction Early Nationalist

9.1
Stirrings in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu showed the lead in resisting
colonial rule. As early as the late eighteenth By the middle of the nineteenth century
century the Palayakarars, resisted the a group of educated middle class emerged in
English attempts to establish their political Madras and began to show interest in public
hegemony in Tamil Nadu. Even after the affairs. As in other parts of India, they formed
political associations, such as the Madras
defeat of the Palayakarars, an uprising was
Native Association and the Madras Mahajana
organised by Indian sepoys and officers in
Sabha to articulate their grievances.
Vellore Fort in 1806 that had its echoes in
several cantonments in south India. Thanks
(a) Madras Native Association
to the introduction of Western education
and eventual emergence of educated Indian The Madras Native Association (MNA)
was the earliest organisation to be founded in
middle class, the struggle against the British
south India to articulate larger public rather
took the constitutional path. The freedom
than sectarian interests. It was started by
struggle in Tamil Nadu was unique, because
Gazulu Lakshminarasu, Srinivasanar and their
from the beginning it was not only a struggle associates in 1852. It consisted primarily of
for independence from the English rule but merchants. The objective was to promote the
also a struggle for independence from social interests of its members and their focus was on
disability imposed by the obnoxious caste reduction in taxation. It also protested against
system. In this lesson we shall study the role the support of the government to Christian
played by nationalists wedded to diverse missionary activities. It drew the attention of
ideologies in Tamil Nadu. the government to the condition and needs
55

of the people. One of the (c) Madras Mahajana Sabha
important contributions
Madras Mahajana Sabha (MMS) was
of the MNA was its
the earliest organisation in south India with
agitation against torture
clear nationalist objectives. It was the training
of the peasants by revenue
ground for the first generation of nationalist
officials. These efforts led
leaders. On 16 May 1884 MMS was started
to the establishment of the
by M. Veeraraghavachari, P. Anandacharlu,
Torture Commission and
Gazalu P. Rangaiah and few others. P. Rangaiah became
the eventual abolition of the
Lakshminarasu its first president. P. Anandacharlu played
Torture Act, which justified
an active role as its secretary. The members
the collection of land revenue through
met periodically, debated public issues in
torture. However, by 1862, the Madras Native
closed meetings, conducted hall meetings and
Association had ceased to exist.
communicated their views to the government.
(b) Beginnings of the The objective of MMS was to create a consensus
Nationalist Press: The Hindu among people of different parts of the
and Swadesamitran Presidency on various issues of public interest
and to present it to the government. Its demands
included conduct of simultaneous civil services
examinations in England and India, abolition
of the Council of India in London, reduction
of taxes and reduction of civil and military
expenditure. Many of its demands were adopted
later by the Indian National Congress founded
in 1885.
T. Muthuswami G. Subramaniam
(d) Moderate Phase
The appointment of T. Muthuswami as
Provincial associations such as the Madras
the first Indian Judge of the Madras High
Mahajana Sabha led to the formation of an
Court in 1877 created a furore in Madras
all-India organisation, the Indian National
Presidency. The entire press in Madras
Congress Leaders from different parts of India
criticized the appointment of an Indian as a
attended several meetings before the formation
Judge. The press opposed his appointment
of the Congress. One such meeting was held
and the educated youth realized that the
in December 1884 in Theosophical Society. It
press was entirely owned by Europeans. The
was attended by Dadabhai Naoroji, K.T. Telang,
need for a newspaper to express the Indian
Surendranath Banerjee and other prominent
perspective was keenly felt. G. Subramaniam,
leaders apart from G. Subramaniam, Rangaiah
M. Veeraraghavachari and four other friends
and Anandacharlu from Madras.
together started a newspaper The Hindu in
1878. It soon became the vehicle of nationalist
propaganda. G. Subramaniam also started a
Tamil nationalist periodical Swadesamitran
in 1891 which became a daily in 1899. The
founding of The Hindu and Swadesamitran
provided encouragement to the starting
of other native newspapers such as Indian
Patriot, South Indian Mail, Madras Standard,
Desabhimani, Vijaya, Suryodayam and India.
Dadabhai Naoroji Gokhale
Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu 56

Prominent Nationalists of Tamil
Nadu in the Moderate phase
The early nationalists believed
in constitutional methods. Their
activities consisted of conducting
hall meetings and deliberating the
problems of the country in English.
V.S. Srinivasa Sastri P.S. Sivasamy G.A. Natesan
These views were communicated
to the government in a language couched in a liberal discourse in the form of petitions, prayers,
memoranda, and as evidence in various government commissions of enquiry. When, at the time of
Partition of Bengal, Tilak and other leaders adopted popular methods such as mass public meetings,
and used vernacular languages to address the larger public, the early nationalists came to be known
as moderates. The distinguished Tamil Moderates from Madras: V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, P.S. Sivasamy,
V. Krishnasamy, T.R. Venkatramanar, G.A. Natesan, T.M. Madhava Rao, and S. Subramaniar. The
primary contribution of moderates lies in exposing the liberal claims of the British: they exposed
how the British exploited India and their hypocrisy in following democratic principles in England
and imposing an unrepresentative government in the colonies.
The first session of the Indian National 9.2 Swadeshi Movement

Congress was held in 1885 at Bombay. Out of
The partition of Bengal (1905) led to
a total of 72 delegates 22 members were from
the Swadeshi Movement and changed the
Madras. G. Subramaniam through his
course of the struggle for freedom. In various
writings advanced the cause of nationalism.
parts of India, especially Bengal, Punjab and
He ranks with Naoroji and Gokhale for his
Maharashtra popular leaders emerged. They
contribution to the understanding of the
implemented the programme of the Calcutta
economic exploitation of India by the British.
Congress which called upon the nation to
The second session promote Swadeshi enterprise, boycott foreign
of the Indian National goods and promote national education. The
Congress was held in Swadeshi movement made a deep impact in
Calcutta in 1886, with Tamil Nadu. The Congress carried on a vigorous
Dadabhai Naoroji in the campaign for boycott of foreign goods.
Chair. The third session
was held at Makkis (a) Response in Tamilnadu
Garden, now known as Badruddin Tyabji V.O. Chidambaranar, V. Chakkaraiyar,
the Thousand lights, in Madras in 1887 with Subramania Bharati and Surendranath
Badruddin Tyabji as president. Out of the 607 Arya were some of the prominent leaders
all India delegates of 362 were from Madras in Tamilnadu. Public meetings attended by
Presidency. thousands of people were
organised in various
parts of Tamilnadu.
Tamil Nadu was then part of the Madras Tamil was used on the
Presidency which included large parts of the public platform for the
present-day states of Andhra Pradesh (Coastal first time to mobilise
districts and Rayalaseema), Karnataka the people. Subaramania
(Bengaluru, Bellary, South Canara), Kerala Bharati’s patriotic songs
(Malabar) and even Odisha (Ganjam). were especially important V.O. Chidambaranar
57 Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu

in stirring patriotic emotions. Many journals of four people in police firing. V.O.C. was treated
were started to propagate Swadeshi ideals. harshly in prison and was made to pull the heavy
Swadesamitran and India were prominent oil press. Others to be arrested included G.
journals. The extremist leader Bipin Chandra Subramaniam and Ethiraj Surendranath Arya.
Pal toured Madras and delivered lectures To avoid imprisonment Subramania Bharati
which inspired the youth. Students and youth moved to Pondicherry which was under French
participated widely in the Swadeshi Movement. rule. Bharati’s example was followed by many
other nationalists such as Aurobindo Ghosh and
Swadeshi Steam Navigation V. V. Subramanianar. The brutal crackdown on
Company Swadeshi leaders virtually brought the Swadeshi
One of the most Movement to a close in Tamil Nadu.
enterprising acts in pursuance
of swadeshi was the launching of (b) Revolutionary Activities in
the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Tamil Nadu
Company at Thoothukudi As elsewhere the Swadeshi movement
by V.O. Chidambaranar. He inspired the youth. Left leaderless, they turned
purchased two ships Gallia to the revolutionary path. Pondicherry provided
and Lavo and plied them between Thoothukudi a safe haven for the revolutionaries. Many of
and Colombo. However, due to cutthroat these revolutionaries in Tamil Nadu were
competition from the European company introduced and trained in revolutionary
and the blatantly partisan role played by the activities at India House in London and in Paris.
government, V.O.C’s efforts ended in failure. M.P.T. Acharya, V.V. Subramanianar and T.S.S.
Rajan were prominent among them.
Tirunelveli Uprising Revolutionary literature was distributed by
them in Madras through Pondicherry. Radical
papers such as India, Vijaya and Suryodayam
came out of Pondicherry. Such revolutionary
papers and Bharati’s poems were banned as
seditious literature. These activities in
Pondicherry intensified with the arrival of
Aurobindo Ghosh and V.V. Subramanianar in
1910. These activities continued till the outbreak
Bipin Chandra Pal Bharati of the First World War.
V.O.C joined with Subramania Siva in
organising the mill workers in Thoothukudi
and Tirunelveli. In 1908, he led a strike in the
European-owned Coral Mills. It coincided with
the release of Bipin Chandra Pal. V.O.C and
Subramania Siva, who organised a public meeting
to celebrate the release of Bipin, were arrested.
The two leaders were charged with sedition V.V. Subramanianar Aurobindo Gosh
and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment.
Initially V.O.C. was given a draconian sentence Ashe Murder
of two life imprisonments. The news of the In 1904 Nilakanta Brahmachari and
arrest sparked riots in Tirunelveli leading to others started Bharata Matha Society, a secret
the burning down of the police station, court society. The objective was to kill British officials
building and municipal office. It led to the death and thereby kindle patriotic fervour among

the people. Vanchinathan of Senkottai, was the working classes by forming trade unions.
influenced by this organisation. On 17 June 1911 Not only did they succeed in improving their
he shot dead Robert W.D’E. Ashe, Collector of working conditions, they made them part of the
Tirunelveli in Maniyachi Junction. After this he struggle for freedom. However, with the rise of
shot himself. Divorced from the people these Gandhi as a national leader Annie Besant and
young revolutionaries, despite their patriotism, the Home Rule Leagues were eclipsed.
failed to inspire and mobilize the people.
Non-Brahmin
(c) Annie Besant and the Home
9.3 Movement and the
Rule Movement
Challenge to Congress
While the extremists and revolutionaries
were suppressed with an iron hand, the In the meanwhile, there was rapid growth
in education in the Madras Presidency. There
moderates hoped for some constitutional
was an increase in the number of educated non-
reforms. However, they were disappointed with
Brahmins. Intense political and social activity
the Minto-Morley reforms as it did not provide
discussed above politicised the educated
for responsible government. Despite this the
non-Brahmins. They raised the issue of caste
Congress extended support to the British war
discrimination and unequal opportunities in
effort in the hope of getting more reforms.
government employment and representation
Thus when the national movement was in in elected bodies, which were dominated by
its ebb, Annie Besant, an Irish lady and leader of Brahmins. Further, the Congress was also
the Theosophical Society, proposed the Home overwhelmingly composed of Brahmins.
Rule Movement on the model of Irish Home
Rule League. She started Home Rule League (a) The South Indian Liberal
in 1916 and carried forward the demand for Federation
home rule all over India. G.S. Arundale, B.P. The non-Brahmins organised themselves
Wadia and C.P. Ramaswamy assisted her in into political organisations to protect their
this campaign. They demanded home rule with interests. In 1912 the Madras Dravidian
only a nominal allegiance to British Crown. Association was founded. C. Natesanar played
She started the newspapers New India and an active role as its secretary. In June 1916 he
Commonweal to carry forward her agenda. She established the Dravidian Association Hostel for
remarked, “Better bullock carts and freedom non-Brahmin students. He also played a key role
than a train deluxe with subjection”. Under the in bridging the differences between two leading
Press Act of 1910 Annie Besant was asked to pay non-Brahmin leaders of the time, Dr. T.M. Nair
hefty amount as security. She wrote two books, and P. Thyagarayar. Both of them were earlier
How India wrought for Freedom and India: A part of the Congress and were disillusioned
Nation and a pamphlet on self-government. by how non-Brahmins were sidelined in the
organisation. On 20 November 1916 a meeting
Students joined the movement in large
of about thirty non-Brahmins was held under
numbers who were trained in Home Rule
the leadership of P. Thyagarayar, Dr. T.M. Nair
classes. They were formed into boy scouts and
and C. Natesanar at Victoria Public Hall in
volunteer troops. Annie Besant and her co-
Chennai. The South Indian Liberal Federation
workers were interned and prohibited from
(SILF) was founded to promote the interests of
making public speeches or involve in any
the non-Brahmins. They also launched three
political activity. Annie Besant was elected
newspapers: Justice in English, Dravidian in
the President of the Congress session of 1917.
Tamil and Andhra Prakasika in Telugu. Soon
Members of the Home Rule Movement such
the SILF began to be popularly known as Justice
as B.P. Wadia played a key role in organising

Party after its English daily. The Justice Party later became the Public Service Commission,
also held several conferences throughout the enactment of Hindu Religious Endowment
Presidency to set up branches. Act and Madras State Aid to Industries Act,
Demand for Reservation abolition of devadasi system, allotment of
poromboke lands (waste government lands) to
The Non-Brahmin Manifesto was released
the poor for housing and extension of primary
outlining its objectives viz., reservation of
education to the depressed classes through fee
jobs for non-Brahmins in government service,
concessions, scholarships and mid-day meals.
and seats in representative bodies. It opposed
the Home Rule Movement as a movement of (b) Government’s Repressive
Brahmins and feared that Home Rule might Measures: Rowlatt Act
give them more power. It also criticised Given the important contribution of
the Congress as a party of the Brahmins. India (especially the soldiers who fought in
Montagu’s announcement of political reforms far-off lands in the cause of Empire) in World
in the Parliament in 1917 intensified political War I Indians expected more reforms from
discussions in Tamil Nadu. The Justice Party Britain. However, a draconian Anarchical and
demanded communal representation (i.e. Revolutionary Crimes Act, popularly known
representation for various communities in as the Rowlatt Act, after the name of Sir Sidney
society). The Madras Government was also Rowlatt, who headed the committee that
supportive of the Justice Party as the latter recommended it was passed in 1919. Under the
believed that English rule was conducive for Act anyone could be imprisoned on charges of
the development of the non-Brahmins. The terrorism without due judicial process. Indians
Act of 1919 provided reservation of seats were aghast at this. Gandhi gave voice to the
to non-Brahmins, a move criticised by the anger of the people and adopted the Satyagraha
Congress but welcomed by the Justice Party. method that he had used in South Africa.
Justice Ministry Rowlatt Satyagraha
On 18 March 1919
Gandhi addressed a
meeting on Marina Beach.
On 6 April 1919 hartal
was organised to protest
against the “Black Act”.
Protest demonstrations
were held at several parts of
Tamil Nadu. Processions
A Subbarayalu Raja of Panagal from many areas of the S. Satyamurty
The Congress boycotted the elections city converged in the
of 1920. The Justice Party won 63 of 98 Marina beach where there was a large gathering.
elected seats in the Legislative Council. They devoted the whole day to fasting and
A. Subburayalu of the Justice Party became the prayer in the Marina beach. Madras Satyagraha
first chief minister. After the 1923 elections, Sabha was formed. Rajaji, Kasturirangar,
Raja of Panagal of the Justice Party formed the S. Satyamurty and George Joseph addressed the
ministry. The Justice Party introduced various meeting. A separate meeting of workers was
measures for the benefit of non-Brahmins. addressed by V. Kalyanasundaram (Thiru. V. Ka)
They were reservation of appointments in B.P. Wadia and V.O.C. An important aspect of the
local bodies and education institutions, movement was that the working classes, students
establishment of Staff Selection Board which and women took part in large numbers.

George Joseph branch of the Muslim
League. As a result, the
George Joseph, a Hindus and the Muslims
barrister and eloquent cooperated closely during
speaker, played a leading the course of the movement
role in organising and in Tamil Nadu. A Congress
publicising the cause of volunteer corps was set up Yakub Hasan
Home Rule League in to distribute pamphlets,
Madurai. Though born carry flags during processions and to maintain
in Chengannur (Alappuzha district, Kerala order in the meetings. They also played an
State), he chose to settle down in Madurai important part in picketing of liquor shops.
and practice as a people’s lawyer. In the course
of his long public life, he led the Vaikkom (a) No Tax Campaigns and
Satyagraha in Kerala, as he viewed it as an Temperance Movement
issue of civil rights for all citizens of India. As part of the non-cooperation movement,
He championed the cause of the “Criminal in many places, cultivators refused to pay taxes.
Tribes” of Tamilnadu. He was fondly called A no-tax campaign took place in Thanjavur.
“Rosaappu Durai” by the people of Madurai Councils, schools and courts were boycotted.
for the services he rendered to the affected Foreign goods were boycotted. There were
communities. He helped the Harvey Mill a number of workers’ strikes all over region,
workers of Madurai to set up Madurai Labour many of them led by nationalist leaders. One
Union (1918). The Union's initial struggles of the important aspects of the movement in
resulted in higher wages and reduced work Tamil Nadu was the temperance movement or
hours for the mill workers. movement against liquor. Toddy shops were
picketed. Demonstrations and hartals were
(c) Khilafat Movement
organised in all parts of the Presidency. There
Following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre were also agitations by communities against the
General Dyer who was responsible for it was Criminal Tribes Act. In November 1921 it was
not only acquitted of all charges but rewarded. decided to organise civil disobedience. Rajaji,
After the First World War the Caliph of Turkey Subramania Sastri and EVR were arrested. The
was humiliated and deprived of all powers. visit of Prince of Wales on 13 January 1922 was
To restore the Caliph the Khilafat Movement boycotted. In the police repression two were
was started. Muslims who had largely kept killed and many injured. The Non-Cooperation
from the nationalist movement now joined it Movement was withdrawn in 1922 after the
in huge numbers. In Tamil Nadu Khilafat Day Chauri Chaura incident in which 22 policemen
was observed on 17 April 1920, with a meeting were killed.
presided over by Maulana Shaukat Ali. Another
such conference was held at Erode. Vaniyambadi (b) E.V.R. and the Constructive
was as the epicenter of Khilafat agitation. Programme
Non-Cooperation E.V.R. played an important role in Tamil
9.4 Nadu during this period. He campaigned
Movement
vigorously for the promotion and sale of khadi.
Tamil Nadu was active during the In his opposition to consumption of liquor he
Non-cooperation Movement. C. Rajaji and cut down an entire coconut grove owned by him.
E.V. Ramaswamy (EVR, later known as Periyar) He also played a key role in the satyagraha for
provided the leadership. Rajaji worked closely temple entry in Vaikom, then under Travancore.
with Yakub Hasan, founder of the Madras It was a time when the depressed classes were

not even permitted to walk on the streets around (c) Swarajists–Justicites Rivalry
the temple or come within a certain distance
Following the withdrawal of the Non-
of the upper castes. After the major leaders of
Cooperation Movement, the Congress was
Kerala were arrested, EVR went to Vaikom and
divided between ‘no-changers’ who wanted to
galvanised the movement. He was arrested and
continue the boycott of the councils and ‘pro-
sentenced to one-month imprisonment. He
changers who wanted to contest the elections
refused to leave Vaikom even after his release.
for the councils. Rajaji along with other staunch
He was arrested again for making inspiring
Gandhian followers opposed the council entry.
speeches and was sentenced to six months
Along with Kasturirangar and M.A. Ansari,
rigorous imprisonment. When he returned to
Rajaji advocated the boycott of the councils.
Erode after his release he was arrested for his
Opposition to this led to the formation of
speeches to promote khadi. In June 1925, the
the Swaraj Party within the Congress by
ban on the roads around the temple in Vaikom
Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru. In Tamil
was lifted. For his contribution against caste
Nadu the Swarajists were led by S. Srinivasanar
discrimination and temple entry agitation in
and S. Satyamurti.
Vaikom, Periyar was hailed as ‘Vaikom Hero’.
(d) Subbarayan Ministry
Cheranmadevi Gurukulam
In the elections held
Controversy
in 1926, the Swarajists won
However, by this time E.V.R. had become the majority of the elected
increasingly dissatisfied with the Congress. seats. However, it did not
He felt it was promoting the interests of accept office in accordance
the Brahmins alone. The Cheranmadevi with the Congress policy.
Gurukulam controversy and opposition Instead they supported an
to communal representation within the independent, P. Subbarayan P. Subbarayan
Congress led E.V.R. to leave the Congress. to form the ministry. The
To further the cause of national education, a
gurukulam was established in Cheranmadevi by Agitation for Removal of Neill Statue (1927)
V.V. Subramanianar. It received funds from the James Neill of the Madras Fusiliers
Congress. However, students were discriminated (infantry men with firearms) was brutal
on the basis of caste. Brahmin and Non-Brahmin in wreaking vengeance at Kanpur
students were made to dine separately and the (‘the Cawnpur massacre’, as it was called)
food served too was different. The issue was in which many English women and children
brought to the notice of E.V.R. who questioned were killed in the Great Rebellion of 1857.
the practice and severely criticised it along with Neill was later killed by an Indian sepoy.
another leader, Dr P. Varadarajulu. A statue was erected for him at Mount Road,
Madras. Nationalists saw this as an insult to
In the Kanchipuram Conference of Indian sentiments, and organised a series of
the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee held demonstrations in Madras. Protesters came
on 21 November 1925, he raised the issue from all over the Madras Presidency and
of representation for non-Brahmins in the were led by S. N. Somayajulu of Tirunelveli.
legislature. His efforts to achieve this since 1920 Many were arrested and sentenced to prison.
had met with failure. When the resolution was Gandhi, who visited Madras during the same
defeated, he left the Conference along with time, gave his support to the agitation. The
other non-Brahmin leaders who met separately. statue was finally moved to Madras Museum
Soon E.V.R. left the Congress and started the when Congress Ministry, led by C. Rajaji,
Self Respect Movement. formed the government in 1937.

Swarajists did not contest the 1930 elections on 12 March 1930. The Civil Disobedience
leading to an easy victory for the Justice Party. Movement was a mass movement with the
The Justice Party remained in office till 1937. participation of students, shopkeepers,
workers, women, etc. Demonstrations,
(e) Simon Commission Boycott
hartals, staging of swadeshi dramas and songs
In 1927 a statutory commission was were the order the day in both rural and
constituted under Sir John Simon to review urban areas. Tamil Nadu was in the forefront
the Act of 1919 and to suggest reforms. of the Civil Disobedience Movement. In
However, to the great disappointment of the city of Madras, shops were picketed and
Indians, it was an all-white commission foreign goods boycotted. Rajaji organised and
with not a single Indian member. So the led a salt satyagraha march to Vedaranyam.
Congress boycotted the Simon Commission. The march started from Tiruchirappalli on
In Madras, the Simon Boycott Propaganda 13 April 1930 and reached Vedaranyam in
Committee was set up with S. Satyamurti Thanjavur district on 28 April. A special song
as the president. There was widespread was composed for the march by Namakkal
campaign among the students, shopkeepers, V. Ramalinganar with the lines, “A War is
lawyers and commuters in train to boycott. ahead sans sword, sans bloodshed…Join
The arrival of Simon Commission in Madras this march.” Despite a brutal crackdown by
on 18 February 1929 was greeted with the police, the marching satyagrahis were
demonstrations and hartals. Black flags were provided a warm reception along the route.
waved against the Commission. The police On reaching Vedaranyam 12 volunteers
used force to suppress the protest. under the leadership of Rajaji broke the salt
law by picking up salt. Rajaji was arrested.
Civil Disobedience T.S.S.
Rajan, Rukmani Lakshmipathi,
9.5 Sardar Vedarathnam, C. Swaminathar and
Movement
K. Santhanam were among the prominent
(a) Towards Poorna Swaraj leaders who participated in the Vedaranyam
Salt Satyagraha.
In the 1920s, Congress with Gandhi in
leadership, was transforming into a broad-
based movement in Tamil Nadu. The Madras
session of the Indian National Congress in
1927 declared complete independence as its
goal. It appointed a committee under Motilal
Nehru to frame the constitutional reforms in
opposition to the Simon Commission. In the
1929 Lahore session of the Congress, Poorna
Swaraj (complete independence) was adopted
as the goal and on 26 January 1930 the national
flag was hoisted by Jawaharlal Nehru on
the banks of river Ravi as the declaration of Vedaranyam Salt March Memorial
independence.
(c) Widespread Agitations
(b) Salt March to Vedaranyam in Tamil Districts
When the Viceroy did not accept the The satyagrahis under the leadership of
demands put forward by Gandhi, he launched T. Prakasam and K. Nageswara Rao set up a
the Civil Disobedience Movement by setting camp at Udayavanam near Madras. However,
out on a Salt Satyagraha with a march to Dandi the police arrested them. It led to a hartal in

Madras. The clashes with Justice Party was trounced. Congress victory in
the police in Tiruvallikeni the elections clearly indicated its popularity
which lasted for three with the people.
hours on 27 April 1930 Rajaji formed the first
left three dead. Volunteers Congress Ministry. He
who attempted to offer salt introduced prohibition
Satyagraha in Rameswaram on an experimental basis
were arrested. Similar in Salem. To compensate
Rukmani
attempts at Uvari, Anjengo, Lakshmipathi for the loss of revenue he
Veppalodai, Thoothukudi introduced a sales tax.
and Tharuvaikulam were stopped. Mill On the social question,
workers struck work across the province. C. Rajaji
he opened temples to
Woman participated enthusiastically. Rukmani the ‘untouchables’. Efforts of T. Prakasam
Lakshmipathi was the first woman to pay penalty led to the appointment of a committee to
for violation of salt laws. Police used brutal enquire into the condition of the tenants in
force to suppress the movement. Bhashyam, the Zamindari areas. However, excepting
popularly known as Arya, hoisted the national debt conciliation boards to reduce rural
flag atop Fort St. George on 26 January 1932. indebtedness, no other measure was adopted.
Satyamurti actively picketed shops selling When the British involved India in the Second
foreign clothes, organised processions and World War without consulting the elected
distributed pamphlets. N.M.R.Subbaraman Congress ministries, the latter resigned.
and K. Kamaraj also played an important role.
Martyrdom of Tirupur Kumaran A temple entry programme with

“harijans” in Madurai Meenakshiamman
On 11 January 1932 temple was organised (9 July 1939) by
a procession carrying Vaidyanathar, L.N. Gopalsamy, President
national flags and singing and Secretary of Madurai Harijana Sevak
patriotic songs was Sangh respectively. The Temple Entry
brutally beaten by the Authorisation and Indemnity Act, 1939 for
police in Tirupur. O.K.S.R. the removal of the civil and social disabilities
Kumaraswamy, popularly against the “depressed classes” was passed.
Tirupur Kumaran, fell
dead holding the national Tirupur Kumaran (e) Anti-Hindi Agitation
flag aloft. He is hailed as One of the controversial measures of Rajaji
Kodikatha Kumaran. Thus, civil disobedience was the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory
movement was one of the largest mass subject in schools. This was considered to be
movements in Tamil Nadu with participation a form of Aryan and North Indian imposition
of people from all sections of the society. detrimental to Tamil language and culture,
and therefore caused much public resentment.
(d) First Congress Ministry
E.V.R. led a massive campaign against it.
The Government of India Act of 1935 He organised an anti-Hindi Conference at
introduced Provincial Autonomy. The Council Salem. It formulated a definite programme
of Ministers, responsible to the legislature, of action. The Scheduled Castes Federation
administered the provincial subjects. However, and the Muslim League extended its support
the Governor was empowered to disregard the to the anti-Hindi agitation. Natarajan and
advice of the elected government. In the 1937 Thalamuthu, two of the enthusiastic agitators
election the Congress emerged victorious. The died in prison. A rally was organised from

Tiruchirappalli to Madras. More than 1200 there were many instances of violence such as
protestors including E.V.R. were arrested. setting fire to post offices, cutting of telegraph
After the resignation of the Congress Ministry, lines and disrupting railway traffic.
the Governor of Madras who took over the Undying Mass Movement
reigns of administration removed Hindi as
All sections of the society participated
compulsory subject.
in the movement. There were a large
9.6 Quit India Struggle number of workers strike such as strikes in
Failure of the Cripps Buckingham and Carnatic Mills, Madras Port
Mission, war time Trust, Madras Corporation and the Electric
shortages and price rise Tramway. Telegraph and telephone lines were
created much discontent cut and public building burnt at Vellore and
among the people. On 8 Panapakkam. Students of various colleges
August 1942 the Quit India took active part in the protests. The airport
resolution was passed and in Sulur was attacked and trains derailed in
Gandhi gave the slogan Coimbatore. Congress volunteers clashed
‘Do or Die’. The entire K. Kamaraj with the military in Madurai. There were
Congress leadership was arrested overnight. police firings at Rajapalayam, Karaikudi and
K. Kamaraj while returning from Bombay Devakottai. Many young men and women also
noticed that at every railway station the police joined the INA. The Quit India Movement
waited with a list of local leaders and arrested was suppressed with brutal force.
them as they got down. Kamaraj gave the police The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, the
the slip and got down at Arakkonam itself. negotiations initiated by the newly formed
He then worked underground and organised Labour Party Government in England
people during the Quit India Movement. Rajaji resulting in India’s independence but sadly
and Satyamurti were arrested together when with partition of the country into India and
they went about distributing pamphlets. The Pakistan has formed part of the Lesson in
movement was widespread in Tamilnadu and Unit VIII.
SUMMARY
Contributions of Madras Native Association, Madras Mahajana Sabha and the nationalist
press to the growth of nationalism in Tamil Nadu are discussed.
Swadeshi phase of the Indian National Movement in Tamil Nadu, with focus on role played
by V.O.C., Subramania Siva, Subramania Bharathi, is detailed.
Non-Brahmin Movement throwing up challenges to nationalist politics during Dyarchy is
highlighted.
Non-cooperation Movement, E.V.R.’s differences with the Congress,the birth of Swaraj Party
at the national level and the Self-Respect Movement in the Tamil region are examined.
Tamil Nadu’s participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement organised to protest the
disappointment over Simon Commission and the Round Table Conferences are dealt with.
The elections under Government of India Act, 1935 and the formation of first Congress
Ministry in Madras under Rajaji are outlined.
Resignation of Congress Ministries following the outbreak of World War II, Quit India
Movement and Tamil participation in it are described.

GLOSSARY
leadership or dominance, especially by
hegemony மேலாதிக்கம்
one state or social group over others
obnoxious extremely unpleasant விரும்பத்தகாத, வெறுக்கப்படுகிற
biased information used to promote
propaganda கருத்துப் பரப்புரை, பிரச்சாரம்
political cause
consensus a general agreement கருத்து ஒருமைப்பாடு, முழு இசைவு
insincerity/two-facedness, dishonesty, lip

hypocrisy பாசாங்கு, ப�ோலிமை
service
திரட்டு, ப�ோருக்கெனப் படைகளை
mobilize prepare and organize
ஆயத்தமாக்கு
inciting or causing people to rebel against
seditious ஆட்சிக்கு எதிரான
the authority of a state or monarch
a protest meeting or march against
demonstration ப�ொது ஆர்ப்பாட்ட நிகழ்ச்சி
something
picket a blockade of a workplace or other venue மறியல்
unjust or differential treatment of
discrimination different categories of people, especially வேறுபாடு காட்டுகிற
on the grounds of caste, creed, etc.
boycott refuse to cooperate with or participate in புறக்கணி
brutal savagely violent க�ொடுமைமிக்க, இரக்கமற்ற
having devotion to and vigorous support

patriotic நாட்டுப்பற்று
for one’s own country
action of subduing someone or
repression அடக்குமுறை
something with force
assignment of electoral seats especially
reservation ஒதுக்கீடு
for some community
revolution forcible overthrow of a government புரட்சி, திடீர் ஆட்சிமாற்றம்
EXERCISE
2. Where was the third session of the Indian

I. C
hoose the National Congress held?
correct answer a) Marina b) Mylapore
c) Fort St. George d) Thousand Lights
1. Who was the first President of the Madras
Mahajana Sabha? 3. Who said “Better bullock carts and
a) T.M. Nair freedom than a train de luxe with
b) P. Rangaiah subjection”?
c) G. Subramaniam a) Annie Besant b) M. Veeraraghavachari
d) G.A. Natesan c) B.P. Wadia d) G.S. Arundale

4. Which among the following was SILF’s (iii) The Madras Mahajana Sabha demanded
official organ in English? conduct of civil services examinations
a) Dravidian b) Andhra Prakasika only in India
c) Justice d) New India (iv) V.S. Srinivasanar was an extremist.
5. Who among the following were Swarajists? a) (i) and (ii) are correct
a) S. Satyamurti b) Kasturirangar b) (iii) is correct
c) P. Subbarayan d) Periyar EVR c) (iv) is correct
6. Who set up the satyagraha camp in d) All are correct
Udyavanam near Madras? 2. (i) EVR did not participate in the Non-
a) Kamaraj b) Rajaji Cooperation Movement.
c) K. Santhanam d) T. Prakasam
(ii) R
ajaji worked closely with Yakub
7. Where was the anti-Hindi Conference Hasan of the Muslim League.
held?
(iii) Workers did not participate in the Non-
a) Erode b) Madras c) Salem d) Madurai
Cooperation Movement.
8. Where did the congress volunteers clash
(iv) Toddy shops were not picketed in Tamil
with the military during Quit India
Nadu.
Movement?
a) Erode b) Madras c) Salem d) Madurai a) (i) and (ii) are correct
b) (i) and (iii) are correct
II. Fill in the blanks c) (ii) is correct
1. ____________ was appointed the first d) (i), (iii) and (iv) are correct
Indian Judge of the Madras High Court. 3. Assertion (A): The Justice Party opposed
2. The economic exploitation of India was the Home Rule Movement.
exposed by ____________ through his Reason (R): The Justice Party feared that
writings. Home Rule would give the Brahmins more
3. Nilakanta Brahmachari started the secret power.
society named ____________. a) Both A and R are correct but R is not the
4. The starting of trade unions in Madras correct explanation
was pioneered by ____________. b) A is correct but R is wrong
5. The Dravidian Association Hostel for c) Both A and R are wrong
non-Brahmin students was established by d) Both A and R are correct and R is the
____________.
correct explanation
6. ____________ formed the first Congress
4. Assertion (A): EVR raised the issue
Ministry in Madras.
of representation for non-Brahmins in
7. ____________ was the founder of the
legislature.
Madras branch of the Muslim League.
Reason (R): During the first Congress
8. ____________ hoisted the national flag
Ministry, Rajaji abolished sales tax.
atop Fort St. George on 26 January 1932.
a) Both A and R are correct but R is not the
III. Choose the correct statement correct explanation
1. (i)
Madras Native Association was b) A is correct but R is wrong
founded in 1852. c) Both A and R are wrong
(ii)
Tamil nationalist periodical d) Both A and R are correct and R is the
Swadesamitran was started in 1891. correct explanation

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LESSON 17
ROLE OF TAMIL NADU IN THE INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Learning Objectives
After studying this lesson students will come to understand
1. The early nationalist uprisings in Tamil Nadu.
2. Swadeshi Movement.
3. Home Rule Movement in Tamil Nadu.
4. Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu.
5. Quit India Movement.
Tamil Nadu played an important role in the Indian National Movement. Even
prior to the Great Revolt of 1857, the rebellion in Panchalam Kuruchi, the 1801
“South Indian Rebellion” of the Marudu brothers and the Vellore Mutiny of 1806
were the early anti-colonial struggles in Tamil Nadu. During the nationalist era
Tamil Nadu provided the leaders like G. Subramania Iyer, V.O.C. Chidambaram
Pillai, Subramania Bharathi, C. Rajagopalachari and K. Kamaraj to the National
Movement. Besides, the nationalist movement in Tamil Nadu was as active as
elsewhere.
Beginning of the National Movement in Tamil Nadu
The earliest political organisation, the Madras Native Association was

started in July 1852. Lakshminarasu Chetty and Srinivasa Pillai were the founders
of this organization. The Madras Native Association was sharply critical of the
policies of the East India Company’s rule. Subsequently in 1884, the Madras
Mahajana Sabha was established by P. Anandacharlu and P. Rangaiya Naidu. The
Madras Native Association was ultimately merged with this organization.
The Madras Mahajana Sabha strongly supported the activities of the Indian
National Congress. It had also initiated social reform. G. Subramania Iyer performed
the remarriage of his widowed daughter in December 1889. He moved the first
resolution in the first session of the Indian National Congress in 1885. He started
the nationalist papers like The Hindu in English and Swadeshamitran in Tamil. In
1892, the Madras Provincial Conference was started to mobilize people in the rural
areas of Tamil Nadu. The third session of the Indian National Congress was held
in Madras in 1887 under the presidentship of Fakruddin Thyabji. Later a number of
such annual sessions were also held in the city of Madras.
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Swadeshi Movement in Tamil Nadu
The Partition of Bengal in 1905 led to the beginning of

Swadeshi Movement in Tamil Nadu. During this period the
important leaders of the National Movement were – V.O.
Chidambaram Pillai, Subramania Siva and Subramania
Bharathi. In May 1907 Bharathi brought Bipin Chandra Pal
one of the leaders of extremists in the Congress to Madras
city. After the Surat split in 1907, V.O.C. and fellow nationalists
started the Chennai Jana Sangam. Subramania Bharathi
SubramanIa was a non-conformist, unorthodox and a
Bharathi revolutionary in social and political ideas.
He edited the Tamil Weekly India. He wrote nationalist songs
called the Swadesa Geethangal.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai was a lawyer by profession

and he joined the nationalist movement in 1905. He was a
follower of Bal Ganghadar Tilak. He led the Coral Mill Strike
in February 1908 in Tuticorin. In 1906 he launched the subramania siva
Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in Tuticorin. Hence
he was called Kappalottiya Tamilan. There was competition between Swadeshi
Steam Navigation Company and British India Steam Navigation Company. V.O.C.
advocated the boycott of the British India Steam Navigation Company and this
had resulted in the Tirunelveli uprising in March 1908. He was ably assisted by
Subramania Siva. Both were arrested and imprisoned. They
served six years rigorous imprisonment. They were given
harsh punishment inside the prison. V.O.C. was asked to draw
an oil press and hence he is known as Chekkilutta Chemmal.
The arrest of the nationalist leaders, harsh punishment for the

nationalist leaders inside the prison and the collapse of the
Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company led to the formation
V.O. Chidambaram of a revolutionary organization in Tamil Nadu called the
Bharathamatha Association. Nilakanta Bramachari played a
vital role in it. One of the followers of this association Vanchi Nathan shot dead the
notorious British official Robert William Ashe at Maniyatchi junction in June 1911.
Home Rule Movement in Tamil Nadu
The Home rule Movement in Madras was organized by

Mrs. Annie Besant between 1916 and 1918.The first indication
of Annie Besant’s decision to launch a Home Rule Movement
appeared in New India in September 1915. Besant sought the
support of the Indian National Congress at its annual meeting at
Annie Besant
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Bombay in December, 1915. She was supported in her movement by Tilak. Home
Rule Movement was vigorous during the First World War.
Non-co-operation Movement
In Tamil Nadu the Non-co-operation Movement was strong during the years
1921—23. Beginning in March 1921 there were campaigns of Non-Cooperation
against the foreign regulations. In 1921 and 1922 there were campaigns against
the consumption of liquor in many parts of the province. Temperance campaign was
particularly prominent in Madurai. Non- Cooperation had been a success in Tamil
Nadu. C. Rajagopalachari, S. Satyamurthi and E. V. Ramaswami Naicker were the
important leaders of the Non- Cooperation Movement in Tamil Nadu. At that time
E. V. Ramaswami Naicker was the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress
Committee. C. Rajagopalachari stressed that the council boycott was a central part
of the Gandhian Programme. However, this view was not shared by Kasturi Ranga
Iyengar, Srinivasa Iyengar, Varadarajulu Naidu and Vijayaraghavachari.
In the meantime, Periyar E.V.R. launched the

Vaikom Satyagraha in Kerala against the practice of social
segregation. Later he resigned from the Congress and came
out on the social segregation issue at Seramandevi Guru
Kulam of V.V.S. Iyer. S. Satyamurthi of Pudukkottai was one
of the important freedom fighters. He led the anti-Simon
Campaign in 1929 when the Simon Commission visited Tamil
Nadu. K. Kamaraj
The other important nationalist leader was K. Kamaraj from Virudhunagar.
He participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha in 1924 and thus entered nationalist
movement. He was the vice-president and treasurer of the Ramnad District
Congress Committee in 1929. From the beginning, Kamaraj was the man of the
masses. He spoke in simple and direct language. He had a sound common sense
and practical wisdom. He was fully aware of the rural Tamil Nadu. He visited
each and every village and understood the different problems of the masses. He
always identified himself with the common man of Tamil Nadu. Thus, he really
brought the Congress movement to the villages in Tamil Nadu.
Salt Satyagraha
As part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi

launched the Salt Satyagraha. He undertook the Dandi
March in 1930. C. Rajagopalachari became the TNCC
president in April 1930. Authorized by TNCC and AICC to
direct the Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu Rajaji undertook the
C. Rajagopalachari famous Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha March. He selected
the route from Tiruchirappalli to Vedaranyam in Thanjauvr
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district. The March began on Tamil New Year’s Day (13th April). The March reached
Vedaranyam on 28 April 1930. Two days later Rajagopalachari was arrested for
breaking the salt laws. Some of the other important leaders who participated in
the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha were T.S.S. Rajan, Mrs. Lakshmipathi Sardar
Vedaratnam Pillai, C. Swaminatha Chetty and K.Santhanam.
Tiruppur Kumaran who led the flag march was fatally beaten. Since he
guarded the national flag in his hands he was called Kodi Kaththa Kumaran.
Commemorating his sacrifice the Goverment of India issued a postal stamp in his
honour.
Similarly, the National Movement was encouraged

by songs composed by Namakkal Kavinjar Ramalingam
Pillai. In his songs he praised the Gandhian methods in the
struggle for freedom. He sang that “a war is coming without
knife and blood”. This highlighted the Gandhian principle of
non-violent struggle against the British.
Tiruppur Kumaran
Quit India Movement
Later, in 1937 when elections were held in accordance with the 1935 Act,
Congress won the elections and formed the ministry in Madras headed by C.
Rajagopalachari. There were nine other ministers in his cabinet. The ministry was
in power from July 1937 to October 1939. The ministry had resigned along with
other Congress ministries in the different provinces over the issue of the Indian
involvement in the Second World War.
During Second War, after the failure of the Cripps’s Proposals Gandhi had
launched the Quit India Movement. In Tamil Nadu Quit India Movement drew the
factory workers, students and common people. It was a wide spread movement.
The Buckingham & Carnatic Mills, Port Trust and the Tramway workers joined the
movement in large numbers. Quit India Movement was launched in places like North
Arcot, Madurai and Coimbatore. There was police firing at Rajapalayam, Karaikudi
and Devakottai. Besides, Subhash Bose’s INA had many men and women soldiers
from Tamil Nadu.
Finally, when India attained independence on 15th August, 1947 the Madras
Government under O.P. Ramaswami Reddiar passed a resolution appreciating the
Indian Independence Act.
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Learning Outcome
After studying this lesson the student has understood that
1. Tamil Nadu played a significant role in the Indian Freedom Struggle.
2. Those leaders who led the masses from Tamil Nadu in the
Swadeshi Movement.
3. The role of C. Rajagopalachari and others in the Salt Satyagraha.
4. The nature of the Quit India Movement in Tamil Nadu.
5. Important places where people in large numbers participated in

this historic movement.
MODEL QUESTIONS
I. Choose the correct answer.
1. Who among the following moved the first resolution in the first session of the
Indian National Congress?
(a) Srinivasa Pillai (b) Lakshminarasu Chetty
(c) Rangaiya Naidu (d) G. Subramanya Iyer
2. The Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha was led by

(a) Gandhi (b) Rajaji

(c) V.O.C (d) Kamaraj
II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The Madras Native Association was started in _________
2. The Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company was launched by_______
III. Match the following.
1. Subramaniya Bharathi a. Swadesamithran
2. Mrs. Annie Besant b. Madras Mahajana Sabha
3. G. Subramanya Iyer c. India
4. P. Anandacharlu d. New India
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Introduction Palayakkarars (Poligar

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﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 4

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5 ﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

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7 ﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

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The Palayakarar system is explained.

﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 10

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dependent, a person who receives

defiant resisting, disobedient பணிய மறுக்கும்

harmony, peace, free from

audacious daring, fearless பயமற்ற, துணிவுமிக்க

ultimatum a final dominating demand இறுதி எச்சரிக்கை

payment or reward – something

trounce crush, defeat த�ோற்கடி

interned imprisoned சிறைப்படுத்தல்

3. Who had established close relationship

11 ﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

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13 ﻿ Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

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Based on the topographical

Mafuskhan along with Colonel Heron

Early Resistance to British Rule 131

The Nawab of Arcot placed many

132 Early Resistance to British Rule

Veera Pandiya Kattabomman

taxes. Collector Jackson wanted to send

Denied of courtesy, the palayakkarar and Thus in a bold attempt to strengthen

18.3 South Indian Rebellion

Presidency for a trial. The 2nd battalion Outbreak of Revolt

138 Early Resistance to British Rule

1st battalion of 1st Regiment

2nd battalion of 23rd Regiment

Early Resistance to British Rule 139

Colonel Gillespie is said to have of revenue farming system, the peasantry

140 Early Resistance to British Rule

Students will understand

1. The Causes for the Vellore Mutiny.

2. The objectives of this Mutiny.

3. The suppression of the Mutiny.

4. The nature of this anti-British uprising.

Sir John Cradock, the commander-in-chief, with the -approval of Lord-

The Vellore uprising was preceded by a series of protests by the Indian

Fettah Hyder received secret information through one Mohommed Malick.

Course of the Mutiny

The students have learnt

1. The multiple causes that led to this outbreak of Vellore sepoy

2. The grievances of the sepoys such as new rules and customs

3. The suppression of the revolt.

4. The nature of this anti-British rebellion.

(a) Doctrine of lapse

(b) Collection of Tributes

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 4

5 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

7 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu 10

11 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

13 Early Revolts against British Rule in Tamil Nadu

18.3 South Indian Rebellion

Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu 78

Nineteenth century India encountered a process of introspection among Indian intellectuals

79 Social Transformation in Tamil Nadu

Introduction Early Nationalist

Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu 56

57 Freedom Struggle in Tamil Nadu