Here’s a summary of the history of Veerapandiya Kattabomman (sometimes spelled “Veerabandiya Kattapomman” in colloquial usage), based on historical sources and tradition:
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Veerapandiya Kattabomman was born on 3 January 1760 in Panchalankurichi (in present-day Thoothukudi / Tirunelveli region, Tamil Nadu). (Wikipedia)
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He belonged to a Telugu‐speaking family and was part of the Rajakambala Nayakkar (or Nayakar) community. (Wikipedia)
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His father was Jagaveera Kattabomman Nayakar, who was a Palayakkarar (local chieftain / feudal landlord) of Panchalankurichi. (Wikipedia)
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Kattabomman succeeded his father (or inherited the responsibilities) when he turned 30, becoming the 47th Palayakkarar of Panchalankurichi. (Wikipedia)
Conflict with the British & Rebellion
Causes of conflict
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The British East India Company, in expanding its revenue and territorial control in southern India, attempted to reduce the power of polygars (local chieftains) by bypassing them in the tax collection system and imposing stricter revenue demands. (Wikipedia)
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Kattabomman viewed these moves as an infringement on his authority and sovereignty. He resisted paying certain tributes, sometimes citing hardships (e.g. drought) in his territory. (Wikipedia)
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A dispute arose with the British Collector (named Jackson) regarding residual taxes. When tension escalated, a clash occurred, in which a deputy commandant of the British forces, Clarke, was killed. (Wikipedia)
The military confrontation
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The British responded by sending forces under Major John Alexander Bannerman to suppress Kattabomman. (Wikipedia)
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Kattabomman’s forces defended the fort at Panchalankurichi but were disadvantaged by lack of heavy artillery and resources. (Wikipedia)
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After the fort’s defenses weakened, he shifted to guerrilla tactics, trying to evade and fight from forests and hideouts. (Wikipedia)
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Eventually, with the help of allied polygars (notably from Ettaiyapuram) and under pressure on the ruler of Pudukottai, Kattabomman was betrayed and captured on 1 October 1799. (Wikipedia)
Trial, execution, and aftermath
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After capture, Kattabomman was interrogated for about 15 days. (Wikipedia)
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He was sentenced to death and was hanged on 16 October 1799 in Kayathar (present‐day Tamil Nadu). (Wikipedia)
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A newly discovered copper inscription (dated 20 October 1799) in Ettayapuram confirms details of his execution and warns against hiding arms or aiding rebels. (The Times of India)
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After his execution:
Legacy & Impact
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Over time, Kattabomman became a folk hero and symbol of Tamil resistance against colonial rule. (Wikipedia)
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The hill of his execution, Kayathar, became a local shrine. (Wikipedia)
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In 1974, the Tamil Nadu government rebuilt / restored parts of the Panchalankurichi fort. (Wikipedia)
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A memorial is maintained by the Tamil Nadu government at Kayathar, and the remains of the fort are under protection by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). (Wikipedia)
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In 1999, on the bicentenary of his execution, India released a postal stamp in his honor. (Wikipedia)
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In popular culture, the 1959 Tamil film Veerapandiya Kattabomman, starring Sivaji Ganesan, immortalized him in cinema and popular imagination. (Wikipedia)
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In 2023, new historiographical inquiries and lectures have revisited how his image has been “reinvented” over time in Tamil discourse. (The Times of India)
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