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| title = Raja of [[Kottayam (Malabar)|Kingdom of Kottayam]], Kerala Simham, Chandrakula Vira, Shaktan Rajah, Vira Pazhassi | | title = Raja of [[Kottayam (Malabar)|Kingdom of Kottayam]], Kerala Simham, Chandrakula Vira, Shaktan Rajah, Vira Pazhassi | ||
| image = Veera Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.jpg | | image = Veera Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.jpg | ||
| caption = Painting of Pazhassi Raja by Raja Ravi Varma displayed in Pazhassiraja Museum, | | caption = Painting of Pazhassi Raja by [[Raja Ravi Varma]] displayed in Pazhassiraja Museum, [[Kozhikode]], [[Kerala]], [[India]] | ||
| reign = 1774–1805 | | reign = 1774–1805 | ||
| coronation = | | coronation = | ||
| birth_name = Kerala Varma | | birth_name = Kerala Varma | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1753|01|03}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1753|01|03}} | ||
| birth_place = [[Kannur]], [[ | | birth_place = [[Thalassery]], [[Kingdom of Kottayam]] (present-day [[Kannur district]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]) | ||
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1805|11|30|1753|01|03}} | | death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|1805|11|30|1753|01|03}} | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| burial_date = | | burial_date = | ||
| burial_place = Mananthavady, Wayanad <!-- <br /> {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> | | burial_place = [[Mananthavady]], [[Wayanad district]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]<!-- <br /> {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> | ||
| predecessor = Vira Varma (uncle) | | predecessor = Vira Varma (uncle) | ||
| successor = | | successor = | ||
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{{Keralahistory}} | {{Keralahistory}} | ||
[[Image:VeeraPazhassi.JPG|thumb|An artist's depiction of Pazhassi Raja on [[laterite]] wall.]] | [[Image:VeeraPazhassi.JPG|thumb|An artist's depiction of Pazhassi Raja on [[laterite]] wall.]] | ||
'''Pazhassi Raja''' (3 January 1753 – 30 November 1805) was known as '''Kerala Varma ''' and was also known as '''Cotiote Rajah''' and '''Pychy Rajah'''. He was a warrior Hindu prince and de facto head of the kingdom of [[Kottayam (Malabar)|Kottayam]], otherwise known as Cotiote, in [[Malabar (Northern Kerala)|Malabar]], India, between 1774 and 1805. His struggles with the [[British East India Company]] is known as the [[Cotiote War]]. He is popularly known as '''''Kerala Simham''''' ('''''Lion of Kerala''''') on account of his martial exploits. | |||
Pazhassi Raja was a member of the western branch of the Kottayam royal clan. When [[Hyder Ali]] of the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] [[Mysore invasion of Kerala|occupied Malabar]] in 1773, the Raja of Kottayam found political asylum in Kallara near Vikom in Kottayam district of Kerala. Pazhassi Raja, the fourth prince in line for succession to the throne during this period, became one of the ''de facto'' heads of state, surpassing several older royal contenders. He fought a war of resistance against the Mysorean army from 1774 to 1793. On account of his refusal to flee and due to his effective resistance to Mysoreans, he gained firm support of his subjects. | Pazhassi Raja was a member of the western branch of the Kottayam royal clan. When [[Hyder Ali]] of the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] [[Mysore invasion of Kerala|occupied Malabar]] in 1773, the Raja of Kottayam found political asylum in Kallara near Vikom in Kottayam district of Kerala. Pazhassi Raja, the fourth prince in line for succession to the throne during this period, became one of the ''de facto'' heads of state, surpassing several older royal contenders. He fought a war of resistance against the Mysorean army from 1774 to 1793. On account of his refusal to flee and due to his effective resistance to Mysoreans, he gained firm support of his subjects. | ||
In 1792, after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]], the East India Company imposed control in Kottayam in violation of an earlier agreement of 1790 which had recognised its independence. [[Vira Varma]], to whom Raja was a nephew, was appointed by the East India Company authorities as the Raja of Kottayam. To meet revenue targets fixed by Company authorities, Vira Varma ordered an exorbitant tax to be collected from the peasantry and this move was met in 1793 by a mass resistance led by Pazhassi Raja, who had always been opposed to the Company's rule. In 1796, the Company made an attempt to arrest Pazhassi Raja, but he evaded capture and instead fought back using guerilla warfare. After a string of serious setbacks, the Company sued for peace in 1797. The conflict was renewed in 1800 over a dispute on Wayanad and after a five-year-long war of insurgency, Pazhassi Raja was killed on 30 November 1805 in a gun-fight at Mavila Thodu (small body of water), in the present day Kerala-Karnataka border | In 1792, after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]], the East India Company imposed control in Kottayam in violation of an earlier agreement of 1790 which had recognised its independence. [[Vira Varma]], to whom Raja was a nephew, was appointed by the East India Company authorities as the Raja of Kottayam. To meet revenue targets fixed by Company authorities, Vira Varma ordered an exorbitant tax to be collected from the peasantry and this move was met in 1793 by a mass resistance led by Pazhassi Raja, who had always been opposed to the Company's rule. In 1796, the Company made an attempt to arrest Pazhassi Raja, but he evaded capture and instead fought back using guerilla warfare. After a string of serious setbacks, the Company sued for peace in 1797. The conflict was renewed in 1800 over a dispute on Wayanad and after a five-year-long war of insurgency, Pazhassi Raja was killed on 30 November 1805 in a gun-fight at Mavila Thodu (small body of water), in the present day Kerala-Karnataka border. | ||
==Kingdom== | ==Kingdom== | ||
Pazhassi Raja was born in the Padinjare Kovilakam (Western Branch) of | Pazhassi Raja was born in the Padinjare Kovilakam (Western Branch) of Purannattukara Swarupam, the royal lineage of Kottayam. This branch was located at Pazhassi which lay south west of [[Mattannur]]. Kerala Varma got the name Pazhassi Raja as he was a native of Pazhassi. The early [[British East India Company]] documents wrote ''Pazhassi Raja'' as ''Pychy Rajah'', while the name ''Cotiote Raja'' comes from the anglicizing of ''Kottayam'' to ''Cotiote''. Kottayam covers what is today the [[Thalassery]] taluk of the [[Kannur District]] and [[Wayanad district]], along with the [[Gudalur, Nilgiris|Gudalur]] taluk of [[Nilgiris district]].{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=24}} | ||
As a royal clan, | As a royal clan, Purannattukara Swarupam had three branches: a western branch (Padinjare Kovilakam) at Pazhassi, near Mattannur, an eastern branch (Kizhakke Kovilakam) at Manatana, near Peravoor, and a southern branch (Tekke Kovilakam) at Kottayampoil, near Koothuparamba.<ref name="ReferenceA">Wayanad – Its People and Traditions by C. Gopalan Nair</ref> | ||
==Resistance to Mysore occupation (1773–1793)== | ==Resistance to Mysore occupation (1773–1793)== | ||
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In 1773, Hyder Ali marched into Malabar for the second time,{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=295}} for non-payment of tributes from the Rajas (kings) of Malabar as agreed after war in 1768. Most of the ''Rajas'' of Malabar, along with many ''Naduvazhis'' or vassals fled to seek political asylum in Travancore. Princes and younger noblemen who refused to flee the invasion organised resistances. The Malabari partisans made excellent use of the wooded hills that covered most of Malabar during this rebellion. | In 1773, Hyder Ali marched into Malabar for the second time,{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=295}} for non-payment of tributes from the Rajas (kings) of Malabar as agreed after war in 1768. Most of the ''Rajas'' of Malabar, along with many ''Naduvazhis'' or vassals fled to seek political asylum in Travancore. Princes and younger noblemen who refused to flee the invasion organised resistances. The Malabari partisans made excellent use of the wooded hills that covered most of Malabar during this rebellion. | ||
In 1774, at the age of 21, Pazhassi Raja took over the throne to replace his uncle who had fled to Travancore. He vowed to resist Hyder Ali's troops, and stayed in Kottayam,{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=13}} where he gathered a force and began guerrilla battles against the troops of Mysore as he had neither guns nor troops enough to face them in an open battle. He set up a large number of bases in the nearly impenetrable forested mountains of Puralimala and Wynad and repeatedly inflicted severe minor losses on the Mysore army in Kottayam as well as in | In 1774, at the age of 21, Pazhassi Raja took over the throne to replace his uncle who had fled to Travancore. He vowed to resist Hyder Ali's troops, and stayed in Kottayam,{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=13}} where he gathered a force and began guerrilla battles against the troops of Mysore as he had neither guns nor troops enough to face them in an open battle. He set up a large number of bases in the nearly impenetrable forested mountains of Puralimala and Wynad and repeatedly inflicted severe minor losses on the Mysore army in Kottayam as well as in Wayanad.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}}{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=58}} | ||
Once the true Raja of Kottayam had fled, three royals rose to power in Kottayam. The nephew of the escaped Raja named [[Vira Varma]] and his nephews, Ravi Varma and Pazhassi Raja now took over the reins of government. Vira Varma was skilled in political intrigue and manipulation whereas Ravi Varma was too incompetent to play any serious political role and hence his role only was nominal. Pazhassi Raja become the most powerful figure in Kottayam, much to the chagrin of his uncle Vira Varma. Hence Vira Varma played a series of power games aiming to check the growing clout of his nephew. So the relation between Vira Varma and Pazhassi Raja was one of enmity right from the onset. | Once the true Raja of Kottayam had fled, three royals rose to power in Kottayam. The nephew of the escaped Raja named [[Vira Varma]] and his nephews, Ravi Varma and Pazhassi Raja now took over the reins of government. Vira Varma was skilled in political intrigue and manipulation whereas Ravi Varma was too incompetent to play any serious political role and hence his role only was nominal. Pazhassi Raja become the most powerful figure in Kottayam, much to the chagrin of his uncle Vira Varma. Hence Vira Varma played a series of power games aiming to check the growing clout of his nephew. So the relation between Vira Varma and Pazhassi Raja was one of enmity right from the onset. | ||
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The senior Rajah of Kottayam fled to Travancore fearing the Sultan. But before that, he handed over charge of government to Pazhassi Raja and asked him to save the country from Mysore's onslaught. Given below is the observation made by historian Rajayyan about Pazhassi Raja's resistance to Tipu Sultan after the exodus of Rajas from Malabar in 1788: | The senior Rajah of Kottayam fled to Travancore fearing the Sultan. But before that, he handed over charge of government to Pazhassi Raja and asked him to save the country from Mysore's onslaught. Given below is the observation made by historian Rajayyan about Pazhassi Raja's resistance to Tipu Sultan after the exodus of Rajas from Malabar in 1788: | ||
{{ | {{Blockquote|Between 1787 and 1788, the ''thampurans'' or Rajahs of Malabar, threatened by the forces of Tipu, fled to Travancore. Among them were the princes of Kottayathu.....The Senior Rajah before his flight summoned Kerala Varma, the youngest prince, and instructed him to protect the country. Accordingly, the latter assembled the inhabitants, retired to the jungles and assisted them in the development of a new homeland. Frequently, in defiance to the authority of the Sultan, he with a band of determined followers issued forth from the woods and levied contributions.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=90}}}} | ||
But in 1790, Tipu abandoned the war in Malabar as the war in Deccan drew his attention. Pazhassi Raja joined the East India Company with a force of 1500 [[Nair]]s to capture the Mysorean stronghold in Katirur (near Talassery).{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=31}} After Katirur, Pazhassi Raja and his troops moved south-east and captured the Kuttiyadi fort from Tipu's men.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=32}} Thus once more, the whole of Kottayam was under the control of Pazhassi Raja.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} In 1790, the Company recognised Pazhassi Raja as the head of Kottayam instead of the original Raja who was in refuge at Travancore. Raja agreed to pay 25,000 rupees as tribute to the Company. But his struggle with the Mysore troops continued in Wayanad till 1793 when he freed that land also.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | But in 1790, Tipu abandoned the war in Malabar as the war in Deccan drew his attention. Pazhassi Raja joined the East India Company with a force of 1500 [[Nair]]s to capture the Mysorean stronghold in Katirur (near Talassery).{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=31}} After Katirur, Pazhassi Raja and his troops moved south-east and captured the Kuttiyadi fort from Tipu's men.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=32}} Thus once more, the whole of Kottayam was under the control of Pazhassi Raja.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} In 1790, the Company recognised Pazhassi Raja as the head of Kottayam instead of the original Raja who was in refuge at Travancore. Raja agreed to pay 25,000 rupees as tribute to the Company. But his struggle with the Mysore troops continued in Wayanad till 1793 when he freed that land also.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | ||
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But by the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) signed between the EIC and Tipu after the latter failed in Third Anglo-Mysore War, Malabar was ceded to the EIC.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} The East India Company then began to work for the establishment of their supremacy in Malabar.{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} This was where the Company administration and Pazhassi Raja had opposite opinions – Pazhassi Raja helped the East India Company not because he was ready to accept Company rule but because he wanted his country Kottayam to be an independent land.<ref>Evolution of Kerala History and Culture, Prof. T. K. Gangadharan, 2004, Calicut University Central Cooperative Stores Ltd, No.4347, Calicut University 673,635</ref> | But by the Treaty of Seringapatam (1792) signed between the EIC and Tipu after the latter failed in Third Anglo-Mysore War, Malabar was ceded to the EIC.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} The East India Company then began to work for the establishment of their supremacy in Malabar.{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} This was where the Company administration and Pazhassi Raja had opposite opinions – Pazhassi Raja helped the East India Company not because he was ready to accept Company rule but because he wanted his country Kottayam to be an independent land.<ref>Evolution of Kerala History and Culture, Prof. T. K. Gangadharan, 2004, Calicut University Central Cooperative Stores Ltd, No.4347, Calicut University 673,635</ref> | ||
Pazhassi Raja was disturbed when he heard about the terms which the Company put forward to the Rajas of Malabar in 1792, because the EIC had signed a cowl with him in 1790 which promised to respect the independence of Kottayam.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=35}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Menon|first1=A Sreedhara|title=Kerala Charitrashilpikal|date=2007|publisher=DC Books|location=Kottayam 686 001|isbn=978-81-264-1584-7|page=191}}</ref> The summary of the East India Company terms in 1792 were as follows: | Pazhassi Raja was disturbed when he heard about the terms which the Company put forward to the Rajas of Malabar in 1792, because the EIC had signed a cowl with him in 1790 which promised to respect the independence of Kottayam.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=35}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Menon|first1=A Sreedhara|title=Kerala Charitrashilpikal|date=2007|publisher=DC Books|location=Kottayam 686 001|isbn=978-81-264-1584-7|page=191|ref=none}}</ref> The summary of the East India Company terms in 1792 were as follows: | ||
* The Raja to be able to rule as before, but the East India Company to control him “in case of oppressing inhabitants”. | * The Raja to be able to rule as before, but the East India Company to control him “in case of oppressing inhabitants”. | ||
* A resident to be appointed to enquire about “complaints of oppression”. | * A resident to be appointed to enquire about “complaints of oppression”. | ||
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In 1793 Pazhassi Raja made sure that no tax was collected in Kottayam by the EIC – as a mark of his protest.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} He also threatened that if Company officials did not give up their enumeration of pepper vines, he would have the vines destroyed.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=91}} Local Company authorities, however, debated with Raja and soon both discovered Vira Varma's deceptions. The East India Company put forward a solution acceptable to the Raja by which 20 percent of gross revenue would go to Raja and another 20 percent would go for temple expenses. No tax would be imposed on temple property in the immediate future.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=42}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=29}} | In 1793 Pazhassi Raja made sure that no tax was collected in Kottayam by the EIC – as a mark of his protest.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=60}} He also threatened that if Company officials did not give up their enumeration of pepper vines, he would have the vines destroyed.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=91}} Local Company authorities, however, debated with Raja and soon both discovered Vira Varma's deceptions. The East India Company put forward a solution acceptable to the Raja by which 20 percent of gross revenue would go to Raja and another 20 percent would go for temple expenses. No tax would be imposed on temple property in the immediate future.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=42}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=29}} | ||
In 1793 Tipu's Vakils protested to the Company that Pazhassi Raja, who was | In 1793 Tipu's Vakils protested to the Company that Pazhassi Raja, who was an EIC subsidiary, had overrun most of Wayanad. Soon the Raja was supreme in the Wayanad Plateau.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=36}} | ||
But the Governor General unwisely revoked the agreement in 1794 and gave Kottayam to Kurumbranad Raja on a five-year lease.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=91}}{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=61}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=30}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=43}} The Raja was very angry at this decision and decided to retaliate by ruling his country as per customary law. The year before the lease was concluded the Raja had provided asylum to a Nayar noble, Narangoli Nambiar of the Iruvazinad royal clan, who had been declared an outlaw by the East India Company for the murder of three men who had killed his kinsman. The Raja's kind treatment of Nambiar irritated the EIC.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=62}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=45}} The EIC also became angry that the Raja had executed by impalement two robbers as per customary law.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=314}} The Company planned to arrest Raja 'for murder' but gave up the idea as the Raja had a bodyguard of 500 well-armed Wayanad Nayars.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | But the Governor General unwisely revoked the agreement in 1794 and gave Kottayam to Kurumbranad Raja on a five-year lease.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=91}}{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=61}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=30}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=43}} The Raja was very angry at this decision and decided to retaliate by ruling his country as per customary law. The year before the lease was concluded the Raja had provided asylum to a Nayar noble, Narangoli Nambiar of the Iruvazinad royal clan, who had been declared an outlaw by the East India Company for the murder of three men who had killed his kinsman. The Raja's kind treatment of Nambiar irritated the EIC.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=62}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=45}} The EIC also became angry that the Raja had executed by impalement two robbers as per customary law.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=314}} The Company planned to arrest Raja 'for murder' but gave up the idea as the Raja had a bodyguard of 500 well-armed Wayanad Nayars.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | ||
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Dow then received news that Tipu had sent sepoys to aid Raja as Tipu considered the Company entry into Wayanad a violation of Seringapatam Pact. Dow decided that he will go to Talassery to consult authorities there and to plan a greater operation to deal with troops of Raja and Tipu simultaneously in Wayanad. He left with a small band of men but was ambushed on way by Raja's men aided by Mysorean sepoys but Dow escaped unhurt.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=63}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=59}} | Dow then received news that Tipu had sent sepoys to aid Raja as Tipu considered the Company entry into Wayanad a violation of Seringapatam Pact. Dow decided that he will go to Talassery to consult authorities there and to plan a greater operation to deal with troops of Raja and Tipu simultaneously in Wayanad. He left with a small band of men but was ambushed on way by Raja's men aided by Mysorean sepoys but Dow escaped unhurt.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=63}}{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=59}} | ||
The day after he left, | The day after he left, an EIC force of 1100 under Major Cameroon in Periya decided to descend into Kottayam via Periya Pass as their supplies have exhausted.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=64}} | ||
But what they did not know was that Raja who learned of the true state of the Company expeditionary force laid a trap for them-he ordered troops lay concealed in camouflaged stockades built on both sides of the pass. Once the whole Company force entered the narrow pass, hidden troops were to pounce on their enemy who must be caught unawares.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=314}} | But what they did not know was that Raja who learned of the true state of the Company expeditionary force laid a trap for them-he ordered troops lay concealed in camouflaged stockades built on both sides of the pass. Once the whole Company force entered the narrow pass, hidden troops were to pounce on their enemy who must be caught unawares.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=314}} | ||
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The whole garrison was slaughtered in the surprise attack led by the two generals and they lost only 5 dead and 10 wounded. Dickenson himself was killed.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=69}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=21}} Rebels got 112 muskets, six boxes of ammunition and 6000 rupees. They also destroyed the whole fort.(The remains of the fort can be seen now near Panamaram High School).{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=283}} | The whole garrison was slaughtered in the surprise attack led by the two generals and they lost only 5 dead and 10 wounded. Dickenson himself was killed.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=69}}{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=21}} Rebels got 112 muskets, six boxes of ammunition and 6000 rupees. They also destroyed the whole fort.(The remains of the fort can be seen now near Panamaram High School).{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=283}} | ||
Wellesley was enraged at this rebel audacity and dispatched 500 men to retaliate. But by then rebel victory had roused all of Wayanad and Kottayam.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=316}} Edachena Kungan, the hero of Panamaram success, went to Pulpally shrine and issued a proclamation to people to join Raja's war.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=282}} 3000 men volunteered.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=69}} They were posted at Valliyurkav at Mananthavadi, Motimjarra [?], and Edappally and 100 of them under the brother of Kungan posted themselves at Periya Pass and 25 men were posted at Kottiyur Pass. Rebel outposts were set up en route from Dindimal to Valliyurkav. The rebel army was mostly composed of archers and | Wellesley was enraged at this rebel audacity and dispatched 500 men to retaliate. But by then rebel victory had roused all of Wayanad and Kottayam.{{sfnp|Menon|2007|p=316}} Edachena Kungan, the hero of Panamaram success, went to Pulpally shrine and issued a proclamation to people to join Raja's war.{{sfnp|Rajayyan|1971|p=282}} 3000 men volunteered.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=69}} They were posted at Valliyurkav at Mananthavadi, Motimjarra [?], and Edappally and 100 of them under the brother of Kungan posted themselves at Periya Pass and 25 men were posted at Kottiyur Pass. Rebel outposts were set up en route from Dindimal to Valliyurkav. The rebel army was mostly composed of archers and swordsmen, but some had muskets.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=104}} | ||
Edachena Kungan Nair led an attack on a Company detachment headed from Mysore to Mananthavadi. The harassment began once this force entered Wayanad till it reached a stream between Manathavadi and Bhavully river. There they were blocked by a rebel force entrenched on the opposite side of the stream. But to ill luck of rebels, a reinforcement which had caught up with blocked Company army outflanked the rebel entrenchment and took a large number of [[Prisoner of war|prisoners of war]].{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | Edachena Kungan Nair led an attack on a Company detachment headed from Mysore to Mananthavadi. The harassment began once this force entered Wayanad till it reached a stream between Manathavadi and Bhavully river. There they were blocked by a rebel force entrenched on the opposite side of the stream. But to ill luck of rebels, a reinforcement which had caught up with blocked Company army outflanked the rebel entrenchment and took a large number of [[Prisoner of war|prisoners of war]].{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | ||
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But monsoon and brutal climate of Wayanad soon aided Raja. Of 1300 Kolkar only 170 were not sick by October.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=120}} Raja and Edachena Kungan organised a large force of Kurichias and Kurumbas at Pulpally shrine and positioned them to as far as Kurichiyat.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=119}} Also, the effort of Kungan to rally Nayar nobles of Wayanad to support Raja's war-effort had also succeeded.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | But monsoon and brutal climate of Wayanad soon aided Raja. Of 1300 Kolkar only 170 were not sick by October.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=120}} Raja and Edachena Kungan organised a large force of Kurichias and Kurumbas at Pulpally shrine and positioned them to as far as Kurichiyat.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=119}} Also, the effort of Kungan to rally Nayar nobles of Wayanad to support Raja's war-effort had also succeeded.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | ||
The EIC for past couple of years did not have to suffer the loss on a scale of Periya in 1797, but matters were not easy for the Company at all. Even in Kottayam which had become quiet might explode once more and a large rebel force with Raja as the head was still at large. But one must remember that the whole revolt is a one-man show as Wellesley himself remarked once-“''We are not fighting 1000 men [ | The EIC for past couple of years did not have to suffer the loss on a scale of Periya in 1797, but matters were not easy for the Company at all. Even in Kottayam which had become quiet might explode once more and a large rebel force with Raja as the head was still at large. But one must remember that the whole revolt is a one-man show as Wellesley himself remarked once-“''We are not fighting 1000 men [Raja's army] ... but one man ... Kerala Varma''.”-Raja's end would mean end of revolt.<ref name="Panikker" /> | ||
====Betrayal and death==== | ====Betrayal and death==== | ||
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In light of the above points, it will not be far-fetched to believe that Chetti who guided Company troops to Raja's hideout mentioned by Baber in his letter could be a servant or agent of Pazhayamviden Chandu. | In light of the above points, it will not be far-fetched to believe that Chetti who guided Company troops to Raja's hideout mentioned by Baber in his letter could be a servant or agent of Pazhayamviden Chandu. | ||
On | On 30 November 1805, Raja and retainers were camped close to Karnataka on the shore of a stream named Mavila or Mavila Tod [not far from Pulpally]. Raja and party were caught by surprise and an intense but short fight followed. Six rebels were killed. One of the earliest rebels to be killed was Pazhassi Raja.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=}}{{Page needed|date=June 2014}} | ||
But evidently, wounded Raja did live long enough for a few more minutes to raise his loaded gun and then tell Canara Menon, an East India Company minor official, not to come too close to his dying body and pollute it.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=123}} Raja's contempt and sarcasm for a man who chose to serve unclean foreigner are evident. But it also showed his uncompromising stand towards collaborators and foreign invaders. | But evidently, wounded Raja did live long enough for a few more minutes to raise his loaded gun and then tell Canara Menon, an East India Company minor official, not to come too close to his dying body and pollute it.{{sfnp|Kurup|2008|p=123}} Raja's contempt and sarcasm for a man who chose to serve unclean foreigner are evident. But it also showed his uncompromising stand towards collaborators and foreign invaders. | ||
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==Assessment== | ==Assessment== | ||
{{ | {{Blockquote|...but in all classes, I observed a decided interest for the Pyche Raja, towards whom the inhabitants entertained regard and respect bordering on veneration, which not even his death can efface.|Thomas Harvey Baber, 1805{{sfnp|Ramachandran|2008|p=95}}}} | ||
* Descriptive account of Pazhassi Raja as early as 1775 confirm his later day image as a courageous warrior committed to the freedom of his country.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=9}} | * Descriptive account of Pazhassi Raja as early as 1775 confirm his later day image as a courageous warrior committed to the freedom of his country.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=9}} | ||
* Walter Ivor, a member of Court of Directors, who had taken part in negotiations with Pazhassi Raja in 1797 notes that Company losses that year in Cotiote War exceeded their losses in Third Anglo-Mysore War.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=126}} | * Walter Ivor, a member of Court of Directors, who had taken part in negotiations with Pazhassi Raja in 1797 notes that Company losses that year in Cotiote War exceeded their losses in Third Anglo-Mysore War.{{sfnp|Kurup|1980|p=126}} | ||
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Pazhassi Raja appears in numerous folk songs in North Malabar, in which his resistance to the East India Company is the primary subject.{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=7}} | Pazhassi Raja appears in numerous folk songs in North Malabar, in which his resistance to the East India Company is the primary subject.{{sfnp|Elayavoor|2007|p=7}} | ||
* A drama titled ''Pazhassi Raja'' was composed by Kappana Krishna Menon in early 20th century. | * A drama titled ''Pazhassi Raja'' was composed by Kappana Krishna Menon in the early 20th century. | ||
*Historian [[K. M. Panikkar]] wrote a historical novel named ''Keralasimham'' in 1941, which is based on life of Pazhassi Raja.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=72}} | *Historian [[K. M. Panikkar]] wrote a historical novel named ''Keralasimham'' in 1941, which is based on life of Pazhassi Raja.{{sfnp|Balakrishnan|2011|p=72}} | ||
*The 1964 Malayalam film titled ''[[Pazhassi Raja (1964 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'' was based on his life. It was directed by [[Kunchacko]] and starring [[Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair]] as Pazhassi Raja.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/12/14/stories/2009121450430400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629060741/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/12/14/stories/2009121450430400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Pazhassi Raja 1964|author=B. Vijayakumar|date=14 December 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=27 December 2010}}</ref> | *The 1964 Malayalam film titled ''[[Pazhassi Raja (1964 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'' was based on his life. It was directed by [[Kunchacko]] and starring [[Kottarakkara Sreedharan Nair]] as Pazhassi Raja.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/12/14/stories/2009121450430400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629060741/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/12/14/stories/2009121450430400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2011|title=Pazhassi Raja 1964|author=B. Vijayakumar|date=14 December 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=27 December 2010}}</ref> | ||
*The 2009 Malayalam film '' [[Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (film)|Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja]]'' depicts the life of the Raja. Directed by [[Hariharan (director)|Hariharan]] and written by [[M. T. Vasudevan Nair]]. The political situation of the time is portrayed from different viewpoints, and the locals are treated sympathetically in this film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-12-27 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522081818/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html |archive-date=22 May 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | *The 2009 Malayalam film '' [[Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (film)|Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja]]'' depicts the life of the Raja. Directed by [[Hariharan (director)|Hariharan]] and written by [[M. T. Vasudevan Nair]]. The political situation of the time is portrayed from different viewpoints, and the locals are treated sympathetically in this film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-12-27 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522081818/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/87416/Pazhassi-Raja-DVD-sales-create-records.html |archive-date=22 May 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> | ||
*In [[S. S. Rajamouli|S.S. Rajamouli]]'s Telugu film [[RRR (film)|RRR (2022)]]. In the song 'ettuka jenda', he has been mentioned along with some other historical personalities who fought against the [[British Raj]] in India. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||