Pazhassi Raja: The story of the Undefeated Malabar King
Team Udayavani, Jul 16, 2020, 4:07 PM IST
Pazhassi Raja was born on 3 January 1753 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 between 1774 and 1805.
He was one of the earliest freedom fighters in India and is popularly known as Kerala Simham which means Lion of Kerala
In 1773, Hyder Ali of the Kingdom of Mysore occupied Malabar and the Raja of Kottayam found political asylum in Travancore. 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 of his elder royals. He fought a war of resistance on Mysorean army from 1774 to 1793.
Pazhassi launched a plan to attack the army from east in pincer like movement whereas British attacked from the coast. The mysorean army was completely decamitated and Malabar was free.
In 1792, after Tipu lost the Third Anglo-Mysore War, he ceded Malabar to the British, effectively ending his control there.
The British citing the Treaty of Srirangapatna in 1792 where Tipu ceded Malabar to the British staked claim for the area ruled by Pazhassi
They made Vira Varma, an uncle of the Pazhassi Raja as the King of Kottayam, who effectively had very limited powers.
As the discontent rised,Vira Varma encouraged Pazhassi to fight the British. Pazhassi also did not allow Vira Varma’s men to collect the tax which angered the British
In1796 a British force comprising of 300 men attacked his palace Pazhassi managed to escape to the jungles of Wayanad and with the help of his men and tribal warriors began plotting his revenge.
On 18th March 1797, Pazhassi attaked British and they were decimated, leaving only a few alive. This was considered to be a major setback to the British rule.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
Kadaba: ‘Notion that only English-medium education leads to success is misleading’
Udupi: ‘Team Taulava’ takes charge to preserve endangered ancient monuments
Mangaluru: Special children add colour to Deepavali with hand-painted diyas
Boeing satellite explodes in space adding to orbital debris woes
Bantwal Jayaram Acharya: The comedic genius who bridged tradition and modernity in Yakshagana
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Davanagere: Man murdered by relative for insurance money; 4 arrested within 24 hours
Heroin worth Rs 3.5 crore recovered in police raid in Delhi, 2 arrested
Govt clerk found dead in Tahsildar’s chamber, FIR filed against minister’s PA, 2 others
Treated Muslims like fuel for ‘lantern’: Prashant Kishor targets Lalu, asks upper castes to stay away from Nitish
MP Brijesh Chowta urges Kerala CM for strict action against attack on Edneer Swamiji’s vehicle
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.