The Poligar Revolt (1795–1805): Kattabomman Nayak and the Fight Against British Rule

 

The Poligar Revolt (1795–1805): Kattabomman Nayak and the Fight Against British Rule

The Poligar Revolt (1795–1805) stands as one of the earliest and most significant uprisings against British colonial rule in South India. Centered in the Tamil Nadu region, particularly in Tirunelveli, the revolt was led by brave local chieftains known as Poligars, with Veerapandiya Kattabomman Nayak emerging as its most iconic leader. This rebellion, also called the Palaiyakkarar Revolt, was a bold stand against British oppression, marking a crucial chapter in India’s struggle for freedom. These notes explore the reasons for the revolt, its course, and its results, weaving together the story of Kattabomman’s courage and the Poligars’ resistance.

Who Were the Poligars?

Before diving into the revolt, it’s important to understand the Poligars. The term “Poligar” (or Palaiyakkarar in Tamil) refers to feudal lords who governed small territories called Palayams in South India. These chieftains were appointed by the Nayaka rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire and later the Madurai Nayakas. Their duties included collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and providing military support to the king. In return, they were granted land and autonomy to rule their territories. The Poligar system was deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s socio-political fabric, and leaders like Kattabomman belonged to warrior communities such as the Maravas and Kallars.

Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the Poligar of Panchalankurichi, was a Telugu-speaking chieftain whose ancestors had migrated to Tamil Nadu centuries earlier. Known for his bravery and defiance, Kattabomman became a symbol of resistance against foreign rule. His leadership during the Poligar Revolt inspired many and left a lasting legacy in Tamil Nadu’s history.

Reasons for the Poligar Revolt

The Poligar Revolt was sparked by a mix of political, economic, and social grievances against the British East India Company. Below are the key reasons that fueled this uprising:

British Interference in Poligar Autonomy: The Poligars considered themselves independent rulers within their Palayams, answerable only to the Nayakas or the Nawab of Arcot. However, after the British gained control over the Carnatic region through treaties with the Nawab of Arcot in 1781, they began to undermine the Poligars’ authority. The British demanded direct control over tax collection and sought to reduce the Poligars to mere revenue collectors, stripping them of their military and administrative powers. This clash of authority angered leaders like Kattabomman, who refused to bow to British dominance.

Oppressive Taxation Policies: The British introduced harsh tax policies to maximize revenue from the Poligars’ territories. They demanded high tributes, often beyond the capacity of the local economy. Kattabomman, for instance, was pressured to pay large sums as tribute, which he saw as an insult to his sovereignty. The Poligars viewed these demands as exploitative, as they disrupted the traditional system where they collected taxes for local welfare and military upkeep.

Disrespect for Local Traditions: The British showed little regard for the Poligars’ customs and traditions. Collectors like Colin Jackson, known for their arrogance, treated the Poligars with contempt, further fueling resentment. For example, Kattabomman was humiliated during meetings with British officials, which deepened his resolve to resist.

Weakening of the Nawab’s Authority: The Nawab of Arcot, who nominally ruled the region, was reduced to a puppet under British influence. The Poligars, who had previously paid tribute to the Nawab, now faced direct British control. This shift disrupted the traditional power structure and prompted the Poligars to rebel to restore their independence.

Inspiration from Other Resistances: The Poligars drew inspiration from earlier resistances, such as Puli Thevar’s rebellion (1752–1767), which is sometimes called the First Poligar War. Leaders like Kattabomman were motivated by a growing sense of unity against foreign rule, as well as alliances with other regional powers like Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

These reasons created a boiling point, leading to an organized rebellion that challenged British authority in South India.

Course of the Poligar Revolt

The Poligar Revolt unfolded in two major phases: the First Poligar War (1799) and the Second Poligar War (1800–1801), with smaller uprisings continuing until 1805. Kattabomman Nayak played a central role in the first phase, while his brother Oomaithurai and others led the second. Below is a detailed account of the revolt’s course:

First Poligar War (1799)

The seeds of the First Poligar War were sown in 1798 when Kattabomman’s tribute payments to the British fell into arrears. Colin Jackson, the British Collector of Ramnad, demanded that Kattabomman pay the dues and meet him at Ramanathapuram. Suspecting a trap, Kattabomman attended the meeting with caution. The encounter turned violent when the British attempted to arrest him, resulting in the death of a British officer, Colonel Clarke. Kattabomman escaped, and the British declared him a fugitive, placing a price on his head.

This incident ignited open rebellion in September 1799. Kattabomman rallied other Poligars, including those from Nagalapuram, Kolanpatti, and Sivagiri, forming a league to resist the British. He also sought alliances with the Kallar and Marava communities and sent emissaries to other chieftains to strengthen the rebellion.

The British, under Major Bannerman, launched a military campaign against Kattabomman’s stronghold at Panchalankurichi. Despite fierce resistance, the fort fell after intense battles in 1799. Kattabomman fled to the Pudukottai forests, but he was betrayed by Ettappan, the Raja of Pudukottai, who had secretly allied with the British. Captured in October 1799, Kattabomman was publicly hanged at Kayathar on October 17, 1799, as a warning to other Poligars. His minister, Sivasubramanian, was also executed, and the fort of Panchalankurichi was razed to the ground.

Kattabomman’s execution was meant to crush the rebellion, but it only fueled further resistance. His death made him a martyr, inspiring others to continue the fight.

Second Poligar War (1800–1801)

The Second Poligar War, also known as the South Indian Rebellion, was larger and more organized than the first. It began in February 1801 when Poligars imprisoned at Palayamkottai fort escaped, led by Oomaithurai, Kattabomman’s brother. The rebels captured several forts, including Tuticorin, and bombed British barracks in Coimbatore. Oomaithurai allied with Maruthu Pandiyar of Sivaganga, who formed the South Indian Confederacy, a grand alliance that included leaders like Dheeran Chinnamalai, Gopala Nayak, and Pazhassi Raja of Malabar.

The rebels issued the Tiruchirappalli Proclamation, calling for unity against British rule and urging people to rise for independence. This phase saw widespread participation from peasants and local communities, angered by British taxation and oppression. The Poligars used guerrilla tactics, leveraging the dense jungles of Tamil Nadu to harass British forces.

However, the British, reinforced from Malabar and other regions, launched a brutal counteroffensive. By October 1801, they recaptured key forts and suppressed the rebellion. The Maruthu brothers were captured and executed at Tirupattur, and Oomaithurai was beheaded at Panchalankurichi. The fort was destroyed, and the rebellion was largely quelled.

Later Uprisings (1803–1805)

Between 1803 and 1805, smaller rebellions erupted in North Arcot and Yedaragunta, driven by grievances over the loss of traditional rights, such as the right to collect kaval fees (village police taxes). These uprisings, though less intense, showed the Poligars’ continued defiance. However, the British crushed these movements, consolidating their control over Tamil Nadu.

Results of the Poligar Revolt

The Poligar Revolt, though ultimately suppressed, had far-reaching consequences for Tamil Nadu and India’s anti-colonial struggle. Below are the key outcomes:

End of the Poligar System: The British dismantled the Poligar system, which had existed for over two centuries. The Carnatic Treaty of July 31, 1801, gave the British direct control over Tamil Nadu, transferring the Nawab of Arcot’s territories to the East India Company. The Poligars were stripped of their powers, and their Palayams were replaced with the Zamindari system, where landlords were appointed to collect revenue under British oversight.

British Consolidation of Power: The suppression of the revolt strengthened British control over South India. By defeating the Poligars, the British secured key territories like Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Ramanathapuram, paving the way for their dominance in the region. The victory also allowed them to exploit Tamil Nadu’s resources more effectively.

Loss of Lives and Destruction: The revolt was costly for both sides. Thousands of Poligar warriors and British soldiers lost their lives in the protracted jungle campaigns. Forts like Panchalankurichi were destroyed, and villages suffered from the violence and looting that accompanied the conflict.

Inspiration for Future Struggles: Despite its failure, the Poligar Revolt inspired later freedom movements. Kattabomman’s courage and sacrifice became legendary, earning him the title of “father of India’s anti-colonial struggle” among Tamils. His story, along with that of the Maruthu brothers and others, was celebrated in folk songs and literature, keeping the spirit of resistance alive.

Legacy of Kattabomman: Kattabomman’s defiance made him a folk hero. Today, memorials like the Kattabomman Memorial Hall at Panchalankurichi honor his legacy. His life was popularized in modern times through films like Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959), starring Sivaji Ganesan, which brought his story to a wider audience.

Socio-Political Changes: The revolt highlighted the tensions between colonial policies and traditional Indian systems. The British learned to approach local rulers with caution, while the Poligars’ resistance underscored the importance of unity against foreign rule. The South Indian Confederacy, though short-lived, was an early attempt at regional cooperation against colonialism.

Conclusion

The Poligar Revolt of 1795–1805, led by Veerapandiya Kattabomman Nayak, was a bold and spirited resistance against British colonial oppression. Driven by the loss of autonomy, harsh taxation, and disrespect for local traditions, the Poligars rose to protect their way of life. Kattabomman’s leadership in the First Poligar War and the broader South Indian Rebellion showcased the courage and unity of Tamil Nadu’s chieftains. Though the British crushed the revolt, its legacy endured, inspiring future generations to fight for freedom.

Kattabomman’s story is not just one of rebellion but of sacrifice and honor. His refusal to submit to British demands and his ultimate sacrifice at Kayathar remain a powerful symbol of resistance. The Poligar Revolt reminds us that even in defeat, the seeds of independence were sown, paving the way for India’s long journey to freedom. As we remember Kattabomman and his fellow Poligars, we celebrate their unbreakable spirit and their place in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s history.