Veerapandiya Kattabomman
Born:
Died:
1760
1799
State:
Tamil Nadu
Summary:
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was a Tamil chieftain and early freedom fighter who resisted British attempts to impose control over local kingdoms. He is remembered for his courage, leadership, and defiance against colonial authority.
Biography:
Veerapandiya Kattabomman was born in 1760 in Panchalankurichi, Tamil Nadu, into a family of local chieftains. From a young age, he showed leadership qualities and a strong sense of justice, earning the respect of his people. Kattabomman inherited the role of Poligar (chieftain) of Panchalankurichi and focused on defending the autonomy of his region.
When the British East India Company tried to enforce tax collection and assert control over local rulers, Kattabomman refused to comply. He organized armed resistance and engaged in several battles against British forces, becoming a symbol of defiance in Tamil Nadu. His ability to rally the local population and maintain his territory despite overwhelming odds earned him widespread admiration.
Eventually, Kattabomman was betrayed, captured by the British, and executed on 16 October 1799. His bravery, leadership, and unwavering stand against colonial oppression made him a revered figure in South India and an early hero of India’s freedom struggle.
Key Movements:
- Refusal to pay taxes demanded by the British East India Company
- Leading armed resistance against British forces in Tamil Nadu
- Mobilizing local people to support the fight for autonomy
- Battles with British troops, including at Panchalankurichi Fort
- Capture and execution by the British in 1799