Pazhassi Raja, who defeated The Winner of Waterloo Arthur Wellesley

Introduction

Kottayam, in the north of Kerala, was ruled by Pazhassi Raja (Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja), popularly referred to as “Kerala Simham” (the Lion of Kerala). He trained his people in guerrilla warfare and engaged them in combat in order to defend his kingdom from outsiders such as Kingdom of Mysore and British East India Company, until his death through being betrayed. In this essay on 750 words, we examine in detail about the History of Pazhassi Raja, who defeated The Winner of Waterloo Arthur Wellesley

Pazhassi Raja

On January 3, 1753, Pazhassi Raja was born in North Malabar at Padinjare Kovilakam, in the Kottayam royal family. Halfway between Malabar and Mysore is the Wayanad region. The Kottayam royal family was the ruler for some parts of the Malabar region, and Wayanad. Malabar was well-known for its pepper plantations, which was also called “Black Gold.” Pepper was sought by the rulers of Mysore and the British East India Company (BEC).

In his youth, Pazhassi Raja supported the British East India Company in its battle against Mysore. Using the Rulers, the BEC used to compel farmers to pay taxes. It was hard for the farmers to follow the BEC. The Pazhassi rebelled against the BEC as a result of this. He changed his base to Wayanad and ordered the peasants to refuse to pay the unfair tax.

Pazhassi Raja history

The densely forested hills and valleys of the Wayanad region were perfect for guerrilla warfare. Pazhassi Raja trained the villagers in guerrilla warfare techniques. This made it easier for him to defend himself against attacks from outside aggressors, such as those from Mysore and BEC.

Conflict with Mysore rulers and British East India Company (BEC)

Hyder Ali (1773–82) and his son Tipu sultan (1783–93) attacked Pazhassi Raja several times. Pazhassi raja took control of Thalasseri Fort in 1781 from Hyder Ali. He gained the upper hand over Mysore during the Tipus War in the Deccan and attacked them.

Following the second battle between Mysore and the British East India Company in 1784, a treaty was signed that recognized the Malabar region as a part of Mysore. After initiating his war against BEC, Pazhassi Raga and BEC came to an agreement in 1791 to free the Malabar region from Mysore.

BEC installed Veera Verma, the ruler of Kurumbranad region and Pazhassi’s uncle, as the ruler of Kottayam when Pazhassi was seated in Wayanad. They burdened the farmers with numerous taxes, which caused them to owe BEC money. In 1793, Pazhassi attacked and waged war against the BEC. Between 1793 and 1806, there were thirteen battles known as the “Coatie Wars.” They launched an attack on the BEC on March 18, 1797, when Major Cameron was in charge of BEC army, and a large number of British soldiers lost their lives in that encounter.

Wayanad and the rest of Malabar became a district of Madras Presidency State in 1800, following Tipu’s defeat in the fourth war with BEC in 1799. Under Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley, who later defeated Napoleon, BEC launched another attack on Pazhassi in 1800. Pazhassi Raja defeated Wellesley after a fierce guerrilla battle.

Thomas Harvey was chosen by BEC as the Thalasseri Sub Collector in 1804. Many of Tipu’s soldiers joined Pazhassi Raja’s army following his death. When a British force numbering more than 9,000 soldiers arrived in Kottayam, they blocked all routes leading from Wayanad to Kottayam.

Pazhassi Raja death

The BEC understood that it was very difficult to win the war against Pazhassi. They discovered the place where he was hiding by threatening and bribing his close allies. On November 13, 1805, they surrounded him in the Wayanad near Pulpally and killed him. The BEC destroyed the Pazhassi Raja’s palace in order to create space for a highway.

Pazhassi Raja tomb

Pazhassi Raja Tomb situated in Manathavady, Wayanad in Kerala is a Museum now. Pazhassi Raja’s sword and cultural history materials are on display at the museum. The memorial, which displays Raja’s military triumph, is maintained by the Department of Archaeology, Kerala State

Conclusion

Pazhassi Raja (3^rd January 1753–30th November 1805) was one of the most brave and efficient rulers in India. He bravely fought against attacks from Mysore and a British East India company using guerrilla warfare. He defeated and caused heavy damage to the military of the British East India Company. His love and unwavering devotion to his subjects will always be cherished memories of him.