Coorg War facts for kids
The Coorg War was a short but important conflict that happened in 1834. It was fought between the British East India Company and the small state of Coorg in South India. The war began because the Raja (or king) of Coorg, named Chikka Virarajendra, challenged the British.
Contents
Why Did the Coorg War Happen?
The Raja of Coorg, Chikka Virarajendra, was a ruler who didn't want to follow the rules set by the British. The British East India Company was a powerful trading company that also controlled many parts of India. They wanted to have more influence over Coorg. The Raja's actions led to a quick but intense war in 1834.
The British Prepare for Battle
In February 1834, the British gathered a large army of 7,000 soldiers. Brigadier General Lindsay was in charge of this force. Their mission was to move into Coorg and fight the Raja's forces. Because the roads were not very good, the British army split into four groups. These groups planned to enter Coorg from different directions. Their goal was to meet up at Mercara, which was the capital city of Coorg.
First Fights and Challenges
On March 11, one of the British groups, led by Colonel Gilbert Waugh, entered Coorg. By April 3, these soldiers met the Coorg army. At a place called Soamwar Pettah (now Somwarpet), the British tried to attack a strong fort. However, the Coorg fighters were very brave and fought back hard. The British were forced to retreat after a tough battle. The leader of the Coorg resistance in this fight was 'Madanta' (Mathanda) Appachu. Another British group also faced similar difficulties.
The End of the War
On April 4, two important people from the Raja's side, Diwan Lakshminarayana and Mahomed Taker Khan, came to the British camp. They carried a white flag, which is a sign of peace. They also handed over Kulputty Karnikara Manoon, who had been held prisoner by the Raja. The British demanded that the Raja surrender.
The next day, April 5, Diwan Bopu surrendered to Colonel Fraser, who was the British agent. On April 6, Fraser was led into the Madikeri fort. Finally, on April 10, the Raja himself, who was at Nalknad palace, entered the Madikeri fort with his wives and surrendered to the British.
After the War
The Coorg War was short, but it had a big impact. Some British officers who fought in the war and survived included Colin Mackenzie and William Anson McCleverty. The British lost 93 soldiers and had 200 wounded during the campaign. After the war, the British took control of Coorg.
See also
- Coorgs (Kodavas)
- History of Coorg (Kodagu)
