Mathanda Appachu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Diwan
Mathanda Appachu
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Coorgs: Grandfather, father and sons (Karicha, his son Mathanda Appachu and four sons of Appachu)
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| Pronunciation | Maa-thanda Appach'chu |
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Bollumad Village, Beppunaad Kingdom of Coorg (present day Kodagu)
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| Died | 1875 Madikeri
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| Resting place | Bollumad (Kodava name for the Kannada Bellumadu) |
| Occupation | military leader |
| Known for | Coorg War |
| Children | 4 sons (Chengappa, Nanjappa, Belliappa and Poovaiah) |
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Mathanda Appachu was a brave Indian warrior and a freedom fighter. He worked as an officer in the army of Chikka Vira Rajendra, who was the ruler of Kodagu. Mathanda Appachu came from Bollumad village in a region called Beppunad, located in Kodagu. He was also known as Madanta Appachu. In 1834, he famously defeated the British in a battle.
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Mathanda Appachu: A Hero of Kodagu
Mathanda Appachu is remembered as a hero for his courage and leadership. He fought to protect his homeland, Kodagu, from the British. His actions showed great bravery and skill in battle.
The Battle of Somwarpet in 1834
In 1834, the British East India Company decided to invade Kodagu. At that time, Kodagu was also known as Coorg. The British army was very large, with over 6,000 soldiers. They split into four groups and entered Kodagu from different directions.
On April 3rd, one of these British groups marched towards a village called Haringi. They had to pass through a village that was protected by a strong fence, called a stockade. This village was defended by Mathanda Appachu and his soldiers. Major Bird led the British group.
For more than four hours, the British tried to get past the village. But Mathanda Appachu's men fought bravely and stopped them. The British soldiers faced heavy gunfire. Many British officers and soldiers were killed or hurt. Colonel Mill and Ensigns Robertson and Babington were among the 48 British soldiers who died. Another 118 were wounded.
Amazingly, Mathanda Appachu's side reported no soldiers killed or injured. Major Bird had to lead his remaining men away. They quickly retreated several miles to find another way around.
The Coorg War of 1834
After the battle, the ruler of Kodagu, Chikka Vira Rajendra, decided to make peace. His officials, Diwan Lakshminarayana and Mahomed Taker Khan, talked with the British on April 4th. Another official, Diwan Bopu, surrendered on April 5th.
On April 6th, Colonel Fraser, a British officer, entered the Madikeri fort. A few days later, on April 10th, the Raja and his wives left their Nalknad palace. They went to Madikeri to surrender to the British.
See also
Images for kids
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Mathanda family memorial, Bollmad (Bellumadu) village, Kodagu. Mathanda Appachu was buried nearby in a Shaiva tomb.
