Pazhassi Raja facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pazhassi Raja
Raja of Kingdom of Kottayam, Kerala Simham, Chandrakula Vira, Shaktan Rajah, Vira Pazhassi
Painting of Pazhassi Raja by Raja Ravi Varma displayed in Pazhassiraja Museum, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Reign	1774–1805
Born	Kerala Varma (1753-01-03)3 January 1753 Pazhassi, near Mattannur, Kingdom of Kottayam (present-day Kannur district, Kerala, India)
Died	30 November 1805(1805-11-30) (aged 52) Mavila Thod, near Pulpally
Burial	Mananthavady, Wayanad district, Kerala, India
Spouse	Kunjati of Avinyat, Makom of Kaitheri
House	Padinjare Kovilakam
Dynasty	Purannattukara Svarupam

Pazhassi Raja, also known as Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, was a king from the Kottayam Kingdom in the Malabar region of Kerala, India, who lived from 1753 to 1805. He is famous for bravely fighting against both the Kingdom of Mysore and later the British East India Company to protect his kingdom and his people. Many people remember him as one of the earliest Indian leaders to stand up against foreign control.

Kingdom and family

A page from Tellicherry Factory Records of British that refers to the Thiyya and Nayar troops in Pazhassi Raja's service.

Pazhassi Kudeeram-a memorial for Pazhassi Raja at his burial spot in Mananthavadi, Wayanad, Kerala, designed by Architect Eugene Pandala

Remains of the Moat surrounded the Panamaram fort. Now it is almost covered with creepers and bushes, Panamaram, Wayanad, Kerala.

Koli tree near the Panamaram fort. Talakkal Chandu was executed somewhere near this tree.,Panamaram, Wayanad, Kerala.

He was born on January 3, 1753. He belonged to the western part of the royal family of Kottayam. This part of the family was based in a place called Pazhassi, which is why he got the name Pazhassi Raja. The Kottayam Kingdom covered areas that are now part of the Kannur and Wayanad districts in Kerala, and also parts of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu.

The royal family had different branches. Pazhassi Raja was from the western branch. When the ruler of Mysore, Hyder Ali, took over Malabar in 1773, the main Raja of Kottayam had to leave and find safety elsewhere. Pazhassi Raja, who was the fourth in line to the throne at that time, stepped up and became one of the main leaders, even though there were older family members. He chose to stay and fight, which made his people trust and support him strongly.

Fighting against the Kingdom of Mysore (1773–1793)

Pazhassi Raja's first major challenge was fighting against the army of the Kingdom of Mysore. This fight happened in two main parts. The first part was from 1773 to 1782, when Hyder Ali was the ruler of Mysore. The second part was from 1784 to 1793, when Hyder Ali's son, Tipu Sultan, was in charge.

Resistance to Hyder Ali (1773–1782)

In 1773, Hyder Ali came to Malabar because the local kings hadn't paid the taxes they had agreed to pay. Many kings and nobles left their homes and went to a safer place called Travancore. But Pazhassi Raja and other young leaders decided to stay and fight. They formed groups and used guerrilla warfare tactics, hiding in the forests and mountains to attack the Mysore army.

At just 21 years old in 1774, Pazhassi Raja took on the role of leader. He promised to fight Hyder Ali's troops. Since he didn't have a large army or many guns for big battles, he used guerrilla tactics from bases hidden in the thick forests of Puralimala and Wayanad. His forces, made up of people from different groups and tribes, were very good at causing small but repeated losses to the Mysore army.

While the main Raja was away, three members of the royal family became important leaders: Vira Varma (Pazhassi Raja's uncle) and his nephews, Ravi Varma and Pazhassi Raja. Vira Varma was good at political games, and Ravi Varma played a smaller role. Pazhassi Raja became the most powerful, which made his uncle Vira Varma unhappy. This created a rivalry between them from the start.

The fight was tough. In 1774, another kingdom called Coorg joined forces with Hyder Ali, hoping to get control of Wayanad. In 1776, Hyder Ali also got the support of the Raja of Chirakkal. But even with this alliance, they couldn't defeat Pazhassi Raja's army.

Pazhassi Raja's influence grew. His men would often raid enemy areas, even near Mysore, taking money and valuable goods like sandalwood. He also had good relationships with other rebel leaders in southern Malabar.

The Siege of Thalassery

Thalassery was an important port and fort controlled by the British East India Company. It was valuable because it was a naval base and rebels could buy weapons there. Hyder Ali wanted to capture it.

In 1778, the Raja of Chirakkal, following Hyder Ali's orders, surrounded Thalassery. The British East India Company in Thalassery gave weapons to Pazhassi Raja's men to help them take back Kottayam from Mysore. This helped Pazhassi Raja push back the Chirakkal army and clear out the Mysore forces from western Kottayam. However, the British didn't fully use this chance to defeat Mysore because they didn't want to break the peace with Hyder Ali at that moment.

Mysore reinforced their army and came back into Kottayam. Pazhassi Raja's men, even with secret British help, couldn't hold them off and had to spread out. Then, a large army from Mysore and its allies surrounded Thalassery in 1779. Pazhassi Raja sent 2000 of his soldiers to help the British defend the fort, which helped them hold on.

Later, a Mysore general named Sardar Khan came with a large force to capture Thalassery quickly. He knew Pazhassi Raja was helping the British, so he offered to give back the Mysore-controlled parts of Kottayam if Pazhassi Raja would join him and pay a large sum of money (500,000 rupees). Pazhassi Raja tried to pay some money (60,000 rupees), hoping for a deal, but Sardar Khan wasn't satisfied and refused to give back the lands. This made it clear that Mysore wouldn't capture Thalassery easily. Pazhassi Raja's army also got stronger after a big victory in Wayanad in 1779.

In 1780, Pazhassi Raja suggested a plan to the British to break the siege: his men would attack the enemy from behind while the British attacked from the front. This plan was carried out in 1781 and led to the defeat of the Mysore forces around Thalassery. After this, Pazhassi Raja's soldiers led a rebellion that drove the Mysoreans out of Kottayam.

Fighting to remove Tipu Sultan (1784–1793)

By 1782, Kottayam was free again. But after a war between Mysore and the British (the Second Anglo-Mysore War), a treaty in 1784 put Malabar under Tipu Sultan's control. Kottayam became a state that had to pay taxes to Mysore. Tipu Sultan demanded a very high tax (81,000 rupees per year), which was more than the people could afford, especially after years of fighting. Pazhassi Raja stood up for the people and started a resistance movement again.

Pazhassi Raja was also upset because his brother, Ravi Varma, had to sign a treaty in 1786 that gave Wayanad to Tipu Sultan. Pazhassi Raja refused to let Tipu control Wayanad and continued fighting using guerrilla tactics there for seven years, until 1793, when the last of Tipu's soldiers were pushed out.

By 1788, Pazhassi Raja strongly disliked Tipu Sultan because of Tipu's actions against certain groups of people. Pazhassi Raja made his ties stronger with the British East India Company and other rebel leaders in Malabar. When the senior Raja of Kottayam fled to Travancore in 1788, he asked Pazhassi Raja to protect the country. Pazhassi Raja gathered people, went into the forests, and helped them build a new life while continuing to fight against Tipu's forces.

In 1790, Tipu Sultan had to focus on a war in another area, so he left Malabar. Pazhassi Raja joined the British East India Company with 1500 soldiers to capture Mysore strongholds. They successfully took back Kottayam. In 1790, the British recognized Pazhassi Raja as the leader of Kottayam and he agreed to pay them 25,000 rupees as tax. He continued fighting in Wayanad until 1793, freeing that area too.

However, after the British defeated Tipu Sultan in the Third Anglo-Mysore War, a treaty in 1792 gave Malabar to the British East India Company. The British then started trying to take full control of Malabar. This caused problems with Pazhassi Raja. He had helped the British because he wanted his country to be independent, not because he wanted the British to rule.

Pazhassi Raja was unhappy with the terms the British offered the kings in 1792, especially since the British had promised to respect Kottayam's independence in 1790. The British terms meant the kings would lose much of their power and control over their economies. Pazhassi Raja's uncle, Vira Varma, agreed to these terms with the British in 1792.

Fighting Against the British East India Company (1793–1805) – The Cotiote War

Pazhassi Raja fought against the British East India Company from 1793 until he died in 1805. He fought two main wars against the British trying to interfere in his kingdom's affairs. From 1793 to 1797, he fought over who should manage Kottayam. From 1800 to 1805, the fight was mainly over who would control Wayanad. The British called these wars the Cotiote War.

First Revolt (1793–1797)

Pazhassi Raja didn't get along well with his uncle, Vira Varma. In 1793, Vira Varma, who had given Kottayam to the British in 1792, convinced the British to let him collect taxes in Kottayam. He hoped this would please the British and they would let him take over all of Kottayam. The British were already unhappy with Pazhassi Raja because he didn't want to accept their rule, so they made Vira Varma the head of Kottayam. Pazhassi Raja felt betrayed because he had helped the British against Mysore.

Vira Varma tried to collect taxes but also secretly encouraged Pazhassi Raja to oppose the British. The taxes the British wanted were too high for the farmers. The people resisted paying, and Pazhassi Raja supported them.

In 1793, Pazhassi Raja made sure no taxes were collected by the British in Kottayam as a protest. He even threatened to destroy pepper plants if British officials didn't stop counting them for tax purposes. Local British officials talked with Pazhassi Raja and found out about Vira Varma's tricks. They offered a deal where Pazhassi Raja would get a share of the money, but the Governor General later cancelled this agreement in 1794 and gave Kottayam to Vira Varma on a five-year lease.

Pazhassi Raja was very angry. He decided to rule his country according to old customs. He also gave protection to a noble who the British considered an outlaw, which annoyed the British. The British also got angry when Pazhassi Raja carried out punishments according to local law. They thought about arresting him but didn't because he had a large group of armed guards.

In 1795, Vira Varma got the lease for Kottayam but couldn't collect taxes because Pazhassi Raja's men stopped him. British troops came to help Vira Varma, but Pazhassi Raja's men fought back successfully.

In 1796, the British ordered the collection of two years of unpaid taxes in Kottayam. They decided this was a reason to arrest Pazhassi Raja. About 300 soldiers marched to his fortified house in Pazhassi, but he had already left. The soldiers searched his house and took his family's valuables. Pazhassi Raja was angry about this.

He moved his base into Wayanad and blocked the roads the British used to travel between Wayanad and the lower areas of Malabar. The British tried to cut off his supplies but didn't have enough soldiers to chase him.

Pazhassi Raja knew a British officer named Colonel Dow from the Siege of Thalassery. He hoped Dow could help him make peace with the British. Pazhassi Raja offered to stop fighting if he was pardoned and his valuables and house were returned. Colonel Dow, who didn't like unnecessary fighting, sent Pazhassi Raja's request to the British leaders. They agreed because they were worried Pazhassi Raja might join forces with Tipu Sultan.

However, the orders were sent to Pazhassi Raja through his uncle, Vira Varma, who didn't tell Pazhassi Raja that the British had agreed to his requests. Vira Varma wanted the fight between his nephew and the British to continue for his own benefit.

Vira Varma also removed one of Pazhassi Raja's trusted generals, Kaitheri Ambu, from his position. Ambu and his followers organized resistance with the people's support, making it impossible for Vira Varma to collect taxes. Ambu was acting under Pazhassi Raja's guidance, as Pazhassi Raja saw this as another of his uncle's plots.

Pazhassi Raja feared the British were planning to capture him (not knowing about the truce terms hidden by his uncle) and went deeper into Wayanad. British troops moving into Wayanad also made him suspicious. Still, Pazhassi Raja wanted to avoid war and met with a British official with a large group of armed men. Vira Varma was also there. Pazhassi Raja's main demand was that he should rule Kottayam, which his uncle refused.

The British officials were biased against Pazhassi Raja and didn't listen to his reasonable arguments. When talks failed, the British announced that anyone in Kottayam helping Pazhassi Raja would be considered an enemy and lose their property. But this didn't work; resistance against the British and Vira Varma grew stronger in Kottayam.

The British were surprised to find that many of Vira Varma's own soldiers had joined the rebels, and Vira Varma wasn't very helpful to the British, as he wanted the conflict to continue.

Pazhassi Raja met with Tipu Sultan's representative and later with Tipu Sultan himself. Tipu sent soldiers to help Pazhassi Raja and supply weapons. Pazhassi Raja also gathered his own soldiers and weapons. War was about to begin. The British sent a large force to deal with Pazhassi Raja and started setting up military posts in Kottayam and Wayanad.

In early 1797, the soldiers loyal to Pazhassi Raja rose up across Kottayam, trapping British military posts. Rebel groups attacked British supply lines and reinforcements. In Wayanad, British troops moving outside their safe areas were attacked by skilled archers from the Kurichia tribe. The British lost many soldiers and supplies in these attacks.

Victory at Periya Pass

A very important event in the war happened at Periya Pass in 1797. A British force of 1100 men under Major Cameroon decided to go down into Kottayam through the pass because they were running out of supplies.

What they didn't know was that Pazhassi Raja had learned about their situation and set a trap. He ordered his soldiers to hide in camouflaged positions on both sides of the narrow pass. When the British force entered the pass, the hidden soldiers attacked them by surprise.

The plan worked perfectly, and many British soldiers were killed. If another British force hadn't arrived the next day, very few would have survived. Most of the British soldiers were killed, and the rebels took their guns, ammunition, and supplies. Several senior British officers were killed.

Around this time, the British decided to create a force of local people who would work for them to fight Pazhassi Raja. These people, called Kolkar later, became disliked because they helped the British and were cruel to the rebels and the local people.

Despite this, Pazhassi Raja was in a strong position after the victory at Periya Pass. Because of the heavy losses the British army suffered, the British government sent high-ranking officials to make peace. They wanted to avoid a long guerrilla war in the mountains and were worried Pazhassi Raja might join forces with Tipu Sultan or the French. They also decided that Vira Varma should no longer manage Kottayam. With the help of other local kings as mediators, Pazhassi Raja and the British signed a peace treaty in 1797.

The treaty included:

• Pazhassi Raja would be pardoned.
• His valuables would be returned.
• He would receive a yearly payment of 8000 rupees.
• His house in Pazhassi would be given back.
• Pazhassi Raja's elder brother, Ravi Varma, would be the head of Kottayam.
• The noble Pazhassi Raja had protected would also be pardoned and get his property back.

So, after four years of fighting, Pazhassi Raja achieved a political victory. Peace returned after years of conflict. Tipu Sultan noted that the British had lost many soldiers in this war.

Undeclared Hostilities (1797–1800)

Even after the peace treaty of 1797, there wasn't real peace between Pazhassi Raja and the British. Small fights continued in Kottayam. The main reason was that the British still wanted to take control of Kottayam and collect taxes.

Pazhassi Raja's supporters, led by Kaitheri Ambu, successfully stopped this. Pazhassi Raja also continued to ignore British orders, build up his military, and even moved his main base to Mananthavadi in Wayanad. The British saw these actions as harmful to their interests, but since Pazhassi Raja had the upper hand after his victory in 1797, the British couldn't stop him easily.

Second Revolt (1800–1805)

After Tipu Sultan was defeated, Wayanad came under British control. The British planned to add it to other areas they controlled. But Wayanad had traditionally belonged to the Kottayam kings, and Pazhassi Raja had controlled it since 1793. Pazhassi Raja saw the British move as an invasion of his country's old lands. He gathered a large force, including his own soldiers, and former soldiers of Tipu Sultan.

The British sent Major General Arthur Wellesley (who later became the famous Duke of Wellington) to be in charge of their army in the region. He planned to attack Wayanad from two sides. Pazhassi Raja saw Wellesley bringing more soldiers and building roads and military posts. In response, Pazhassi Raja also recruited many men, which worried Wellesley.

When Wellesley left for another military mission, Pazhassi Raja saw his chance. He marched into the lower areas of Malabar and joined forces with other local leaders and their men. By the middle of 1800, the rebels controlled the countryside in Kottayam and were threatening British military posts. Wellesley sent a large force to take back the areas controlled by the rebels, but there weren't enough British soldiers in Malabar. Wellesley suggested cutting off Wayanad to stop Pazhassi Raja from getting supplies, but this plan also couldn't be fully carried out due to lack of troops. By the time Wellesley decided to attack Wayanad from two directions, another local leader and his followers had also agreed to support Pazhassi Raja.

By 1801, a large British force of over 10,000 soldiers was in Kottayam and Wayanad, blocking the roads connecting Wayanad to Malabar. With so many British soldiers, the rebels decided it was best to hide for a while. Pazhassi Raja found it hard to contact his supporters in southern Wayanad and southern Malabar. He became a wanderer in the forests, but even then, he refused to give up, believing there was no choice but to fight for complete freedom.

Pazhassi Raja moved around with a small group of close helpers and soldiers. He tried to gather support in different areas, but the British were following him. He visited his hidden bases and moved into other areas. The British were angry that local nobles secretly supported him and decided to punish them.

As part of their efforts to stop the rebellion, one of Pazhassi Raja's supporters was arrested and hanged. The British also threatened to punish and take the property of rebels who didn't surrender, but they also offered pardons to those who did. However, these threats and offers didn't work, and Pazhassi Raja remained free. Some of his main supporters were arrested, including Kannavath Sankaran Nambiar, who was also hanged, and his property was taken.

After Kannavath Nambiar was executed, there was a period of quiet in North Malabar, but it was like the calm before a storm. The British officer in charge, Major MacLeod, thought the war was over. He ordered everyone in Malabar to give up their weapons and threatened death for anyone who kept them. He also doubled the taxes and ordered a quick review of taxes across Malabar.

These harsh changes led to widespread anger, and by 1803, Malabar was close to another rebellion. MacLeod tried to fix things by cancelling his changes and bringing back the old system. But it was too late for Wayanad, where Pazhassi Raja's men were ready to fight again.

Capture of Panamaram fort

The first big event of the second revolt was the capture of Panamaram Fort. Edachena Kungan planned the attack, helped by 150 archers from the Kurichia tribe led by Talakkal Chandu. The fort had 70 British soldiers, and there was a larger British force nearby. But Kungan and Chandu decided to take the risk.

In a surprise attack, they defeated the entire British group in the fort, losing only a few of their own men. The British commander was killed. The rebels captured many guns, ammunition, and money. They also destroyed the fort.

Wellesley was very angry about this and sent 500 soldiers to fight back. But the rebel victory had inspired people all over Wayanad and Kottayam. Edachena Kungan, the hero of the attack, called on people to join Pazhassi Raja's war, and 3000 men volunteered. They set up positions in different areas, including blocking important mountain passes. The rebel army mainly used bows and arrows and swords, but some had guns.

Edachena Kungan led an attack on a British group moving from Mysore to Mananthavadi. They were attacked repeatedly until they reached a stream where a rebel force was waiting. However, British reinforcements arrived and managed to capture many rebels.

More British soldiers arrived in Wayanad from all directions, but they couldn't find the rebels easily.

The rebels then focused on Kottayam. In 1802, they attacked a supply group near Kottiyur. The British were frustrated because the people of Kottayam refused to help them. In 1803, rebel forces also started fighting in other areas, and the people there supported them. Pazhassi Raja's army was active as far as Kannur and Thalassery by the end of 1803. It's estimated that over 3000 of Pazhassi Raja's supporters took part in these actions.

In March 1803, a rebel force even reached Calicut and captured a small jail. They freed the prisoners, many of whom joined the rebel army. This was too much for MacLeod, and he resigned.

In 1803, Wellesley left for Europe. He had spent three years fighting Pazhassi Raja without a clear victory.

In 1803, the British had over 8,000 soldiers fighting Pazhassi Raja. As the situation got worse, they asked for 5,000 more soldiers, bringing their total force to 13,000 in early 1804.

In 1804, a large British army arrived, along with 1200 Kolkar (the local force working for the British). Most importantly, a British official named Thomas Hervey Baber was put in charge. It was Baber who finally managed to put down Pazhassi Raja's revolt. It's interesting that someone known as a 'civil servant' succeeded where a military leader like Wellesley did not. Baber had personal reasons to fight Pazhassi Raja, as his friend (the first husband of his wife) had been killed by Pazhassi Raja's forces in 1797. Baber also worked to protect the interests of British merchants.

In 1804, a large uprising led by a noble who supported Pazhassi Raja in eastern Chirakkal was defeated by the British. This revolt failed quickly because the rebels fought in open battles instead of using guerrilla tactics. The Kolkar also helped the British effectively.

The rebel forces retreated to Wayanad, chased by the British and the Kolkar. A large reward was offered for Pazhassi Raja and his main leaders.

However, the rebels, mostly from the Kurumba tribe, attacked a British position in Wayanad. Although they had to pull back, they caused significant losses to the British. That year, a group of Kolkar almost caught Pazhassi Raja, but he escaped thanks to a warning from a Kurumba guard.

The difficult weather and environment of Wayanad helped Pazhassi Raja. Many of the British-allied Kolkar became sick. Pazhassi Raja and Edachena Kungan organized a large force of Kurichias and Kurumbas and positioned them strategically. Kungan also successfully convinced other local nobles in Wayanad to support Pazhassi Raja.

While the British hadn't suffered a single major defeat like Periya Pass since 1797, the situation was still difficult for them. Even areas that seemed quiet could rise up again, and a large rebel force led by Pazhassi Raja was still active. As Wellesley himself once said, "We are not fighting 1000 men [Raja's army] ... but one man ... Kerala Varma." This shows how important Pazhassi Raja was to the rebellion; his capture or death would likely end the revolt.

Betrayal and death

Thomas Hervey Baber went to the area himself to lead the search for Pazhassi Raja. He looked for people who would give information or betray the rebels. The British admitted that not many locals helped them because they were loyal to Pazhassi Raja. However, a few informants proved very helpful. One informant, a Chetti, found out where Pazhassi Raja was camped and told Baber, who went there with 100 Kolkar and 50 British soldiers.

Some people believe that Pazhayamviden Chandu, who worked with the British as an "adviser" but secretly spied for Pazhassi Raja, was responsible for betraying Pazhassi Raja in the end. In late 1805, Pazhayamviden reportedly decided to reveal his master's secrets for a large sum of money.

It's possible that the Chetti who guided the British troops to Pazhassi Raja's hiding place was working for Pazhayamviden Chandu.

On November 30, 1805, Pazhassi Raja and his men were camped near the border with Karnataka, by a stream called Mavila or Mavila Tod. They were surprised by the British force. A short but intense fight took place. Six rebels were killed, including Pazhassi Raja, who was one of the first to die.

It is said that the wounded Pazhassi Raja lived for a few more minutes and told a minor British official not to come close to his dying body and make it impure. This showed his strong dislike for people who worked for the foreign invaders.

How Pazhassi Raja died is debated. Some stories say he died by swallowing a diamond ring to avoid being captured after he was wounded. But Baber said he was killed by the official named Canara Menon. Another account says a British officer and his soldiers killed him. This third version might be more likely, as Baber didn't always get along with the military leaders and might have given credit to Menon to avoid giving it to the officer he disliked.

Pazhassi Raja's wife, Kunjani, was captured and later took her own life while being held. As punishment to his family, their property was taken, and the palace at Pazhassi was torn down and replaced with a road. The local people, who were loyal to Pazhassi Raja, felt sorry for his family and built them a new house.

Assessment

Even after his death, people had great respect and admiration for Pazhassi Raja. Accounts from as early as 1775 describe him as a brave warrior dedicated to his country's freedom.

A British official who was part of the peace talks in 1797 noted that the British losses in the Cotiote War that year were more than their losses in the war against Tipu Sultan.

The war led by Pazhassi Raja was the longest rebellion against the British East India Company in Indian history. His use of forest warfare was unique for that time in India.

The British military leaders were always amazed by how Pazhassi Raja managed to supply his army of several thousand men.

To fight against much stronger enemies, Pazhassi Raja trained his people in military skills and included them in his army. This idea of training ordinary people for war was new in Kerala at that time. People from all different groups and backgrounds joined his fight, inspired by him. Nobles, leaders, farmers, shopkeepers, merchants, craftspeople, and forest tribes all fought in his campaigns.

The British East India Company suffered heavy losses, losing several thousand soldiers, including many officers. The losses were so high for some British army groups in North Malabar that they had to be removed in 1803 because they were becoming too weak.

Pazhassi Raja shared the difficulties of war with his soldiers and took part in battles, putting himself in danger. Because of this, his soldiers respected him greatly.

British royal army groups also fought in the Cotiote War alongside the East India Company troops.

Rebels fighting against the British in other parts of India were also allied with Pazhassi Raja.

It is said that Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington and defeated Napoleon, used some of the guerrilla warfare methods he saw Pazhassi Raja use when fighting in Spain.

The memory of Pazhassi Raja and his struggle inspired the freedom movement in Kerala in the 20th century.

Many historians believe Pazhassi Raja was not fighting for his own power but for the good of his people and country. They say he felt it was his duty to protect his people from being taken advantage of and to keep his kingdom independent. He chose to fight the British when it became clear they would not respect his country's freedom or his people's well-being. He felt it would be a failure as a leader if he didn't protect his kingdom's independence.

Some people criticize Pazhassi Raja for working with the British East India Company when he was fighting against Mysore. But looking at the history of that time, it makes sense. He allied with the British not because he was their subject, but because Mysore was an enemy to both of them. Before 1792, Malabar suffered greatly under Mysore rule, and the British East India Company was just a trading company that hadn't harmed the people of Malabar yet. So, it was understandable that many leaders, including Pazhassi Raja, joined forces with the British to fight Mysore rulers like Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

A British agent noted in 1797 that Pazhassi Raja was very popular because he stayed with his people during the Mysore invasions, shared their hardships, and was very generous to the farmers. It was because of the love and support from his people that Pazhassi Raja could avoid being captured and fight the British for ten years, even with a reward offered for him.

After other kings in Malabar gave in to the British after 1798, Pazhassi Raja knew that if he kept fighting, he would likely be defeated and killed in the end. But he still refused to give up. In a letter, he showed his determination to resist the British until the very end.

He also took action to rebuild his country after the Mysore invasions. He borrowed money and gave financial help, seeds, and cattle to his farmers to help them start farming again. This was different from other kings in Malabar who put pressure on their farmers. This was another reason why he remained so popular with the common people.

Pazhassi Raja is also credited with helping farming spread in Wayanad. He started a program to encourage the tribal people in Wayanad to start settled farming and instructed his local leaders there to give them cattle and seeds.

Supporters

Pazhassi Raja had the help of many leaders during his wars, and some were also given jobs in running the government. Some of his most important supporters included Chengoteri Chathu, Pallur Eman, Kaitheri Ambu, Kannavath Nambiar, Thalakkal Chandu, Sankaran Moopan, and Edachena Kunkan.

Forest forts

During his many years of fighting, Pazhassi Raja built a system of military camps and forts in the forests and mountains of his country.

Four of these were very important: a stone fort on the Purali range (built by an ancestor over a thousand years ago), another stone fort at Manatana, a large fort in Mananthavady in Wayanad that could hold his whole army, and a stronghold near Kannavam that belonged to his supporter Kannavath Sankaran.

Sadly, most of his strongholds, like those in Cherambadi and Pandalur, don't exist today. Only the ruins of the Purali fort remain, mostly as a pile of stones, with just a tank still visible. A nearby cave where Pazhassi Raja once lived can also still be found.

Legacy

Pazhassi Raja is remembered in many ways today:

• Pazhassi Dam
• Pazhassi Raja College in Pulpally and Mattanur
• A postal cover featuring Pazhassi Raja
• Pazhassi Raja Parks in Mananthavady and Thalassery
• Pazhassi Raja Kovilakam (a royal house)
• Pazhassi Raja Tomb
• Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum
• Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust
• Statues of Pazhassi Raja
• Pazhassi's Cave in Cherambadi, which is a historic cave built by the king. It was recently opened to the public on February 28, 2025, by his descendant and her husband.
• Pazhassi Raja Schools in Kuthampully and Balussery
• Pazhassi Raja Road in Ernakulam
• Pazhassi Raja Memorial and Library in Nellunni

In popular culture

An artist's depiction of Pazhassi Raja on laterite wall.

Pazhassi Raja is a popular figure in folk songs in North Malabar, which tell the story of his fight against the British East India Company.

A play about him was written in the early 20th century. Historian K. M. Panikkar wrote a famous historical novel about his life called Keralasimham (Lion of Kerala) in 1941.

There have been movies made about his life, including one in 1964 and a popular one in 2009 called Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja, starring Mammootty. These films show the political situation and the local people's support for him.

He was also mentioned in the 2022 Telugu film RRR in a song about historical figures who fought against British rule in India.

Interesting facts about Pazhassi Raja

• Pazhassi Raja's full name was Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja.
• He was also sometimes called Cotiote Rajah or Pychy Rajah by the British.
• Pazhassi Raja's fight against the British is often seen as one of the very first acts of resistance against foreign rule in India.
• Because of his courage and fighting skills, he was given the special name "Kerala Simham" or "Lion of Kerala."