Pazhayamviden Chandu facts for kids
Pazhayaveettil Chandu Nambiar was a military leader who served Pazhassi Raja, a brave ruler from Kerala, India. Chandu is also known as Pazhayamviden Chandu. Sadly, his actions led to the death of Pazhassi Raja and helped the British win the Cotiote War.
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Chandu's Early Life
Chandu came from a very poor family. When he was a young boy, he joined Pazhassi Raja's group because he was starving. The Raja cared for Chandu like his own son. He was very impressed by Chandu's courage and skills.
Pazhassi Raja made sure Chandu received the best training in warfare and how to manage things. He then appointed Chandu as a Karyakar, which means a minister or important advisor. The Raja also helped Chandu, who was born a common person, become a noble. He arranged for a Nambiar noble family called Pazhayaveedu to adopt Chandu. This is how Chandu became known as Pazhayaveettil Chandu Nambiar, and got his nickname Pazhyamviden.
Chandu's Military Skills
Chandu was a skilled fighter. He fought bravely in Pazhassi Raja's battles against the troops from Mysore. People at the time said he was one of the best fighters in all of Kerala. He was also known for being very confident, almost arrogant, about his abilities.
Becoming a Double Agent
After 1793, Chandu openly stopped working with Pazhassi Raja. He first joined forces with his uncle, Vira Varma. Later, he started working with the English East India Company.
However, Chandu was secretly a spy for Pazhassi Raja. He would tell the Raja about the plans and movements of his enemies. He even got close to Arthur Wellesley, a famous British general, who mentioned Chandu in his reports as Pye Vittil Chandoo. This means Chandu was a double agent – someone who pretends to work for one side while secretly helping the other.
The Betrayal of Pazhassi Raja
In 1805, Chandu revealed all the secrets about Pazhassi Raja's army and war plans to the English. This information caused the rebel forces to completely fall apart. The English were even able to surprise Pazhassi Raja in his hiding place. During a gun battle, Pazhassi Raja was killed. It is believed that Chandu betrayed his leader for money.
Chandu's Mysterious Death
Chandu himself died under strange circumstances. He was found murdered. Many people believe he was killed by supporters of Pazhassi Raja seeking revenge. Another idea is that the English killed him. They might have felt he was no longer useful, or they might have punished him for spying for Pazhassi Raja for about 12 years.
See also
- Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)
