Freedom Fighters · Unsung Heroes
Veerapandiya Kattabomman
1760 – 1799
The palayakkarar of Panchalankurichi who refused to pay tribute to the East India Company.
Kattabomman was the chieftain (palayakkarar) of Panchalankurichi who refused to accept the East India Company’s authority to collect tribute. After the Company besieged his fort in 1799 he was captured and hanged at Kayathar on 16 October 1799.
Early life and background
Kattabomman became the palayakkarar (poligar) of Panchalankurichi in the late eighteenth century, one of many local chieftaincies in southern Tamil country.
Historical context
As the East India Company took over revenue collection from the Nawab of Arcot, it demanded tribute from the palayakkarars, who had long held local authority.
Key achievements
Kattabomman refused to pay tribute or submit to the Company. After a confrontation with the Collector of Ramnad in 1798, the Company sent troops against Panchalankurichi in 1799. The fort was taken and Kattabomman fled, but he was later captured.
Important events and milestones
- 1790 Becomes palayakkarar of Panchalankurichi.
- 1798 Confrontation with the Company’s Collector at Ramanathapuram.
- September 1799 Company forces besiege Panchalankurichi.
- 16 October 1799 Hanged at Kayathar.
Awards and honours
India Post issued a stamp in 1999. A memorial fort was built by the Government of Tamil Nadu at Panchalankurichi.
His sacrifice
Kattabomman was tried and hanged at Kayathar on 16 October 1799.
Enduring legacy
His defiance became part of Tamil folk memory and was later dramatised widely. He is regarded as one of the forerunners of the struggle against colonial rule in southern India.
References
Portrait: India Post commemorative stamp, 1999 · India Post, Government of India · GODL-India · Source (opens in a new tab) · Licence terms (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.