09-12-2024
11:42 AM
Prelims: History of India & Indian National Movement.
Mains: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Poligar revolt was a series of uprisings in southern India that took place between 1799 and 1805 and is considered one of the earliest struggles for Indian independence. It consisted of two major conflicts, the First and Second Poligar Wars, and involved prominent leaders like Veerapandya Kattabomman and the Marudu Brothers.
The revolt was triggered by the British undermining the authority of the Poligars and imposing oppressive tax policies. These policies angered local leaders, leading to widespread uprisings. The Poligar Revolt remains a significant chapter in India's fight against British colonial rule.
The Poligar Revolt, also known as the Palayakkarars Revolt, was a civil uprising in South India from 1799 to 1805. The term "Poligars" refers to feudal lords who governed fortified territories granted by the Nayakas. The revolt was a response to the increasing power and economic exploitation by the British East India Company.
The first significant conflict between the Poligars and the British occurred in 1799, sparked by the British imposition of a new land tax system. Kattabomman Nayakan of Panchalankurichi emerged as a key leader during the First Poligar War.
The Second Poligar War against the British was triggered by the escape of imprisoned Poligars from Palamcotta Fort. Following their escape, they captured Tuticorin and several other forts. They later joined the Maruthu Rebellion, led by Maruthu Pandiar of Sivaganga.
The Poligar War saw important leaders like Veerapandiya Kattaboman and Marudu Pandiar brothers, who challenged the British Colonial rule in Southern India. They were instrumental in organising an armed rebellion against the British.
The Poligar Revolt was a response to the oppressive policies imposed by the British East India Company on the Poligars. The British sought to dismantle the traditional feudal system and monopolize the tax system that had been in place under the Poligars for years. Key causes include:
The Poligar War concluded with the signing of the Carnatic Treaty in 1801 between the Nawab of Arcot and the East India Company. This treaty marked the British assumption of direct control over Tamil Nadu, effectively ending the Poligar System.
Q1. Who was the leader of the Poligar movement?
Ans. The Poligar movement was led by regional chieftains, with Veerapandiya Kattabomman being a prominent leader who resisted British rule in Tamil Nadu.
Q2. Who were called poligars?
Ans. Poligars were feudal chieftains in South India who governed territories called Palayams, collected taxes, and maintained military forces.
Q3. What is the poligar revolt also known as?
Ans. The first Poligar War took place in 1799 between the Bristishers and the Veerapandya Kottaboman. Veerapandya Kottaboman of Panchalankurichi refused to pay taxes to the Britishers, leading to the British sending their troops to his fort.
Q4. Who introduced the Poligar system in India?
Ans. The Poligars of South India were the feudal lords who controlled the territories granted to them by the Nayakas. Some of the prominent poligars were Veerapandya Kottabomman and Marudu Brothers.
Q5. Who is Jaga Veerapandiya Kattabomman?
Ans. The Poligar War ended with the signing of the Carnatic Treaty in 1801, and the Britishers assumed control over Tamil Nadu, ending the Poligar system.
© 2025 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved