Veerapandiya Kattabomman – Panchalankurichi settler who fought to the last against the
Veerapandiya Kattabomman – Panchalankurichi settler who fought to the last against the occupation of the English East India Kumbini.
Kattabomban who is of Karnata descent became a settler in 1790. In 1792, the Nawab of Arcot ceded control of the settlers to the British through the Treaty of Karnataka.
Tirunelveli District Collector Colin Jackson had demanded for the tribute and then sent a letter to Veerapandiya Kattabomman ordering him to come in person and provide an explanation to why this was not done.
Kattabomman, who initially boycott this tribute later decided to met Jackson at the Ramanathapuram Palace on 20th September after wandering around 400 miles around 23 days later to meet him. Jackson decided to humiliate Veerapandiya in the meeting and escalated the situation by ordering his arrest and capture.
Lieutenant Clark was killed during the confrontation at the gate when Kattabomman fled the scene with his companions. In 1799, Kattabomman mobilized the other settlers against the British. The organization was named as the ‘Tirunelveli Confederation’.
On 5th September 1799, at Panchalankurichi, in Thoothukudi district, a rifle attack was initiated under Major Bannerman order by the occupying British empire onto the palace. The palace was able hold out for a day before falling into the hands of the British. Collins, a British general, was killed as he tried to enter through the southern gate.
Veerpadiya Kattabomman escaped to Thirukkalambur forest after the fight with the British armed forces at the fort. However King Vijayaragunatha Thondaiman, the king of Pudukottai, captured the Veerpadiya Kattabomman for the British.
On October 16, Major Bannerman charged and executed Kattabomman and sentenced him to death. Kattabomman was hanged on October 16 at Kayatharu for his determination & bravery.
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