Independence of India and History of Veerapandiya Kattabomman

India’s Freedom Struggle

India’s struggle for independence was a long and arduous journey against British colonial rule. It is often divided into three major phases:

Phase 1: The Early Movements (1857 – 1900)

1. 1857 Sepoy Mutiny:
   • Known as the First War of Independence, it was a large-scale rebellion by Indian soldiers (sepoys) against the British East India Company.
   • The immediate cause was the introduction of cartridges rumored to be greased with cow and pig fat, which offended both Hindu and Muslim religious beliefs.
   • Though it failed, it marked the beginning of organized resistance against British rule.
2. Partition of Bengal (1905):
   • The British divided Bengal into two parts to weaken nationalist sentiments.
   • The Swadeshi movement emerged in response, urging Indians to boycott British goods and promote indigenous products.

Phase 2: Moderate and Extremist Movements (1900 – 1920)

1. Formation of the Indian National Congress (1885):
   • The Congress initially sought constitutional reforms and self-governance through petitions and negotiations.
2. Rise of Extremist Leaders:
   • Revolutionary leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal emphasized direct action.
   • Young revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, and Rajguru adopted militant strategies to fight British oppression.
3. Gandhi’s Arrival (1915):
   • Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa and introduced the principles of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) and Ahimsa (non-violence).
   • His leadership transformed the freedom movement into a mass movement involving common citizens.

Phase 3: Full-fledged Struggle for Independence (1920 – 1947)

1. Non-Cooperation and Swadeshi Movements:
   • Gandhi encouraged Indians to boycott British institutions, goods, and services while promoting Indian-made products.
2. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930):
   • The famous Dandi March, where Gandhi marched 240 miles to make salt, symbolized defiance of British laws.
   • It united people from all sections of society.
3. Quit India Movement (1942):
   • Gandhi’s call for immediate independence led to mass protests and strikes.
   • The British responded with severe repression.
4. Independence in 1947:
   • After decades of struggle, India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
   • However, the subcontinent was partitioned into India and Pakistan, leading to widespread communal violence and displacement.

Veerapandiya Kattabomman: A Hero of Tamil Nadu

Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1760–1799) was one of the earliest Indian rulers to oppose British rule. He was the king of Panchalankurichi, a small kingdom in present-day Tamil Nadu, and a symbol of Tamil pride and resistance.

Early Life

1. Birth and Background:
   • Kattabomman was born in 1760 in Panchalankurichi, located near Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
   • He hailed from a family of warriors and leaders known for their generosity and bravery.
2. Becoming a King:
   • At the age of 30, Kattabomman ascended the throne of Panchalankurichi.
   • His reign was marked by his strong sense of justice and his opposition to British oppression.

Resistance Against the British

1. Tax Rebellion:
   • The British East India Company imposed heavy taxes on Indian farmers.
   • Kattabomman refused to pay the taxes, arguing that they were exploitative and unjust.
2. The Incident with Jackson:
   • Kattabomman tried to negotiate with British officer Jackson but was insulted and betrayed.
   • His envoy, Kumarasamy, was arrested, which enraged Kattabomman and led to an open rebellion.
3. Battle of Panchalankurichi (1799):
   • Kattabomman, along with his loyal followers, fought valiantly against the British forces.
   • Despite his courage, the British, aided by traitors, managed to capture Panchalankurichi.

Capture and Execution

1. Betrayal and Arrest:
   • Kattabomman was betrayed by a local chieftain and handed over to the British.
   • He boldly refused to bow before the British authorities, maintaining his dignity and defiance.
2. Martyrdom:
   • On October 16, 1799, Kattabomman was publicly hanged at Kayathar, near Tirunelveli.
   • His fearless death became a rallying cry for future freedom fighters.

Legacy of Kattabomman

• Veerapandiya Kattabomman is remembered as a symbol of Tamil valor and resistance.
• Statues and memorials across Tamil Nadu commemorate his bravery.
• The Tamil movie “Veerapandiya Kattabomman,” starring Sivaji Ganesan, immortalized his story in popular culture.

His words, “I will never bow my head to the British,” resonate as a testament to his indomitable spirit and patriotism.