The Role of Azhagumuthu Kone in the Early Anti-Colonial Struggles - A Historical Perspective

10 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; The Role of Azhagumuthu Kone in the Early Anti-Colonial Struggles – A Historical Perspective Mrs.S.Mariammal Reg:2512315032002, Part Time Scholar Department of History, S.T.Hindu College , Nagercoil Affiliated to manonmaniya sundaranar University Tirunelveli Mrs.S.Mariammal Associate Professor and Head Department of History, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil Affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli Abstract The prime objective of this article is to describe the role of Azhagumuthu Kone in the early anti-colonial struggles in Tamil Nadu. Maaveeran Azhagumuthu Kone (1728–1757) stands as one of the earliest known freedom fighters of Tamil Nadu, remembered for his uncompromising resistance against colonial domination. Born in Kattalankulam near Kovilpatti of Tirunelveli (at present Thoothukudi District), Azhagumuthu Kone rose to prominence as a warrior chieftain in the mid-18th century, when South India was caught between the expanding power of the British East India Company and the waning strength of traditional polities. His life and struggle must be studied not only as an episode of regional revolt but also as an integral part of the larger anti-colonial movements in India. This article examines Azhagumuthu Kone’s historical background, leadership qualities, alliances with contemporaries such as Puli Thevar, and his armed resistance against colonial forces. It also evaluates his martyrdom in 1757, his sociopolitical impact on later freedom struggles, and his place within Tamil Nadu’s historical memory. Through this analysis, the paper highlights Azhagumuthu Kone’s role in laying the foundation for indigenous resistance and his enduring significance in India’s struggle for independence. Keywords: Maaveeran Azhagumuthu Kone, Kattalankulam, Chervaikarar, Resistance. Introduction The history of India’s freedom struggle is often narrated through the lens of 19thand 20th-century movements. Yet, the seeds of resistance were sown much earlier by local chieftains, warriors, and leaders who defied foreign dominance at great personal risk. Among such pioneers, Maaveeran Azhagumuthu Kone holds a distinguished place in Tamil Nadu’s history. Operating in the Tirunelveli region during the mid-18th century, he emerged as a powerful voice of defiance against the colonial forces of the British East India Company. His resistance, though regional in scope, forms part of the earliest organized anti-colonial struggles in South India. This article seeks to contextualize Azhagumuthu Kone’s revolt within the political turmoil of 18th-century Tamil Nadu. By analyzing his life, his resistance against the British, his alliances with contemporaries, and his ultimate martyrdom, the article underscores how his struggle was both a symbol of local patriotism and a precursor to broader national movements. In doing so, it aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of how localized revolts played a critical role in shaping India’s long journey toward independence. ©»º: 13 ]Ó¨¤uÌ: 2 ©õu®: ö\¨h®£º Á¸h®: 2025 P-ISSN: 2321-788X E-ISSN: 2582-0397 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/ zenodo.17313499 http://www.shanlaxjournals.com 11 £UP® Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities Historical Background (Colonial Tamil Nadu in the 18th century) The 18th century was a turning point in Tamil Nadu’s history. The decline of the Nayak kingdoms and the disintegration of the Vijayanagara Empire created a power vacuum that invited external forces into the region. The Nawabs of Arcot, allied at times with the British East India Company, began asserting authority over Tamil polities. Meanwhile, European colonial powers, particularly the British and the French, sought dominance in trade and territorial control. This period witnessed not only military contests between European powers but also conflicts between local rulers and colonial administrators. Tirunelveli and surrounding regions became hotbeds of resistance. Chieftains such as Puli Thevar and Azhagumuthu Kone mobilized their forces against heavy taxation, land seizures, and political interference by the Company and its allies. These revolts reflected both a defense of local autonomy and an early recognition of colonial exploitation. Against this turbulent backdrop, Azhagumuthu Kone rose as a warrior who combined personal valor with a vision of safeguarding native rights and traditions. His revolt must therefore be situated within the broader matrix of South Indian resistance to colonial encroachment in the 18th century. Early Life of Maaveeran Azhagumuthu Kone Freedom fighter Alagumuthu was born to Kattalankulam Chieftain Periya Alagumuthu and Alagu Muthammal on July 11, 1728 at Kattalankulam. Kattalankulam is currently situated 17 km Southwest of Kovilpatti and it comes under the jurisdiction of Kovilpatti Taluk of the Thoothukudi district. His grandfather was Servaikarar Alagumuthu Kone who ruled between 1691 and 1725 and became a martyr in the Palangkottai battle. Freedom fighter Alagumuthu’s father died in the Hanumanthakudi battle in 1750. Soon, in the same year, at the age of 22, freedom fighter Alagumuthu became the King of Kattalankulam. His paternal uncle Chinna Alagumuthu was his aide. On 26th August 1751, Robert Clive headed an army of 500 soldiers and went from Chennai to Arcot and captured Arcot. From an early age, he demonstrated exceptional courage and skills in warfare, earning respect among his peers. His rise as a local leader was shaped by his ability to unite agrarian communities, pastoral groups, and small chieftains against oppressive forces. The mid-18th century was marked by instability, with Nawabs and British forces attempting to consolidate power. Azhagumuthu Kone saw these developments as threats to the autonomy of his people. Unlike leaders who chose compromise, he adopted the path of resistance. His personal life, though less documented, reveals a leader deeply rooted in his land and traditions, motivated by a sense of duty to protect his people from foreign exploitation. This combination of cultural pride, martial tradition, and political foresight prepared him for his decisive role in Tamil Nadu’s anti-colonial struggles. Anti-Colonial Resistance and Revolt against the British Azhagumuthu Kone’s confrontation with the British East India Company was one of the earliest examples of armed resistance in Tamil Nadu. When the Company, in alliance with the Nawab of Arcot, began enforcing harsh taxation and demanding tributes, local leaders resisted. Azhagumuthu Kone mobilized his men, fortified local strongholds, and launched guerilla-style attacks against colonial forces. His strategy combined traditional warfare with the mobility of small bands of warriors, making it difficult for larger but less agile British troops to suppress him. Due to the frequent wars between French and English, the British funds deteriorated. As a result, they decided to collect taxes. In this effort, in order to collect tax from Arcot Nawab and his Palayankarars (polygars), the East India Company sent a troop of 500 European soldiers, 2000 native soldiers headed by Khan Sahib, and Arcot Nawab Muhammed Ali’s brother Mabus Khan under the commandership of Colonel Alexander Heron. This troop left from Trichy towards South in February 1755. When the troop arrived at Dindigul, Dindigul Lakshmana Nayakar gave the amount asked by Heron and bowed before him. Ramanathapuram Senapathy gave two ports to the English and surrendered. Likewise, several chieftains submitted to the demands of the British . 12 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; By 1750, the British East India Company had established its control over Tamil Nadu. The Arcot Nawab who was bankrupt in debt had to hand over the right to collect taxes to the British in return for a loan. In 1755, the Company started directly collecting the taxes from the Palayakarars (Polygars) of the Tirunelveli region. Khan Sahib was appointed by the English as the Commander of Madurai and Tirunelveli areas to collect taxes from the Palayakarars of these regions. They sent notice to Ettayapuram also asking to pay the taxes. In 1755, Ettayapuram was ruled by Jagaveeraraam Ettappa Naickar. At the same time, Bhoothalaipuram in the Southeast of Ettayapuram was ruled by Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya. On the other side, the Kurumalai part of Ettayapuram was ruled by yet another relative of the Ettayapuram King, Kurumalai Durai. All three of them were called ‘Ettappan’ by the people and they ruled Etayapuram. When the Ettayapuram King received the notice from the British asking him to pay the taxes, he had a discussion with freedom fighter Alagumuthu Kone. Alagumuthu did not accept it. He argued with the Ettayapuram King saying, “Why should we pay taxes to immigrants?” Alagumuthu refused to pay the taxes to the English. Ettayapuram King also accepted the feelings and logic of Alagumuthu and refused to pay the tax. Consequetively, Colonel Heron and Khan Sahib who were camping at Ellainayakanpatti, on the advice of Kovilpatti vaithiyalinga Mudhaliyar, came to Ettayapuram to collect taxes. Now, stationed at the Eastern gate of the Ettayapuram Fort, they informed Jagaveeraraam Ettayappar of their purpose of coming. The Ettappa King refused to pay tax. Seeing an opportunity, Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya told Khan Sahib that if he (Khan Sahib) made him the King of Ettayapuram, he would pay the taxes. The English artillery attacked the Ettayapuram Fort. Hearing this, freedom fighter Alagumuthu Kone came with his army and fought fiercely against Khan Sahib’s troops. The British army destroyed the temple of Lord Shiva and the Poosai Mandabam in the East. When they were going to destroy the Perumal temple, Alagumuthu’s warriors headed by his paternal uncle Chinna Alagumuthu prevented them. Chinna Alagumuthu was shot dead by hidden soldiers of the enemy’s troop. Meanwhile, as the defender of the Ettayappa King, Alagumuthu continued fighting at the Melvasal - the main entrance against the British force. When he heard that the Company’s army is gaining control over the Fort, Alagumuthu secretly rescued Jagaveera Ettappa Naickar and his warriors from the South gate and sent them to a safe abode at Perunaalikadu. Khan Sahib captured Ettayapuram. In April 1755, he declared Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya the King of Ettayapuram. He collected the tax amount from the newly crowned king and left Ettayapuram for Tirunelveli with the war prisoners. Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya, in due course of time, could not pay the tax. Seeing the circumstance, Kurumalai Durai, who wanted to become the king of Ettayapuram, expressed his wish to Khan Sahib’s friend Vembathoor Siva Shankaran Pillai. In April 1756, Khan Sahib and Mabus Khan met at Kayathar and went to Ettayapuram on their way to Thiruviliputhur. At Ettayapuram, seeing the inability of Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya to pay taxes and keeping in consideration the eye of Kurumali Durai on the Ettayapuram throne, Khan Sahib arrested Bhoothalaipuram Ettaya and made Kurumalai Durai the King of Ettayapuram. Kurumalai Durai paid the tax amount of Rs. 18,700/- to the British and Khan Sahib left from Ettayapuram. Hearing that Kurumalai Durai had paid tax to Khan Sahib, Alagumuthu got angry. At Perunaalikadu, Jagaveeraraam Ettayappa Naickar died of sorrow that his brother Kurumalai Durai had also betrayed him. Immediately, Alagumuthu handed over the Sword to Venkateshwara Ettayappar, son of Jagaveeraraam Ettayappa Naickar, and crowned him the King. Since then, even today, Alagumuthu Kone’s heirs are honoured by the descendants of Venkateshwara Ettayappar in the festivals of Ettayapuram Samasthanam. When Khan Sahib came to know about the crowing of Venkateshwara Ettayappar, he felt highly insulted and got angry with Alagumuthu Kone. In order to retrieve Ettayapuram Fort, Alagumuthu began to gather the army. He summoned warriors of the Bethanayakanoor region, trained them, and merged them with his army. He thus created a huge army. He divided it into two divisions. One troop was led by Venkateshwara Ettayappar and the other army was led by Alagumuthu Kone himself. Both of them left with their respective armies in two http://www.shanlaxjournals.com 13 £UP® Shanlax International Journal of Arts, Science and Humanities different directions towards the Ettayapuram Fort. The troop led by Alagumuthu Kone halted at night at the Bethanayakanoor Fort to take a rest. Having spied this, Siva Shankaran Pillai informed Khan Sahib and told him that it is the right time to attack them. He also incited Khan Sahib that if he does not destroy Alagumuthu, not only will Ettayapuram be taken away from the hands of the English but also will give the guts to the other Palayakarars who will also start rebelling against the payment of taxes. He added further that in order to revolt against Khan Sahib’s power, Alagumuthu may gather all others. Realizing the threat due to Alagumuthu and the insult he cast to Khan Sahib by crowning Venkateshwara Ettayappar, Khan Sahib decided to assault Alagumuthu’s army that night itself. Khan Sahib surrounded the Bethanayakanoor Fort and suddenly attacked Alagumuthu’s soldiers who were deep in sleep. Unable to respond to the sudden attack, several warriors of Alagumuthu were killed and 255 others including Alagumuthu were held captives. One of his most notable acts of defiance was his open challenge to the authority of the Nawab’s forces, who acted as intermediaries for the Company. This not only disrupted colonial administration but also inspired other chieftains to resist. His struggle was not merely about economic grievances; it was a fight for sovereignty, cultural identity, and freedom from foreign domination. Though his forces lacked the advanced weaponry of the British, his leadership instilled fear among colonial agents and loyalty among the people. His revolt marked a significant milestone in the trajectory of South Indian resistance against European imperialism. Alliances with Other Regional Leaders Kone did not stand alone in his resistance. He forged crucial alliances with other regional leaders who shared his vision of freedom. Among them, Puli Thevar, the Palayakkarar of Nerkattumseval, was the most prominent ally. Together, they coordinated strategies against the British and their local collaborators. This alliance was significant, as it united different communities and chieftains in a common struggle. The collaboration between Azhagumuthu Kone and Puli Thevar symbolized the first collective resistance in Tamil Nadu against colonial forces. Their combined efforts disrupted revenue collection, delayed British advances, and demonstrated that unity among local rulers could challenge even powerful colonial armies. Such alliances also reveal the regional character of early anti-colonial struggles—deeply rooted in local traditions yet carrying broader implications for Indian independence. Although these alliances faced setbacks due to internal divisions and betrayals, they established a precedent for later coalitions against colonialism in South India. His Martyrdom In 1757, Azhagumuthu Kone was captured by British forces after a series of confrontations. His capture marked a turning point, as the British sought to suppress rebellion by making an example of him. Refusing to betray his comrades or submit to colonial authority, he was executed in a brutal manner tied to a cannon and blown apart. This cruel act was intended to instill fear among the people, but instead, it immortalized him as a martyr. His death did not silence the spirit of resistance. On the contrary, it inspired subsequent generations of fighters who carried forward the anti-colonial struggle. Local communities preserved his memory through oral traditions, songs, and stories, ensuring that his sacrifice was not forgotten. In later years, cultural and political movements in Tamil Nadu celebrated Azhagumuthu Kone as a symbol of valor and patriotism. His legacy thus transcends his lifetime, embodying the ideals of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Impact on Later Freedom Movements Though Azhagumuthu Kone’s revolt was localized in the Tirunelveli region, its influence extended far beyond his time. His example encouraged leaders like Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the Marudu Brothers, and later chieftains who resisted the Company during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These leaders drew inspiration from his courage, strategies, and unwavering defiance of colonial authority. In the larger historical framework, Azhagumuthu Kone can be seen as a precursor to the 1857 Revolt, which is often regarded as the first war of 14 £UP® kupah fiy kw;Wk; mwptpay; (kfspu;) fy;Y}up> jpUney;Ntyp gz;ila tuyhWk; jkpou; gz;ghLk; Indian independence. His struggle demonstrated that colonial power could be challenged, and that local leaders could mobilize people for resistance. In modern times, Tamil nationalist and cultural organizations have highlighted his contributions, incorporating his story into the broader narrative of India’s independence. His life continues to inspire not only historians but also activists who view him as an early architect of resistance against oppression. From a historical perspective, Azhagumuthu Kone’s role represents the intersection of local leadership and global colonial politics. His struggle highlights the complexities of early resistance: limited resources, fragmented alliances, and asymmetrical warfare against a technologically superior adversary. While his revolt did not achieve immediate victory, it symbolized the determination of indigenous communities to safeguard their autonomy. Historians today recognize Azhagumuthu Kone not merely as a regional chieftain but as part of a larger continuum of resistance in India. His life underscores how colonial exploitation was resisted from the very beginning, long before nationalist ideologies emerged in the 19th century. The brutality of his execution further reveals the lengths to which colonial powers went to suppress opposition. His legacy, therefore, must be analyzed both as an act of local heroism and as a foundational moment in India’s anti-colonial history. Such analysis places Azhagumuthu Kone alongside other early martyrs who collectively laid the groundwork for India’s freedom movement. Conclusion Khan Sahib asked the captives - Alagumuthu and his warriors, the whereabouts of Ettayapuram King. He asked them to beg pardon and agree to pay the taxes. But, none of the 255 captives agreed to bow before Khan Sahib. Instead, Alagumuthu Kone roared saying, “In order to safeguard the honour of our Motherland, we are ready to accept death. Alagumuthu’s this patriotic conviction and fierce determination made Khan Sahib tremble. Hence, Khan Sahib caused severe torture on Alagumuthu Kone and his captive warriors. As a punishment for not obeying the orders of the British, Khan Sahib cut the right hand of 248 of the captive soldiers. The remaining seven of them - Alagumuthu Kone, Kechilanan Servai, Venkateswara Rettu Servai, Muthalagu Servai, Parivaram Muthirulan, his brother Segaveera Rettulakshmanan, and Thalaikattupuram Mayilupillai were tied to the mouth of the cannon and shot. This brutal atrocity happened between midnight of Friday and early dawn of Saturday on 18th November 1757. Alagumuthu Kone had shown the seed for Indian Independence against the British rule in Tamil Nadu soil 100 years before the First War of Indian Independence - the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was fought. On 26th December 2015, the Government of India released a postal stamp as a tribute to freedom fighter Martyr Alagumuthu Kone. Maaveeran Azhagumuthu Kone’s life and martyrdom exemplify the courage and determination of early Tamil leaders who stood against colonial domination. Though his revolt was rooted in the Tirunelveli region, its significance extends to the national narrative of India’s freedom struggle. By resisting the British East India Company at a time when colonial authority was still consolidating, he set a precedent for armed defiance and collective resistance. His alliances with leaders like Puli Thevar, his uncompromising stand against oppressive taxation, and his ultimate sacrifice reveal the depth of his patriotism. In remembering Azhagumuthu Kone, one acknowledges the contributions of countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices shaped the trajectory of India’s independence. His story challenges us to look beyond mainstream narratives and appreciate the localized struggles that collectively undermined colonial authority. As Tamil Nadu’s first freedom fighter, his legacy continues to inspire pride, resistance, and a commitment to justice. Thus, his role in early anti-colonial struggles remains a vital chapter in the larger history of India’s path to freedom. References 1. Hardgrave, Robert. L., Essays in the Political Sociology of South India. New Delhi: Usha, 1979, p.72 2. 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