Born on 3rd January 1753, Kerela Varma was the king of Kottayam, a small kingdom in Northern Malabar (present day Kerala). He was also known as Pazhassi Raja or "Kerala Simham" (Singham). In 1792, Veer Varma, Kerela Varma's uncle connived ...See moreBorn on 3rd January 1753, Kerela Varma was the king of Kottayam, a small kingdom in Northern Malabar (present day Kerala). He was also known as Pazhassi Raja or "Kerala Simham" (Singham). In 1792, Veer Varma, Kerela Varma's uncle connived with the British to become the king of Kottayam and started collecting exorbitant taxes from the people, imposed by the Britishers. Kerela Varma always opposed the company rule and defied the British with his guerrilla warfare. After a string of serious setbacks, the Company signed a peace treaty in 1797. In 1800, going back on their words, the Britishers sent Major General Arthur Wellesley to capture Kerela Varma who too was defeated.
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