Pazhassi Revolt – Study Notes, Quiz PDF

The Pazhassi Revolt is one of the important chapters in the history of the struggle for Indian Independence. Pazhassi Raja was one of the Kerala rulers who offered strong resistance to the attack of Mysore and British powers. There are so many important facts about the Pazhassi revolt that were asked for many Kerala state-level and national-level competitive exams. Let us look into the detailed note about the history of Pazhashi Raja and the revolts that took place during his reign.

Pazhassi Revolt: Summary

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja was the head of the Kingdom of Kottayam. His resistance against the British is referred to as Pazhassi Revolts. These revolts are said to be one of the first anti-British resistance movements that happened in Kerala. Because of the rich resources of the lands, this region was a target of invasion for both the kingdom of Mysore as well as for the British. This caused many of the royal family to flee southwards from the Malabar. But Kerala Varma decided to stay and fight back against these invading powers. Let us learn about the resistance movements led by Pazhassi Raja.

Key Points for Exam Preparation

• The Kottayam Dynasty was founded by Harishchandra Perumal.
• Pazhassi revolts were one of the strongest oppositions encountered by the British in the Malabar region of Kerala.
• The tax laws amendments implemented by the British are the reason for these revolts.
• The two main reasons for Kerala Varma to turn against the British were (i) They denied Pazhassi Raja the right to collect taxes from the Kottayam region. (ii) They made claims on the territory of Wayanad that came under the region ruled by Pazhassi Raja.
• Pazhassi Raja made Purali Mala (Hills) the centre for his planning of the revolt.
• He was also known as Kotiottu Raja, Purali Shemman, Pychy Rajah etc.
• Historian Sardar K M Panicker referred to him as Kerala Simham.

Pazhassi Revolt: Study Notes

Some more important information has to be learned about Pazhassi Raja and the revolts led by him. Let us look into that.

First Pazhassi Revolt (1793 to 1707)

• The unfair taxing systems introduced by the British were the main reason behind the first Pazhassi revolt.
• The right to collect tax was given to Veeravarma of Kurumbranadu by the British after the Sreerangapattanam treaty.
• The resistance movement started by Pazhassi Raja was supported by several communities like Nairs, Mappilas and Tribals.
• Pazhassi Raja tried to drive out the British from Wayanad with the help of the Mysore Kingdom.
• Chirakkal Raja acted as the mediator between the Pazhassi Raja and the British in ending the first Pazhassi Revolt.

Second Pazhassi Revolt (1800 to 1805)

• The second Pazhassi revolt was an aftereffect of the fourth Mysore war.
• The immediate cause of the second Pazhassi revolt was the Britishers’ effort to capture Wayanad.
• Colonel Wellesley made plans to limit the revolutionaries to Wayanad alone.
• The tribal community that helped Pazhassi Raja is Kurichyar.
• Shankaran Nambiar was the prime minister of Pazhassi Raja.
• Kaitheri Ambu Nair was the general of Pazhassi Raja.
• The tribal chief of Kurichyar was Thalakkal Chanthu. His memorial is situated in Panamaram, Wayanad.
• Other leaders who helped Pazhassi Raja are Athan Gurukkal and Edachena Kunkan.
• Pazhassi Raja used guerrilla warfare against the British.
• Panamaram Fort was captured in 1802 together by Edachena Kunkan and Thalakkal Chanthu.
• The sub-collector of Thalassery, Malabar during the Pazhassi revolt was Thomas Harvey Babar.

Suppression of Revolt

• The English general who suppressed the Pazhassi revolt was Colonel Arthur Wellesley.
• A special army was organised by Thomas Harvey Babar under the leadership of Colonel Arthur Wellesley. This force consisted of 1200 policemen and was called “Kolkkar”.
• Pazhassi Raja passed away in Mavilamthodu, Wayandu.

Books and Movies Depicting Pazhassi Revolt

• The screenplay of the movie ‘Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja’ was based on the Pazhassi revolt and was written by M. T. Vasudevan Nair.
• The director of the movie ‘Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja’ is Hariharan.
• ‘Veerakeralam Mahakavyam’ is the work of Kaithakkal Jathavedan describing the history of Pazhassi Raja.
• ‘Kerala simham’ is the work of Sardar K M Panicker describing the history of Pazhassi Raja.
• The book ‘Pazhassi Samarangal’ is written by K K N Kururppu.
• The book ‘Pazhassi Raja Chamayangalillathe’ is written by Mundakkayam Gopi.
• Pazhassi Memorial is in Manathavadi
• Pazhassi Dam is in Kannur
• Pazhassi museum is in Kozhikode
• Pazhassi Den is in Malappuram
• Pazhassi Raja College is in Pulpally, Wayanad
• Pazhassi Raja NSS College is in Mattannu, Kannur

Pazhassi Revol Quiz

1. Who founded the Kottayam dynasty?

• Marthanda Varma
• Rama Varma
• Harishchandra Perumal
• Pazhassi Raja

2. Which place among the following where main centre in which Pazhassi raja and revolutionaries gathered?

• Mananthavadi
• Pulpalli
• Purali Mala
• Sreerangapattinam

3. Which tribal group supported Pazhassi Raja?

• Kurichyar
• Paniyar
• Gond
• Kalbeliya

4. Who was the Prime Minister of Pazhassi Raja?

• Shankaran Nambiar
• Kaitheri Ambu nair
• Thalakkal Chandu
• Athan Gurukkal

5. Who suppressed the Pazhassi revolt?

• Arthur Wellesley
• T H Baber
• Lord Wellington
• Lord Dalhousie

Pazhassi Revolt: Quiz PDF

Click here to download the Pazhassi Raja Quiz PDF along with the answers.

Quiz Answers

1. Harishchandra Perumal
2. Purali Mala
3. Kurichyar
4. Shankaran Nambiar
5. Arthur Wellesley