The political power equation changed in the aftermath of 1757 Battle of Plassey. The British, who were till then busy promoting their commercial interests and trade in Bharat, slowly took over the political power upon themselves. This created a lot of flutter and fury among the Hindu rulers, chieftains and common public and saw the birth of a lot of revolutionaries and brave warriors.
Pooli Thevar is one of the Hindu Palayakkarar, who revolted against the British very early. He was born in 1715 (1715-1767CE) and was named as Kathappa Thevar by his parents. His ancestors were Palayakkars of place called “Nerkattum Serval” in Sankarankoil. Pooli Thevar grown up hearing a lot of good words about his ancestors and hence he also developed his interests and skills in many martial art forms and warfare to befit his ancestry. At the age of 12, he gained proficiency in all forms of martial arts like horse riding, elephant riding, wresting, fencing, javelin, silamban and whatnot. As he was specializing in taming tigers in the Western Ghats, he was adorned with the nickname “Pooli Thevar” by his subjects.
In addition to martial arts and warfare, he also learnt Sanatan Dharma principles from one Subramania Pillai. In addition to getting initiated into Sanatana Dharmic principles, Pooli Thevar also mastered Tamizh Literature and Grammar. He developed his mastery over the language so much that he used to write poems and hymns on Lord Shiva (Mahadeva).
Pooli Thevar took over the reigns of administration of around 150 villages from his father when he was 13 years of age. He won over the hearts of his subjects and was revered in high esteem.
If we look back at history, the moghuls were in alliance and loggerheads amongst themselves at various period of time depending on who was at the helm of affairs. They did not also hesitate to join hands with British after 1757 in loot and plunder. In 1759, Khan Sahib was appointed by the evil axis of Arcot Nawab, Hyderabad Nizam and British to collect taxes in Sankaran Koil. Pooli Thevar resisted this attempt by foreign forces and refused to pay taxes. Henceforth, the place was named as “Nerkattaan Serval” (the place where the taxes were refused to be paid). This invited the ire of the evil axis and they sent their forces to fight Pooli Thevar, only to be defeated by him and his brave forces.
Once again in 1760, the joint forces attacked Pooli Thevar and once again met with the same fate of defeat. This continuous victory by Pooli Thevar boosted the confidence of Hindu kings of adjoining areas and they offered their support to him in his fight against foreign forces. The bravery and valour of Pooli Thevar proved to be a tough resistance for the joint forces for the next 7 years.
Having decided that Pooli Thevar cannot be fought and won, the British resorted to deceit and cheap tactics. Ananthakrishnan, who was king of Arani area was coerced to invite Pooli Thevar to visit the armory and offer suggestions. Upon landing there, Pooli Thevar understood that it was a trap. After a tough fight, he was arrested, chained in his neck, arms and legs and paraded in public.
In the midst of this adversity, Pooli Thevar put up a brave face and was seen exhorting his subjects to continue to fight against the foreign forces. As they approached Sankara Narayanar Temple, Pooli Thevar expressed his desire to have darshan of Shri Sankaranarayanar before his death. The British and Nawab forces agreed to his desire, thinking that a chained man cannot do anything adventurous. However, as Pooli Thevar sat inside the temple and started singing hymns on Lord Mahadeva, the soldiers heard a loud noise of blast from inside and rushed inside only to see broken chains lying on the ground.
It is believed that Pooli Thevar has mingled with his kula devata Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) and has stepped into eternity. Even till today, there is no historical evidence of what happened to Pooli Thevar, but his life and deeds has undoubtedly sown the seeds of independence.
Pooli Thevar is a pioneer and one of the early revolutionaries of freedom struggle. He continues to inspire all to fight and dedicate ourselves in the service of mother land.
Jaihind !
