1. Introduction to the revolt.

 

The British announced their arrival with a victory over Nawab of Bengal and their French counterparts in the decisive Battle of Plassey in \(1757\). This victory enabled them to extend their economic and political dominance over many parts of the country. Many landlords lost their power over their lands which naturally agitated them, and fought against the British.

 

 

The British East Indian Company started to collect the annual tributes from the local chieftains called Palayakkarars, who picked the resistance against the British by denying them their annual tribute. The first among them was Puli thevar, and later many followed his path.

  

 

Palayakarars are local chieftains appointed by the Nayaks, who the kings appointed to maintain their provinces. One such instance where the Vijayanagar rulers appointed Nayaks. Vishwanatha, who became the Nayak of Madurai, appointed Palayakkarar to maintain his province in \(1529\).

 

The local chieftains demanded more powers, and hence Vishwanatha brought in place the system of Palayakkarars with the aid and advice of his minister Ariyanatha Muthaliar in \(1529\). Thus, a group of local power named Palayakkarars came into reality.