Histopedia

Veluthampi Dalawa (1765-1805) was a prominent Indian warrior and commander of the Travancore Army in the Kingdom of Travancore (now part of Kerala, India). He played a key role in the resistance against the British East India Company’s expansion in southern India.

Early Life and Career

Born in 1765 in the village of Vellattumadom, Veluthampi belonged to the Nair community. He joined the Travancore Army and quickly rose through the ranks due to his bravery and military skills.

Resistance against the British

In 1791, the British East India Company, seeking to expand its control over India, invaded Travancore. Veluthampi led the resistance against the British, employing guerrilla warfare tactics and mobilizing local forces.

Key Battles and Achievements

1. Battle of Kaladi (1791): Veluthampi defeated a British force, inflicting heavy casualties.
2. Battle of Kottayam (1792): He repelled a British attack, securing a significant victory.
3. Siege of Trivandrum (1793): Veluthampi defended the capital city against a British siege.

Death and Legacy

In 1805, Veluthampi was betrayed by his own men and captured by the British. He was executed by hanging on March 17, 1805.

Veluthampi Dalawa is remembered as a national hero in India, particularly in Kerala, for his bravery and resistance against British colonial rule. His legacy inspires patriotism and national pride.

Monuments and Commemorations

1. Veluthampi Dalawa Memorial, Thiruvananthapuram
2. Veluthampi Dalava Statue, Kottayam
3. Veluthampi Dalava Road, Ernakulam

In Popular Culture

Veluthampi’s life and struggles have been depicted in various Malayalam films, literature, and art.

Here are some additional facts about Veluthampi Dalava:

Early Life and Education

1. Born in 1765 in Vellattumadom, Travancore (now Kerala, India)
2. Belonged to the Nair community
3. Received traditional martial arts training (Kalaripayattu)
4. Studied Sanskrit, Malayalam, and Tamil languages

Military Career

1. Joined the Travancore Army at a young age
2. Quickly rose through the ranks due to his bravery and military skills
3. Became the Commander-in-Chief of the Travancore Army
4. Led the resistance against the British East India Company’s expansion in southern India

Battles and Achievements

1. Battle of Kaladi (1791): Defeated a British force, inflicting heavy casualties
2. Battle of Kottayam (1792): Repelled a British attack, securing a significant victory
3. Siege of Trivandrum (1793): Defended the capital city against a British siege
4. Battle of Parassala (1794): Successfully ambushed a British column

Tactics and Strategies

1. Employed guerrilla warfare tactics
2. Utilized knowledge of local terrain to launch surprise attacks
3. Mobilized local forces and militia to support the Travancore Army
4. Implemented a scorched earth policy to weaken British supply lines

Personal Life

1. Married to Rukmini Amma
2. Had two sons, Raja Raja Varma and Kerala Varma
3. Known for his simplicity, bravery, and loyalty to the Kingdom of Travancore

Death and Legacy

1. Betrayed by his own men and captured by the British in 1805
2. Executed by hanging on March 17, 1805
3. Remembered as a national hero in India, particularly in Kerala
4. Inspired future generations of Indian freedom fighters

Commemorations and Monuments

1. Veluthampi Dalava Memorial, Thiruvananthapuram
2. Veluthampi Dalava Statue, Kottayam
3. Veluthampi Dalava Road, Ernakulam
4. Annual commemoration ceremonies held in Kerala

In Popular Culture

1. Depicted in various Malayalam films, literature, and art
2. Featured in historical novels and plays
3. Inspiration for patriotic songs and poems

Historical Significance

1. Led the resistance against British colonial rule in southern India
2. Protected the Kingdom of Travancore’s sovereignty
3. Demonstrated bravery and military leadership
4. Symbolizes Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and national pride