Pazhassi Raja, the warrior who redefined patriotism
Story Dated: Tuesday, November 29, 2005 22:2 hrs IST
The life of Pazhassi Raja symbolises one of true nationalism. The patriotic ruler had declared war against the British during his period. Despite many attempts the British could not capture him.At the end, the valiant ruler ended his life after getting trapped by the British who corrupted the king’s compatriots. On that fateful day the British army had assembled on the banks of Mavilan Canal near Pulpally in Vayanad district. The local army and the spies were there along with the British. Realising that he was surrounded by enemies, Pazhassi came out of his hiding place and took his life in front of the British. Versions of his death are found in history. The British records state that he was shot dead by them. But according to a local version, Pazhassi put an end to his life by swallowing his own diamond ring. His wife, who always followed him, also killed herself there. Yet another version about Pazhassi’s death is, the brave warrior stabbed himself to death using his golden knife that he always carried. These versions apart, one thing is for sure, Pazhassi was a ruler who was exceptionally brave and patriotic. The British had declared a ransom of 3000 pagodas for whoever could catch him. The British rewarded the then subcollector T.H.Babar with 2500 pagodas for nabbing Pazhassi. Many of Pazhassi's associates were brutally killed by the British and some were jailed. Pazhassi’s palace was demolished by the British.
