Pazhassi Raja

Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja (Malayalam: കേരള വര്‍മ്മ പഴശ്ശി രാജ, Kerul Varma Pyche Rajah, Cotiote Rajah) (January 3, 1753 - November 30, 1805), popularly known in Kerala as Kerala Simham or Lion of Kerala was the rebel prince regent of the Hindu feudal kingdom of Kottayam which was based in modern Kannur District of Kerala, in India and was one of principle leaders of Kotiote Palassi rebellion (Wynaad Insurrection or Cotiote War) against the English East India Company. Pazhassi Raja was a member of the Western Branch of Kottayam Royal Family and traces his relations back to the Parappanad Dynasty in southern Malabar.

When Muslim Sultan of the Kingdom of Mysore, Hyder Ali, occupied Malabar for a second time (1773–1790) all the senior members of the Kottayam Royal Family found political asylum in Travancore. With the help of English East India Company Pazhassi Raja led organized military struggles (1780–82, 1791–92) and a strong resistance movement against the Mysore invaders, who were far advanced than the guerrilla army. He emerged in the course of time as the most powerful man in Kottayam as people stood firmly behind their beloved prince who had not abandoned them in their hour of misfortune. His troops were drawn from ranks of warrior Nairs as well as tribal Kurichias and Mullukurumbas.Malabar Manual, Vol 1, William...
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