PULI THEVAR | IAS GYAN

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Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to brave Puli Thevar on his birth anniversary.

Details:

Puli Thevar or Pooli Devar (1715 to 1768; the name Puli in Tamil means a Tiger) was a local chieftain of Hindu Marava community also known as poligar in English or in local parlance Palayakaarar.
He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and ruled an area called Nel katum sevval(the place that pays rice tribute to the Nawob of Arcot).
He was a just, but rebel ruler and strode the path of dharma.
Puli Thevar has the unique distinction of being the first Hindu native local ruler in the entire Indian subcontinent ever to have revolted against the oppressive British East India company
Poolithevar began a rebellion against the British in 1757-58 at Nelkettumsevel village and it was followed by Kattabomman of Panchalamkuruchi and other heads of palayams during 1797-1801.
There are two different versions of the disappearance of Puli Tevar. The rebel fled for his life as Englishmen were actively searching for him. Another suggestion was that the news of the hanging of Puli Thevar by the British, would make the public protest against them, so the story of the disappearance of Puli Thevar was just a ruse purposely concocted by the wily British to avoid the ire of the natives.