Thalakkal Chanthu
Encyclopedia
Thalakkal Chandu was an archer and the commander-in-chief of the Kurichya soldiers of the Pazhassi Raja
who fought the British forces in the Wayanad jungles in the early period of the 19th century.
The rebellion on October 11, 1802 by a group of tribal soldiers comprising 175 Kurichya archers, led by Thalakkal Chandu and Edachana Kunkan, captured the British fort at Panamaram
which was manned by the infantry units of Bombay. Commanding officer Capt. Dickinson and Lt. Maxwell were killed in action along with 25 soldiers.
The British forces launched a retaliatory attack and trapped Thalakkal Chandu on November 15, 1805. He was executed under a Koly tree. Edachana Kunkan was killed by the British army at Panniyil later (now the place is called Pannichal in Edavaka panchayat). Chandu began his career under Edachena Kunkan and latter promoted him to one of Raja's generals. Pazhassi Raja as well as his generals and troops saw Chandu as their ablest war leader. Often Raja himself would say to his followers-"Even if all Nairs were to desert me, I still would be able to fight the Company (English) provided I have this Kurichia with me!"When Chandu was caught and hanged, Edachena Kunkan is reported to have said-"I have lost my right arm".
Pazhassi Raja
Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja , popularly known as Kerala Simham or Lion of Kerala, was the Hindu Nair King of Kottayam , which was based in modern Kannur District, North Malabar zone of Kerala State in...
who fought the British forces in the Wayanad jungles in the early period of the 19th century.
The rebellion on October 11, 1802 by a group of tribal soldiers comprising 175 Kurichya archers, led by Thalakkal Chandu and Edachana Kunkan, captured the British fort at Panamaram
Panamaram
-Demographics: India census, Panamaram had a population of 11651 with 5891 males and 5760 females.-Panamaram River:Panamaram River is a tributary of the Kabani River along with Mananthavady, Babali, Noolpuzha and Nugu Rivers. Kabani and its tributaries play a key role in the enhancement of the...
which was manned by the infantry units of Bombay. Commanding officer Capt. Dickinson and Lt. Maxwell were killed in action along with 25 soldiers.
The British forces launched a retaliatory attack and trapped Thalakkal Chandu on November 15, 1805. He was executed under a Koly tree. Edachana Kunkan was killed by the British army at Panniyil later (now the place is called Pannichal in Edavaka panchayat). Chandu began his career under Edachena Kunkan and latter promoted him to one of Raja's generals. Pazhassi Raja as well as his generals and troops saw Chandu as their ablest war leader. Often Raja himself would say to his followers-"Even if all Nairs were to desert me, I still would be able to fight the Company (English) provided I have this Kurichia with me!"When Chandu was caught and hanged, Edachena Kunkan is reported to have said-"I have lost my right arm".