Puli Thevar

Puli Thevan was a Tamil Palaiyakkarar who ruled

Puli Thevar
Nerkattumseval, situated in the Sankarankoil taluk, Tenkasi,
formerly Tirunelveli Tamil Nadu.[2][3] He is notable for fighting Palaiyakkarar of Nerkattumseval
against East India Company from May 22, 1752 - 1767 in
India.[4][5][6] his son in law vadakarai king are the generals of
Thevar's army, to fight against the East India Company.[7]He is
known for the Polygars revolt against the British. He maintained a
good relationship with the Kingdom of Travancore though the
allegiance was later on broken as the Kingdom of Travancore
sided with the English East India company.

Puli Thevar Statue in his

Pulithevan (1715–1767) was a fearless and influential chieftain in Nerkattumseval Palace
the kingdom of Nerkattancherry. He emerged as a valiant warrior Reign 1 September 1715 – 16
in 1755, making him one of the earliest freedom fighters in Indian October 1767
history. His bravery and leadership are considered instrumental in
India's first struggle for independence, even before the significant Born 1 September 1715[1]
Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Nerkattumseval, Madurai
Nayak kingdom (Modern
Day Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu,
Pulithevan Nadu
India)

Pulithevan Nadu was one of the regions among the aganadus Died c. 1767
(administrative divisions) in the Pandyan Kingdom. It existed Tenkasi, Arcot (Modern
during the Sangam Age and later became part of the Pandyan rule Day Tamil Nadu, India)
in the year 1378. A Pandyan ruler named Varaguna Raman was Spouse Kayalkani Nachiyar
responsible for the foundation of Pulithevan Nadu, and he
appointed a chieftain named Pulithevan to govern it. Father Chitraputra Thevan
Mother Sivagnanam Nachiyar

What is the pride of the valiant chieftain of

Nerkattancherry? It is surpassed only by Pulithevan,
who crossed the boundaries of fear.

By considering the song from the native land, one can understand his greatness.

Pulithevan, also known as Pulithevar, was a brave and capable leader who hailed from the town of
Appanadu in the Kongottai region. Initially, Pulithevan Nadu's capital was Avudaiyapura. However, during
the reign of Nayakkar dynasty (1529–64), the region was divided into 72 palayams (small territories) after
the fall of the Pandyan Kingdom. Subsequently, over time, the capital was shifted to Nerkattancherry.

During the Nayakkar dynasty's decline, the palayams gained more autonomy and began to function
independently. Pulithevar's tenth-generation descendant, Mannan Sithira Puthirathar, was a renowned
chieftain who played a significant role in the region's history.
It is important to note that Pulithevan Nadu's history is deeply rooted in the ancient Tamil kingdoms and has
evolved over the centuries with the rise and fall of different dynasties.

Please keep in mind that the information provided is based on historical records and research available up to
September 2021, and there may have been developments or additional findings beyond that date.

The name's significance

The name 'Pulithevan' is associated with various attributes and qualities. It is believed that Pulithevan was
adept at taming and controlling elephants in his region. He could subdue and pacify the rogue elephants
that posed a threat to the local inhabitants or caused damage to their farmlands. Moreover, he displayed
exceptional leadership skills, demonstrated great courage, and was known for his benevolence and
generosity towards the people.

Due to these remarkable qualities, Pulithevan earned several titles, such as 'Panaiyarko' (one who tames
elephants), 'Adhikam Seluthum Penname' (a lady who can control elephants), 'Maelvaaram Thanmaiyo'
(incomparable magnanimity), and 'Vari' (meaning gem). His reputation was such that people compared him
to a shining gem that catches everyone's eye, just like a radiant single pearl in a garland of pearls. All these
attributes led to the name 'Aavudaiyapuran Nerkattunjchevval' or 'Aavudaiyapuran, the chieftain of
Nerkattancherry.'

These titles and attributes exemplify the exceptional character and leadership qualities of Pulithevan,
making him a revered figure in the region of Aavudaiyapuran Nerkattancherry.

See also
Alagumuthukone
Maruthu Pandiyar
Rani Velu Nachiar
Periya Kaladi
Ondiveeran

References
1. Dept, Madras (India : State) Police (1959). The History of the Madras police: centenary
1859-1959 (https://books.google.com/books?id=UvMsAQAAIAAJ&q=Alagapuri). Inspector
General of Police. p. 213.
2. Muthiah, S. (2008). Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India (htt
ps://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C&q=Puli%2520Thevan&pg=PA211).
Palaniappan Brothers. ISBN 9788183794688.
3. Session, South Indian History Congress (2007). The South Indian Rebellions: Before and
After 1800 (https://books.google.com/books?id=i81mLhBEBgQC&q=Puli%2520Thevan&pg
=PA12). Palaniappa Brothers. ISBN 9788183795005.
4. South Indian History Congress, South Indian History Congress (29 August 2008).
Proceedings of the Annual Conference (https://books.google.com/books?id=hRFuAAAAMA
AJ&q=puli+thevar). University of Michigan.
5. Patmanāpan̲, Rā A. (1977). V. O. Chidambaram Pillai (https://books.google.com/books?id=r
dG1AAAAIAAJ&q=puli+thevan). National Book Trust, India. p. 12.
 6. Natesan, G. A. (1959). The Indian Review (https://books.google.com/books?id=_jrjAAAAMA
AJ&q=Puli+Thevan). G.A. Natesan & Company. p. 287.
7. Ramachandran. "Puli Thevar – Colors of Glory" (http://www.coloursofglory.org/puli-thevar/).
colorsofglory.org. Retrieved 12 May 2021.

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