Puli Thevar: 18th century South India East India Company and the Polygar Wars

In 18th century India, the English and French vied for supremacy. The Europeans relied on their native allies whose loyalties were transient. Anarchy prevailed.In the south, Mohammed Ali Wallajah, aided by the English East India Company, fought Chanda Sahib and his French allies in a bloody civil war. Mohammed Ali prevailed and became the Nawab of Arcot, sovereign of the southern countries. But the war was costly, and the Nawab was deep in debt to the English.Unable to collect taxes from the Polygar kings in the southern countries, the Nawab assigned tax collection to the English. The Company was brutal; widespread looting and slaughter followed. The Polygars fought the English and the Nawab; and their resistance lasted about fifty long years. Foremost among the early rebels was Puli Thevar, who defeated the English in several engagements.This is the story of Puli Thevar.. Read more