Velayuthan Chembakaraman Thampi (Aged 44), also known as Velu Thampi, was born on May 6, 1765, in Kalkulam village, Talakulam Valiyaveedi, near Nagercoil in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. His parents were Sri Kunchumaythi and Valliamma. Velu Thampi served as a Dasildar in Mavelikkara during the early years of Maharaja Bala Rama Varma’s reign.
During Bala Rama Varma’s rule, Travancore faced several internal and external challenges, and Velu Thampi implemented stricter punishments, including whipping, ear and nose amputations, and tree nailings, to restore order. Some of these measures were introduced during the rule of the Dalawa and proved effective in bringing peace and stability to the state within a year of Velu Thampi’s appointment.
However, Velu Thampi later fell out of favor with the Maharajah and sought refuge in Kilimanoor. The British demanded his surrender on February 24, 1809. The Maharajah appointed Ummini Thampi, a sworn enemy of Velu Thampi, as an intermediary between Travancore and the British. They offered a substantial reward of Rs. 50,000 for Velu Thampi’s capture, prompting a joint effort by Travancore and British officials to locate him. Ummini Thampi was made Dalawa by the Maharajah on March 18, 1809. Velu Thampi was eventually traced to the forests of Kunnathoor but managed to escape to the Bhagavathy temple at Mannadi. Surrounded by his pursuers, he tragically took his own life. His brother, Padmanabhan Thampi, was apprehended at the scene, and Velu Thampi’s lifeless body was displayed on a gibbet at Kannammoola. This act drew strong condemnation from Lord Minto, the Governor General, who described it as a violation of common humanity and civilized governance principles.
The sword used by Velu Thampi Dalawa in his fight against British imperialism was kept by the Kilimanoor royal family for about 150 years. In 1957, it was presented to the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad, by a member of the royal family. On June 20, 2010, the sword was returned to Kerala and placed in his ancestral home in Tripti Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram. To honor Velu Thampi Dalawa’s bravery, the Government of Kerala has established a monument, research center, museum, park, and statue on the sand. Additionally, there is a statue of Velu Thampi Dalawa in front of the “old secretariat” of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.
Velu Thampi Dalaway
(1765 – 1809) – (Tamilnadu)
Velayuthan Chembakaraman Thampi (Aged 44), also known as Velu Thampi, was born on May 6, 1765, in Kalkulam village, Talakulam Valiyaveedi, near Nagercoil in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. His parents were Sri Kunchumaythi and Valliamma. Velu Thampi served as a Dasildar in Mavelikkara during the early years of Maharaja Bala Rama Varma’s reign.
During Bala Rama Varma’s rule, Travancore faced several internal and external challenges, and Velu Thampi implemented stricter punishments, including whipping, ear and nose amputations, and tree nailings, to restore order. Some of these measures were introduced during the rule of the Dalawa and proved effective in bringing peace and stability to the state within a year of Velu Thampi’s appointment.
However, Velu Thampi later fell out of favor with the Maharajah and sought refuge in Kilimanoor. The British demanded his surrender on February 24, 1809. The Maharajah appointed Ummini Thampi, a sworn enemy of Velu Thampi, as an intermediary between Travancore and the British. They offered a substantial reward of Rs. 50,000 for Velu Thampi’s capture, prompting a joint effort by Travancore and British officials to locate him. Ummini Thampi was made Dalawa by the Maharajah on March 18, 1809. Velu Thampi was eventually traced to the forests of Kunnathoor but managed to escape to the Bhagavathy temple at Mannadi. Surrounded by his pursuers, he tragically took his own life. His brother, Padmanabhan Thampi, was apprehended at the scene, and Velu Thampi’s lifeless body was displayed on a gibbet at Kannammoola. This act drew strong condemnation from Lord Minto, the Governor General, who described it as a violation of common humanity and civilized governance principles.
The sword used by Velu Thampi Dalawa in his fight against British imperialism was kept by the Kilimanoor royal family for about 150 years. In 1957, it was presented to the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad, by a member of the royal family. On June 20, 2010, the sword was returned to Kerala and placed in his ancestral home in Tripti Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram. To honor Velu Thampi Dalawa’s bravery, the Government of Kerala has established a monument, research center, museum, park, and statue on the sand. Additionally, there is a statue of Velu Thampi Dalawa in front of the “old secretariat” of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram.
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