TN to observe first freedom fighter’s 306th anniversary

Thoothukudi-Tirunelveli region is homeland to several prominent freedom fighters including Bharathiyar, V O Chidambaram pillai, Vanchinathan, Veeran Sundaralingam, but Azhagu Muthu Kone was the earliest to launch a valiant fight against the British.

Elasai Maniyan, researcher on freedom fighters of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts and Secretary of Raghunatha Library at Ettayapuram, says it was Azhagu Muthu Kone who opposed the British and launched a war against them in 1755 when the East India Company deputed Colonel Heron to collect taxes from Ettayapuram Zamindar. He could not withstand the mighty British Army and lost Ettayapuram where a puppet ruler Kurumalai Thurai was placed by British. 

Meanwhile, Azhagu Muthu Kone went into hiding in forests near Perunali in Thoothukudi and secretly organised a military comprising local youth.

In 1759, when he was preparing for a war against British at Pethanayanakanur near Vilathikulam, British rulers surrounded his camp. The right hands of 248 soldiers in his army were chopped off by the British. Some of his Lieutenants including Venkateswaran Servai, Muthazhagu, Muthu Irulan, Lakshmanan and Muthu Pillai were tied at the mouth of the canons and were blown into pieces. 

Both the state and central governments have recognised the contribution of Azhagu Muthu Kone and released his stamp. Even a memorial was constructed at Kattalnkulam and his birth anniversary is celebrated by the government every year. But his memorial is in dire of need of attention and there are no images of the freedom fighter in it. “The swords and other materials he used are in possession of his descendants and they should be displayed at the memorial to attract the tourists,” says Elasai Maniyan.

Meanwhile, Thoothukudi district administration has promulgated prohibitary orders under section 144 of IPC throughout the district for 24 hours from 5 am on Monday till 5 am on Tuesday. Carrying torch to the memorial and conducting meetings are prohibited.