The glorious deeds of freedom fighters, who hailed from Tuticorin district, Tamil Nadu, cannot be forgotten.
Veerapandiya Kattabomman, a freedom fighters fought against the British rulers in India and was known for his heroic deeds.
To commemorate
Commemorating his contribution to the freedom struggle, a Memorial Fort at Panchalankurichi, Ottapidaram taluk in Tuticorin District, was opened on August 18, 1974.
Of the 36 acres of land, the Fort covers six acres.
Many tourists flock to the site to learn of its historical significance and of the valiant deeds of Kattabomman, against the British. Portrayal of scenes at the Fort shows Kattabomman's invincible spirit of warriors.
Besides, revival of folk art, dance with nuances of Tamil culture, traditional and folk games are to be revived. A children's park is being established.
Powerful paintings
Panchalankurichi, which is attached to Ottapidaram taluk, is a village panchayat, three km away from Ottapidaram. Two hundred houses were built by government to accommodate the descendants of freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
Thirty six portraits
At the Fort, 36 portraits are displayed. Life history, contributions to freedom struggle and achievements of Kattabomman are the subjects of the portraits.
The protest
To protest against the British East India Company, freedom fighter Veerapandiya Kattabomman, refused to pay kist (dues or tax) to the British Government.
Celebrating Kattabomman
The remnants of the old fort are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
At Kayathar, near Tirunelveli on the present day NH7, the place where he was hanged, there is another memorial for Kattabomman.
To commemorate the bicentenary on October 16, 1799 of Kattabomman's hanging, the Government of India brought out a postal stamp in his honour.
The premier communication nerve centre of the Indian Navy, at Vijayanarayanam, about 40 km from here, is named as INS Kattabomman.
Till 1997, the state transport buses of Tirunelveli District were called Kattabomman Transport Corporation.
The district administration celebrates “Veerapandia Kattabomman” festival at Panchalankurichi on the days that honour him.
The 1959 motion picture starring Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan in lead role portraying the life of Kattabomman brings the character to life. It was adjudged the best film at the Cairo International Film Festival and Sivaji received the prize for best actor.
