Kurichiyar Revolt (1812)

Kurichiyar Revolt (1812)

Kurichiyar also known as the Malai Brahmins is a matrilineal tribe of Kerala concentrated in the hilly regions of Wayanad and Kannur. Following the death of Pazhassi Raja of Wayanad, they unsuccessfully revolted against the British East India Company due to the loss of their ancestral lands and growing interference in their internal affairs. They were lead by Rama Nambi and were supported by the Kurumbar, another tribal community in Wayanad region.

The revolt started as the result of the Company's opposition to the meeting of Kurichiyar and Kurumbar people. Following, the members of Kurichiyar and Kurumbar community attacked the Company's military establishment in Sulthan Bathery and Manathavadi with bows and arrows. They enthusiastically sloganeered "Vatta thopikkare naattil ninnum purathakkuka" which means 'exile people who are wearing round hats from Kerala' whenever they had a little win.

However, the revolt was suppressed in May 1812. It was the only well documented tribal revolt in South India. Other important leaders of the Kurichiyar revolt are Ayiram Veettil Konthappan and Venkalon Kelu.