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Velu Thampi Dalawa was a prominent administrator and freedom fighter who reformed Travancore's governance and later led a major revolt against British interference in 1809.
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- Velu Thampi Dalawa was born in 1765 in a Nair family near Trivandrum and rose to become the Diwan of Travancore due to his administrative efficiency and integrity.
- As Diwan from 1802 to 1809, he introduced major reforms by eliminating corruption, strengthening revenue systems, improving financial stability, and developing urban centres like Trivandrum and Quilon.
- The Treaty of Perpetual Friendship reduced Travancore's autonomy by making it a subsidiary ally of the British and imposing heavy financial obligations.
- British interference in administration and rising financial pressure led Velu Thampi to organise a revolt in 1808-1809 to restore independence and resist colonial domination.
- He issued the Kundara Proclamation in 1809, calling upon people to rise against British rule and actively mobilised support across Travancore.
- Velu Thampi, along with Paliath Achan, launched the attack on Cochin, targeting British officials and freeing prisoners, marking a significant escalation of the rebellion.
- Despite early resistance, British forces under Colonel St. Leger defeated the rebels, capturing key forts and weakening Travancore's resistance movement.
- Surrounded by British troops in 1809, Velu Thampi chose to end his life at Mannadi, becoming a symbol of resistance and an early pioneer of India's freedom struggle.