The Pinnacle of Valour and Epitome of Honour: The History of the Indomitable King Kulasekaram Vairamuthu Pandara Vanniyan of the Adangapattu (1785–1803)

 Historical Context: The Unsubdued Vanni and the Rise of Pandara Vanniyan

The Vanni region, a large expanse of northern Sri Lanka, is historically renowned as “Adangapattu” (The Unsubdued Territory). As the name implies, the local chieftains, known as the Vanniyars, maintained a distinct spirit of independence, refusing to easily submit to either the Jaffna Kingdom in the north or the Anuradhapura/Kandyan Kingdoms in the south. This characteristic fiercely guarded the region: neither the Portuguese (even after conquering Jaffna in 1621) nor the Dutch could gain full control over the Vanni.

Kulasekaram Vairamuthu Pandara Vanniyan is believed to be a descendant of the Vanniyar clan generals sent from northern Tamil Nadu to rule Sri Lanka during the Chola Empire. His reign is generally considered to be from approximately 1785 to 1803. He holds the unique historical distinction of being the last Tamil king or chieftain to actively rebel against the three successive European powers: the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British.

 Pandara Vanniyan’s Reign and Administration

Pandara Vanniyan served as the last Tamil ruler of the Vanni country, governing with strength against foreign dominance.

● Extent of the Reign: In its final stage, his realm spanned approximately two thousand square miles, extending from Mullaitivu to the Vattappalai Amman Temple. The greater Vanni region was generally bounded by Kilinochchi to the north, Madawachchi to the south, and the sea on the east and west.

● Administrative Structure: Pandara Vanniyan’s administration maintained the structure of a chieftaincy.

   ● Minister/Prime Minister: His younger brother, Kayila Vanniyan (Kailaya Vanniyan), served as his minister.

   ● Commander-in-Chief: His youngest brother, Periya Meiyanar, held the position of the principal army commander.

   ● Governance: By refusing to pay tribute, the Vanni region avoided full foreign control. His rule adhered closely to indigenous systems and traditions, focusing on the welfare of the people.

 The Army and the Valour of the Tamils

While Pandara Vanniyan’s forces were based on traditional warfare, their effectiveness in frustrating foreign armies lay significantly in their use of guerrilla warfare tactics. Due to their intimate knowledge of the dense Vanni forests, his attacks were a major threat to the European forces.

● Army Structure: Taking the “Pouncing Tiger” (Paayum Puli) as his moniker, Pandara Vanniyan inspired his fighters. His troops conducted predatory warfare, raiding areas like Mannar and Trincomalee, and even penetrating into the Jaffna Peninsula.

● Dutch Testimony: The writer Louis, documenting the Dutch campaign to conquer the Vanni in 1782, provided a powerful testimony to their courage: “The Dutch have fought in many countries of the world. But nowhere have they seen fighters of such courage and skill.” This highlights the unparalleled bravery of Pandara Vanniyan’s army.

 The Victory at Mullaitivu Fort (August 25, 1803)

The climax of Pandara Vanniyan’s military exploits is considered to be his capture of the British-held Mullaitivu Fort on August 25, 1803.

● The Bold Feat: He successfully attacked and destroyed the fort—originally built by the Dutch and later used as a military headquarters by the British (under Captain Edward Mudge)—driving out the occupying forces.

● Capture of Cannons: Crucially, he seized the British cannons, a major military and psychological victory that directly challenged the authority of the English East India Company. This bold act became a symbol of Tamil military might and later served as an inspiration, with the date being celebrated as the “Day of Tamil Military Strength.”

 The Hero Defeated by Treachery: The Final Battle and the Monument

Recognising that Pandara Vanniyan could not be defeated in a fair fight, the foreign powers resorted to treachery to achieve his downfall.

● The Betrayal: Kakkai Vanniyan, a chieftain in the Vanni, nursed a personal grudge and colluded with the British to betray the location of Pandara Vanniyan.

● Heroic Death: Following the betrayal, British forces, led by Lt. Von Drieberg (a Dutch officer serving the British), surrounded Pandara Vanniyan at Katsilaimadu on October 31, 1803. The hero fought fiercely, refusing to surrender until his last breath, before he was fatally wounded.

● Honoured by the Enemy: In a rare tribute, Lt. Von Drieberg, the officer who finally defeated him, erected a granite stone monument at the spot where the Vanniyan fell. The inscription reads: “HERE ABOUTS CAPTAIN VON DRIEBERG DEFEATED PANDARA VAWNIYAN 31ST OCTOBER 1803.” This honour, bestowed by the opposing commander, permanently cements the legend of Pandara Vanniyan’s unmatched bravery.

 The Daily Life of Tamils Under His Rule

Under Pandara Vanniyan’s rule, the traditional way of life for the Tamils was protected and maintained.

● Culture and Religion: The Vanniyars primarily followed Saivism. The social life was rich with folk deity worship, traditional arts, and cultural practices. Historical narratives mention his involvement in reconstructing temples like the Mohavana Kottam or Veerabathirar Temple, indicating the preservation of religious traditions.

● Economy: The economy was mainly agricultural and dependent on forest resources. By resisting the demands for tribute from foreign powers, the economic freedom of the people was safeguarded, and the administrative structure of the native rule was upheld.

 Concluding Research Note: The Enduring Legacy of the Great Hero

Pandara Vanniyan, who lived as the embodiment of courage and honour, who ruled a territory that could not be easily conquered, and who was ultimately felled only by treachery, holds an indelible place in the history of the Eelam Tamils. His legacy transcends ethnic boundaries; he was officially declared a National Hero of Tamil Eelam (Sri Lanka) in 1982.

The “Pouncing Tiger,” Kulasekaram Vairamuthu Pandara Vanniyan, stands as a powerful symbol of the Vanni’s unique identity, the resilience of the Tamil people, their honour, and their national spirit against the forces of colonialism. His defeat day (October 31) and his victory day (August 25) are milestones marking the pinnacle of Tamil valour.