INTRODUCTION In Tamil Nadu, as in other parts of India, the earliest expressions of opposition to Brithish rule took the form of Localized rebellions and uprisings. Chief among these was the revolt of the Palayakkaras (Poligars) against the East India Company. The Palayakkarar system had evolved with the extension of Vijayanagar rule into Tamil Nadu. Each Palayakkarar was the holder of a territory or Palayam (usually consisting of a few villages), granted to him in return for military service and tribute. In most cases, the Palayakkarars gave little attention to perform their duties and were interested in increasing their own powers. With their numerical strength, extensive resources, local influence and independent attitude, the Palayakkarars came to constitute a powerful force in the political system of South India. They regarded themselves as independent, sovereign authorities within their respective Palayams, arguing that their lands had been handed down to them across a span of
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