Main article: Abisares |
Abisares(or Abhisara (अभिसार);[1][2] was a Kashmiri king of abhira descent,[3] beyond the river Hydaspes, whose territory wad laid in the mountains. Dr. Stein identifies the kingdom of Abhisara with the tract of the lower and middle hills between the Vitasta (Jhelum) and Chadrabhaga (Chenab) including the state of Rajapuri (Rajauri) in Kasmira.[4][5][6] The old kingdom of Abhisara was originally situated in the Poonch,[7] Rajauri[8] and Nowshera districts of Jammu and Kashmir.[9]
The state of Rewari was carved out of a jungle-jagir by Ruda Singh, an Ahir noble of Tijara, who obtained it in 1555 from the Mughal Emperor Humayun for rendering meritorious services during the later's encounter with the Surs.[10][11][12][13] Ruda Singh had his headquarters located at Bolni, a small village, 12 km south-east of Rewari.[14] He cleared the jungle and founded new villages.[15][16]
Main article: Rao Mitra Sen Ahir |
Rao Raja Mitra Sen was a chandravanshi ahir ruler of Rewari and son of Rao Tulsi Ram.[17] Rao Raja Mitar Sen fought against many enemies ,some of them are muslim invaders, britishers, kachhava rulers of jaipur and shekhawats.[18]
To retaliate, the Jaipur rulers attacked Rewari in the early months of 1781 and were defeated by Rao Raja mitra sen and in the conflict suffered heavy losses.[17][19]
Ruda Singh of Rewari, was succeeded by his son, Ram Singh, popularly known as Ramoji. His estate was infested with dacoits and freebooters who had created chaos and confusion everywhere. Ram Singh built a fort at Boini and employed a small force of cavalry and infantry. He was a fearless warrior and after a long and hard struggle succeeded in extirpating the criminals. Two of these notorious dacoits, who had carried on the depredations to the very gate of the imperial capital were sent to Emperor Akbar. Pleased with the daring action, the emperor appointed Ram Singh as faujdar of the sarkar of Rewari in the subah of Delhi. Ram Singh is said to have witnessed the reigns of Akbar and Jahangir.[15][12] In 1785, a Maratha expedition to Rewari was repelled by mighty Rao's. When Rao Mitra Sen died, the Marathas tried to invaded again, but again suffered heavy loss by Rao Raja Ram Singh of rewari.[17] At last Rao Ram Singh died fighting.[19]
After Rao Ram Singh his son and successor, Shahbaz Singh, was a contemporary of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.[12] The latter Rao was a great warrior who died fighting against a robber, Hathi Singh, a Badgujar Rajput of Dhana (presently Badshahpur).[15]
Shahbaz Singh was succeeded by his eldest son, Nand Ram,[15][12] who confirmed him in his jagir and the title of Chaudhari by Emperor Aurangzeb .[20] He shifted his headquarters from Bolni to Rewari. A tank at Rewari called Nand- sagar still bears his memory. The robber Hathi Singh was taken into service by the famous chief of Bharatpur, and Hathi Singh's rising power was intolerable to Nand Ram and his brother Man Singh. He latter, in collaboration with his brother, secretly put the notorious dacoit to death at Agra, and thus avenged the death of his father. Nand Ram died in 1713. He was succeeded by his eldest son Balkishan.[15]
Balkishan was in the military service of Aurangzeb and as stated above, he fell in the battle of Karnal on 24th February, 1739 while fighting against Nadir Shah. Muhammad Shah was so much impressed with the Rao's bravery and heroism that on Nadir's departure he granted to Balkishan's brother Gujar Mal the title of Rao Bahadur and Commander of five thousand.[12] His territories were largely increased by the addition of 52 villages in the district of Hisar, and the same number in the district of Narnaul. His jagir then included the important towns of Rewari, Jhajjar, Dadri, Hansi, Hisar, Kanaud and Narnaul. In 1743, he received a few more villages worth Rs. 2,00,578.[15]
Rao Gujar Mal's two bitterest enemies were the Baluch chief of Farmkhnagar and Bahadur Singh of Ghasera, a descendant of Hathi Singh who was now acting independently of Suraj Mal, the Jat Raja of Baharatpur. Gujar Mal counteracted their malicious designs by attaching himself with Raja Suraj Mal. Gujar Mal was also on friendly terms with Bahadur Singh's father-in-law Todar Mal of village Nimrana. The latter invited Gujar Mal to his residence and there killed him under pressure of Babadur Singh in 1750.4 In him (Gujar Mal) power of his family reached its culminating point. He erected forts at Guravvada and Gokulgarh, near Rewari.5 At Gokulgarh what were popularly known as "gokul Sikka" rupees were minted.6 He founded the villages of Brahanpur and Morna in Meerut pargana, Ramgarh, Jitpur and Srinagar in Rewari pargana, built large houses at Rewari, Gokulgarh and Digal (Jhajar pargana) ; and built his father's tomb at Rewari and a tank near it.[15]
Guiar Mal was succeeded by his son Bhawani Singh. He was lazy and careless. In consequence, his estates began to dwindle rapidly. Baluch Nawab of Farrukhnagar, the Nawab of Jhajar and the Raja of Jaipur encroached upon his territory, and he was left in possession of 23 villages only. Bhawani Singh was killed in 1758 by his own manager.[15]
The next chief, Hira Singh, was worthless, and the real control of affairs into the hands of a local trader Zauki Ram. A rebel courtier of Delhi Najaf Qui Khan occupied the fort of Gbkulgarh, three kilornetres north of Rewari. Emperor Shah Alam II along with Begum Samru marched from Delhi to punish him. The Emperor encamped at Bharawas, eight kilometres south of Rewari. On 12 March, 1788, Najaf Quli inflicted heavy losses in the night attack. But Begum Samru artillery proved effective and compelled Njaf Quli for a peace pact.[15]
Zauki Ram's supremacy was intolerable to the state. At this juncture, Tej Singh,[22] a relative of the Raos of Rewari and the ruler of tauru came to the front. Being appealed to by the mother of Ram Singh, he attacked Rewari, slew Zauki Ram and established his own power.[15]
Later in 1803, Rewari and the whole estate of Tej Singh was forcibly taken into possession by the British East India Company. Tej Singh was allowed to retain 58 villages only. Tej Singh died in 1823, his property was divided among his three sons, Puran Singh, Nathu Ram and Jawahar Singh. The youngest brother Jawahar Singh died childless and his estate was equally divided between remaining brothers, Puran Singh and Nathu Ram. On their death their estates were inherited by their respective sons Tula Ram and Gopal Dev.[15]
Main article: Rao Tula Ram |
Raja Tularam (c. 9 December 1825 – 1863), an Ahir chieftain,[12][23] was one of the key leaders of the Indian rebellion of 1857, in Haryana, where he is considered a state hero.[24] He is credited with temporarily driving all of the British rule from the region of present south west Haryana and also helping rebel forces fighting in the historic city of Delhi with men, money and material. After the 1857 uprising ended, he left India, met rulers of Iran and Afghanistan and also established contacts with the Tsar of Russia, to seek their help to fight a war to free India from the British. His plans were cut short by his death in Kabul on September 23, 1863, at the age of 38.[25]
Main article: Rao Gopal Dev |
Rao Gopal Dev was a nineteenth-century revolutionary leader in Rewari, India,[26] who had allied himself with his cousin, Rao Tula Ram,[27] during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.[28]
Rao Kishab Gopal, an younger brother of Rao Tula Ram was Commander in chief of the Rewari State under Rao Tula Ram.[15] He was also an Officer in British East India Company.[29]
Main article: Ra Navghan |
In 'Duyashraya' and 'Prabandh Chintamani' the King of Wamanasthali is described as 'Ahir Rana' and the term fairly be applied to Chudasama prince Noghan as he was placed on throne by the aid of the Ahirs.[30][31]
Ra Navghan was a Chudasama ruler of Wamansthali in Junagadh between 1025–1044 CE, in the state of Gujarat in India. He was the son of Ra Dayas and had escaped capture by King Solanki with his mothers maid, then was raised by Devat Bodar family in strict secrecy. The Ahirs, former supporters of the Chudasama rulers, sacrificed their own son in place of young Ra Navghan. In adulthood, Ra Navghan led a group of supporters and recaptured Wamansthali from the Solanki ruler.[32]
Ra Navghan then Ruled for many years as King of Junagadh. During this time his accepted sister Jahal was kidnapped by Hamir Sumro of Sindh. Jahal was an Ahir a nomadic caste, and relocated to Sindh after there was a drought in Kathiawar. As a result of her beauty Hamir Sumro Sultan of Sindh wanted to marry her. Therefore she told him that she has an oath that see mustn't marry for 6 months of which only 3 months are remaining. In this time she sends a letter to Navghan requesting help. Accordingly, Ra Navghan comes to her aid being helped by Varudi Maa. He rescues Jahal and kills Hamir Sumra.[33] Ra Navghan was the father of Ra Khengar.[32]Taking into account the famous sources like Dayashraya and Kumar Prabandh, both Ra Navghan and Ra Khengar are referred to as Ahir Rana or shepherd Kings.[32][34][35]
Main article: Devat Bodar |
Rah Navghan I was the son of king of Junagadh Ra Diyas. Ra Diyas lost the battle against King Solanki and was killed during battle. Ra Diyas' wife became sati and burnt herself in the pyre of her dead husband, leaving alone their only child of age less than a year. This child was Ra Navghan who was later to become the king of Junagadh. The child was given to Devat Bodar, a man of his word, to save this from King Solanki, who was hunting for this child to killhim.[32] Devat Bodar adopted Ra Navghan and brought up like his own child. Someone informed the King about this and to prove this information wrong Devat Bodar had to kill his own son. When Ra Navghan was young Devat Bodar decided to fight against King Solanki. A fierce battle was fought between Solanki and Bodar (Ahirs).[36][32] Finally, Ahirs won the battle and Ra Navghan became the King and Chudasama dynasty reclaimed the Throne [37] of Junagadh.[38][32] Devayat Bodar (Gujarati:દેવાયત બોદર) (circa 900 AD – 1025 AD) was an important person, known for his bravery, sacrifice and endless love towards his motherland, with the help of whom, Ra Navghan, King of Junagadh and father of Ra Khengar, had taken the throne of Junagadh. He was born in the Ahir family of Alidar-Bodidar village of Junagadh in Gujarat. He had two children named Uga (pron.: Oogaa) (son) and Jahal (pron.: Jaahal) (daughter) from Sonal. Devat Bodar sacrificed his own son Uga to save Ra Navghan from the Solanki king who dethroned and killed Ra Diyas, father of Ra Navghan.[36] A maid of Ra Diyas handed the little child (Ra Navghan) of Ra Diyas to Devat Bodar.[39] Devat Bodar promised that he would do whatever it takes protect Ra Navghan and to give back his kingdom of Junagadh.[40]
Harald Tambs-Lyche believes that there is evidence, based on myths, that a Chudasama kingdom existed at Junagadh in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. The dynasty is traditionally said to have been founded in 875 CE and around 1030 received assistance from members of the pastoralist Ahir community in order to restore its power following a conquest of the kingdom by the king of Gujarat. The Chudasamas are sometimes referred to as the Ahirani Ranis, and Tambs-Lyche says that, "The structure of the Chudasama state ... seems to have been an alliance between a small royal clan — later to be classified as Rajputs — and the Ahir tribe."[41] The last of these kings, Mandulak Chudasama, was forcibly converted to Islam in 1470 by Mahmud Begarha, who also annexed the state.[42] Begarha had attacked the Chudasama kingdom, which was known as Girnar, on several previous occasions.[43]
Ra Graharipu was a Chudasama king[44] and successor of Vishwarah . He had a good relationship with Lakha, the son of King Phula of Kutch, and other kings such as Turks.[45]
Chudasama is believed to be originally of the Abhira clan from Sindh.[46] Ra Grahripu is described in Dyashraya- Kavya of Hemachandra as an Abhira and a Yadava[47]
According to historian Virbhadra Singh, the Chudasama are descendants of the Samma-Yadavas of Nagar-Samai in Sindh, who came over from Sindh probably in 9th century.[48]
After the period of third century A.D. Jalgaon, a part of earlier Khandesh was ruled by Virsen, an ahir king.[49]
Main article: Asirgarh Fort |
The Asirgarh fort was built by Asa Ahir of the Ahir dynasty, in the beginning of 15th century A.D..[50][51] According to Ferishta and "Khazana Amira", the name Asirgarh is derived from Asa Ahir.[52] Asa Ahir ruled over Asirgarh in Nimar. The same accounts also give the reference of great wealth possessed by Asa Ahir[53] and that these mountains were held by Asa family for seven centuries. Asa Ahir was murdered by troops of Nasir Khan.[54]
According to the legends, during 19th century, one of the aims of Malik Nasir Khan (1399-1437) was to capture Asirgarh. Asa, the Ahir Chief, accepted the supremacy of Malik Nasir's father and helped establishing his power. Malik Nasir informed Asa that he is in trouble and requested him to safeguard his family members being sent to the Asirgarh fort, considering it to be safest place. Asa along with his family members welcomed the 200 covered litters sent by Nasir. When Asa and family advanced to meet the ladies in litters, instead of women they were actually armed soldiers of Nasir who slew Asa and all his sons, and captured the Asirgarh fort.[55]
According to Dr. Bhagwan Lal, The Abhira or Ahir King Ishvardatta entered Gujarat from North Konkan defeated Vijayasena, a Kshatriya and established his supremacy.[56]
Patanjali in his Mahabhashya mentioned about Abhira kings. Abhira chieftains served as Generals to the Saka rulers. in the 2nd century A.D., an Ahir Chief Isvaradatta became the Mahakshatrapa(Supreme King). The Abhira played a key role in causing downfall of Satvahanas in 3rd century A.D.[57]
A cave inscription at Gunda mentioned about a Kshatrap Rudra Simha (181 A.D.) and his General Rudrabhuti refered as an Abhira. The names of all these Abhira like Ishwar, Shiva and Rudra resemble the Lord Shiva connection with Abhira. Reginald E. Enthoven, on the basis of these Abhira names deny the Abhira descendence from Lord Krishna as the two deities are considered to be enemies mythologically.[58][56]
Main article: Ishwarsena |
A cave inscription at Nasik portrays the rule of an Abhira prince Ishwarsena who was son of Ishwardatta.[59][56]The Nasik inscription speaks of king Madhuriputra Ishwarsena, the Abhir and a son of Shivadatta. This dynasty originated in AD 249-50, an era called Kalachuri or Chedi in later times. [60]
Ishwarsen was an Ahirs king in 1200 BC.[61] The Manudevi Temple was founded in Year B. C. 1200 by King Ishwarsen is a "Hemandpanthi Temple".[62] Kalchuri Chedi Era started in 248 A.D., was founded by Ishwarsena.[63]
Main article: Madhuriputra |
Madhuriputra was an Ahir king from Yadav Rajputs lineage.[64]
Thahur Lachman Singh, a Dauwa Ahir was originally a Sardar (Head) of Jaitpur, received a sanad (deed) from British Government in 1807 to rule over Naigaon Riwai, Bundelkhand, Central India. [65]
After the death of Thakur Lachman Singh, his son Kunwar Jagat Singh succeeded the throne of Naigaon Riwai in 1808, who ruled their until his death in 1838.[65]
Thakurain Larai Dulaya was throned in 1839, after death of her husband Jagat Singh. She had a status of ruling Chief at Naigaon Riwai, Bundelkhand, Central India, for maitaining a military force of 6 cavalry,51 infantry and 1 gun.[65]
Main article: Ahichatra |
In 1430 B.C., Ahichatra was the capital of Panchala. There is an old fort where the name is written 'Ahikshetras' as well as 'Ahi-chhatra', but the local legend of Adi Raja and the Naga, who formed a canopy over his head, when asleep, shows that the later is the correct form. This grand old fort is said to have been built by Adi Raja, an Ahir, whose future elevation sovereignty was foretold by Drona, when he found him sleeping under the guardianship of a serpent with expended hood. The fort is also called Adikot (the fort of King Adi).[66]
Rudramurti Ahir was the chief of the Army in Ahirwar, Jhansi, India.[67][68]
Historically, the Ahir Batak Town (Ahrora) and the Ahirwar were founded by Ahirs, Rudramurti Ahir, the Army Chief who later became a king and was followed by Madhuriputra, Ishwarsen and Shivadatta, the well known Ahir Kings who later mingled with Yadav Rajputs.[69]
It is popularly believed that the city of Badayun is found by and named after an Ahir prince Budh [70][71]
Main article: Alha |
Alha and Udal were children of the Dasraj, a successful commander of the Chandel king Parmal and belonged to the of Banaphar community so called due to their origin from the forest region.[72] Alha's mother, Devaki, was a member of the Ahir caste. The Ahirs are (one) among the "older, pastoralist tradition" of peasants who used Rajputising idioms to express their values, but were regarded as "spurious Rajputs" by those who stressed genealogical ascription over achievement.[73] it is not only the "Banaphars" mothers, but their paternal grandmother from Baksar are also Ahirs.[73]
Digpal was an Ahir King who ruled at Mahaban[74] The great part of Mahaban town is a hilly area extended over to 100 Bighas of land. There is an old fort built by Rana Katira, who succeeded Raja Digpal.[75]
According to the traditions prevailing in distrct Mainpuri, Rana Katira built the Fort at Mahaban, an ancestor of Phatak Ahirs, who succeeded Raja Digpal after his death. A fort at Jalesar was also built by Rana Katira.[75][74] Rana Katira took refuse to Raja Digpal, when was driven out from Chittor by Mohammadans.[76][77]
Hamirpur according to a legend is founded by Hamira Deva, a Rajput who drove out from Alwar, took refuse to Badna, an Ahir. Later Hamira drove out Badna Ahir and built a fort at Hamirpur.[78] Bunda's name still survives in the neighbouring village of Budanpur, where remains of an ancient Khera are found.
According to Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Pilibhit, A king named Amara Singh, who was an Ahir, ruled in the areas of Pilibhit. The area is still called Amaria for its king Amara Singh.[79]
History of Jaunpur states that during the era of Hindu kings, Jaunpur was ruled by the Ahir rulers. Heerchand Yadav was the first Aheer ruler of Jaunpur. The descendants of this clan used to surname 'Ahir'. Ahirs built forts at Chandvak and Gopalpur. It is believed that the temple of Chaukiya Devi was built in the glory of their clan-deity either by the Yadavs or the Bhars.[80]
Bhaktaman Ahir was the first king of the Kathmandu valley of Nepal.[81]
An Ahir named Bara Simha, who came from the plains of India is believed to have ruled in Nepal before it came under Kirati rulers.[82]
According to Swami Prapanacharya, the Ahir dynasty ruled over Nepal for 8 generations and Bhuvan Singh or Mahispal, the last ruler of this dynasty was defeated by a Kirat king Yalamber.[83][81]
Puranmal Ahir[84][85] was an Ahir chief or leader of Malwa region in 1714-1716 (A.D.).[86] In 1714, Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur succeeded in suppressing the disorder in Malwa.[87] The Afgan marauders established control over Sironj with the help of Ahir leader Puranmal.[88]The Ahir country (Ahirwada) stood rebellion under its leader Puranmal, who closed the roads from Sironj to Kalabagh and from his strongholds of Ranod and Indore continued to trouble the government. [89] Raja Jai Singh reached Sironj and defeated Afgan Army in April 1715. The peace so imposed could last no longer and in November 1715, Puranmal Ahir renewed his depredations in Malpur. The Rohilas, Girasias, Bhils, Ahirs and other Hindu princelins rose up in all the sides in Malwa. None of the efforts made by government could control the situation. [90]
Lallaji Patel,an Ahir by caste, was a prominent figure of 1853 risings in Malwa India, against the British rule. He was declared a disturber, who calls himself a miracle performing King having an army of 5000 soldiers and hundreds of horses, claimed that he will defeat the English and establish his own rule over the whole country.[91]
Bija Gavli (Bija Singh Ahir)[92]occupied Nimar in fourteenth century.
Mathews Taylor stated that -
"The Ahir or cowherd kings ruled over the wild tracts of Gondwana and pars of Khandesh and Berar and had possession of fortresses like Asirgarh, Gowilgarh and Narnal and other mountain possessions."[93]
According to the Indore Gazetteer, Bija Gawli, was a king at Nimar in 14th centuri. Ain-i-Akbari refers Khargao, a Mahal(Palace) in Bijagarh.[93]
It is mentioned that
In the fifteenth century, several Gauli or Ahir chiefs had established small municipalities in southern Nimar including the Bijagarh fort. The Gazetteer says that their origin is obscure but their rule is undoubtedly a fact.[93]
In 14th century, Mandu, Narmada Valley and Katanera was ruled by Gautami Ahir, and the western part of Nimar came under Bijagarh ruled by Bija Singh Ahir, before the area came into the hands of Muslims.[92]
In Chhindwara the Gauli Rule existed before advent of the Gonds. Deogarh on the Chhindwara plateau is believed to be the last seat of Gauli power. According to a legend founder of the Gond dynasty, Jatha slew and supplanted the Gauli Chiefs Ransur and Ghamsur.[94]
Churman or Churaman Ahir (चूरमन अहीर) was a commander of Gond garrison, who later became chief of an estate of 22 villages near Kamra or Kamor in Jabalpur district of modern Madhya Pradesh (India). This estate was granted to him by Raja Narin Sa (A.D. 1617-1727) of Garh Mandla.[95][96]
Ahirs get numerous mentions in Gond History.[97][98] The Gonds captured the entire region of districts of Mandla, Jabalpur, Hoshangabad, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Betul and Nagpur. The region was earlier ruled by the Nagbanshi and Ahir rulers and some Rajput clans.[99]
Upendra Singh, an Indian historian mentioned that a 4th century inscription at Nagarjunakonda depicts about an Abhira King Vasusena, who invited a Yavan Raja on a cermony of installation of image of Lord Vishnu. Many such inscriptions show that Yavanas were great pious donors.[100]
Main article: Seuna (Yadava) dynasty |
The remains of Khandesh (the historical stronghold of Yaduvanshi Ahirs) are popularly believed to be of Gawli Raj, which archaeologically belongs to the Yadavas of Devgiri. For this reason, some historians believed that the Yadavas of Devagiri could have been Abhiras.[101]
The Seuna dynasty claimed descent from the Chandravanshi (Yaduvanshis) of north India.[102][103] The Seunas were originally from Mathura and later moved to Dwaraka. They are also called by names like Krishnakulotpanna (i.e., descendants of Krishna).[104] yadukulvansh tilakand Dvaravatipuravaradhishvaras ("masters of Dvaravati or Dwaraka"). Several modern researchers, such as Dr. Kolarkar, also believe that Yadavas came from North India.[105] The following Seuna Yadava kings are said to have ruled at Devagiri-
Main article: Traikutakas dynasty |
It is generally supposed that Traikutakas were a different dynasty of Abhira,[113][114] and hence are sometimes called Abhira-Traikutakas .[115] Indradutta, Dahrasena & Vyaghrasena were well known kings from this dynasty.[116] Traikutikas were known for their Vaishnava faith, who claimed to be Yadav of Haiheya branch[117] and Dahrasena performed Ashvamedha yajna too[118]
Main article: Kalachuri dynasty |
The Kalachuri Empire was the name used by two kingdoms who had a succession of dynasties from the 10th-12th centuries, one ruling over areas in Central India (west Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan) and were called Chedi or Haihaya (Heyheya) (northern branch-Kalchuri Rajput Clan)[119] and the other the southern Kalachuri who ruled over parts of Karnataka are supposed to be offshoot of Abhira of Traikutakas dynasty.[120]
The Southern Kalachuris (1130–1184) ruled parts of the Deccan extending over regions of present day North Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra. The following kings of this dynasty rose to power in the Deccan between 1156 and 1181 AD.
After 1181 AD, the Chalukyas gradually retrieved the territory.[121] By religious affiliation they were usually followers of Hinduism, specifically of the Pasupata sect.[122]
Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone (1681-1739 A.D.), (also known as Alagumuthu konar and Servaikarar)[123] was a Yadav General and one of the first freedom fighters from the Madurai region of Tamilnadu who lauched a revolt against British East India Company rule.
Alagumuthu Kone was a general with Ettayappa Naicker, a polygar king of Ettayapuram in Tirunelveli region. He was a skilful general with Madurai Nayaks, but left the army after some misunderstanding and was eagerly adopted by the polygar king.[124]
Azhagu Muthu Kone (1728–1757) was an Indian revolutionary and independence activist who is regarded for having raised one of the revolts against the British East India Company in India.[125]
He is considered to be the first Indian freedom fighter who rose against British rule in 1750-1756, almost 100 years before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857.[126] In 1756, in a bid to oppress the revolution, the British took over the kingdom and the king and Azhagu Muthu Kone went hiding in the forest.
Due to the betrayal of locals in Pethanayakanur, Azhagu Muthu Kone and his seven close aides were killed in a place called ‘Beerangimedu’ when they tried to fight against the British.[126]After the failed battle at Ettayapuram against the British and Maruthanayagam, Alagumuthu had to flee with the royal family. Kone and his 258 men, including seven generals, were captured by the British. According to historians, the right hands of the sepoys were chopped off and Alagumuthu Kone was tied to canon and blown up.[127][128]
A documentary film portraying the life of Veeran Alagumuthu Kone, one of the first freedom fighters was released in December 2012, by the then Union finance minister P Chidambaram. On the occasion, the Finance minister said
While many people fought the British Raj and Alagumuthu Kone was one of the early freedom fighters to arouse public consciousness against foreign rule, Chidambaram said.[124]
He also released a research publication on the Yadava community, to which Kone belonged. "The struggle by fighters like him cascaded into the Indian Independence movement later and their contribution to the Freedom Struggle is phenomenal."[124] Azhagu Muthu Kone‘s heir Sevathasamy Yadav was honoured by the Union Minister at the function.[129]