Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1760–1799) was a fearless freedom fighter and a chieftain of Panchalankurichi, who stood up against the British East India Company. His refusal to pay taxes to the British marked a strong resistance against colonial rule. His valor and defiance in the face of oppression made him a significant figure in India’s struggle for independence.

Kattabomman’s fight against the British was not just about taxes; it was about self-governance and rejecting foreign dominance. He gathered local support and waged a war against British forces. However, he was eventually captured and executed in 1799. His legacy continues to inspire Tamil Nadu and the entire nation, with his story immortalized in folklore, literature, and cinema. His unwavering courage stands as a symbol of resistance against oppression.