In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
Mayilappan Servaikarar was a Tamil commander who fought against the British East India Company. He was born in the Chithirangudi area of Appanur Nadu in the southern part of the Ramanathapuram Sethupathi territory. He joined the military division of Ramanathapuram King Muthuramalinga Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi (1762-1809) and rose to become a commander. He was therefore given the title Servaikarar. On 8.2.1795, the British Company deposed the Sethupathi king and imprisoned him in Tiruchirappalli Fort. Mayilappan mobilised people and continuously struggled against the Company’s taxation and exploitation from 1795 to 1802.
On 24.4.1799, the force led by him attacked the Company’s office at Mudukulathur. It also attacked the Abiramam office, handloom warehouse, Kamuthi office and paddy granaries. This rebellion lasted around 42 days and freed the Mudukulathur and Kamuthi areas from Company administration. Joining with the Sivaganga Maruthu Pandiyars, he supported the anti-British struggles of the Palayakkarars of Panchalankurichi, Kadalakudi and Nagalapuram. He was one of the commanders trusted by the Maruthu brothers.
After the Maruthu Pandiyars were defeated in the final battle in 1801, Mayilappan went into hiding. In this situation, he was betrayed for the Company’s reward and the warrior Mayilappan was arrested. After three months of severe imprisonment, he was hanged in the Abiramam area on 6.8.1802. He is regarded as one of the early Tamil fighters in India’s freedom struggle. Books including Maravar Seemai Maveeran Mayilappan written by Dr. S.M. Kamal, and British records (Military Consultations, Revenue Records), are stated to confirm his history.
To honour the memory of the warrior Mayilappan Servaikarar, the Tamil Nadu Government should establish a memorial hall for him in the Abiramam area where he was hanged. Historical documents, copies of British records and details of the struggles should be displayed there. His contribution to the struggles against the British should be included in school history lessons. His memorial day on August 6 should be officially commemorated by the government and tribute paid to him.
Major buildings, bus stands and roads in Ramanathapuram district should be named after him to commemorate him. A postage stamp should also be issued to honour his work. This would bring recognition to the contribution of Mayilappan Servaikarar, who has a place alongside the Maruthu Pandiyars and Kattabomman in the history of the early freedom struggle in South India, and would make this historical hero known to present and future generations.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).