CHENNAI: With the aim of recalling various uprisings in Tamil Nadu in pre-1857 era, a book was released on Thursday by C.P.R. Institute of Indological Research here.
The publication ‘Popular Uprisings in India with special reference to Tamil Nadu 1750-1857’ edited by G.J.Sudhakar, Head, Historical studies of the institute, was released by UGC Vice-Chairman H.Devaraj. Loyola College Principal G.Joseph Antony Samy received the first copy of the book.
“Everyone is talking about 1857 First war of Independence. Before that, even the tribal people fought with British. In this book, there are many interesting articles like how the palayakkarars in Tamil Nadu built their forts and on the socio-economic problems,” said H.Devaraj.
Joseph Antony Samy attributing some unconfirmed reports said, “In Vellore Mutiny, after taking control of the fort, the soldiers while celebrating the victory, consumed foreign liquor stocked in the barracks. When reinforcements arrived they were not able to mount a counter attack.”
“We find several ways to enslave ourselves. Now, we have become slaves to Tasmac shops. As historians, we need to help people liberate themselves,” he said.
Institute director Nanditha Krishna said, “The idea of the book came up when coming across a letter by a young British captain to his uncle about the Vellore Mutiny. “I was so shocked to learn when he wrote they blew up Indian soldiers by tying them at the end of cannons. I never heard people talking about it. We don’t know about our South Indian heroes who have done so much.”
