The Poligars rebelled against the British in which Presidency, when the British tried to snatch away their military and land rights?

The correct answer is Madras Presidency.

Key Points

• The Poligar Rebellion occurred in the Madras Presidency during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Poligars were feudal chieftains under the Nayak and Vijayanagar rulers who controlled forts and commanded independent armies in South India.
• The rebellion was triggered when the British East India Company tried to abolish the military and land rights of Poligars.
• Key figures in the rebellion include Kattabomman and other Poligar leaders who resisted British authority.
• The suppression of the rebellion led to the consolidation of British power in South India and the dismantling of feudal structures in the region.

Additional Information

• Poligars:
  • Poligars were local chieftains who collected taxes and maintained law and order in their respective territories.
  • They were known for their military prowess and control over fortified regions.
• Madras Presidency:
  • The Madras Presidency was a major administrative division of British India, covering most of South India.
  • It was a hub for rebellions like the Poligar Revolt due to strong regional resistance against British policies.
• Kattabomman:
  • Kattabomman was a prominent Poligar leader from Tamil Nadu who opposed British control.
  • He became a symbol of resistance and is remembered for his courage and defiance against colonial rule.
• Impact of the Rebellion:
  • The suppression of Poligars marked the decline of feudal autonomy in South India.
  • The rebellion highlighted the growing discontent against British policies and led to stricter administrative measures.