The history of the freedom struggle down South has not really been given it's due importance. Much before 1857, some of the most intense anti colonial uprisings were in the South, especially the Palegar Wars, the bloodiest revolt ever against the British.
Before 1857, we had Battle of Bobilli, Palegar War, Vellore Mutiny and then the revolts by Rani Abbakka, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Kittur Rani Chenamma against colonial rules. And they were some of the most intense ever that shook the British rule.
The Palegar Wars especially was one bloody revolt waged by likes of Veerapandya Kattabomman, Pazhassi Raja, Uyyalavada Narasimha Reddy, Dheeran Chinnamalai, where the British were given a major scare. It was only betrayal that saw them winning against the rebels.
The British put down these revolts ruthlessly, and by early 19th century they has gained full control of the South , bought all the rulers under their control. This was the reason why South could not take an active part in the 1857 revolt.
The sidelining of the history of freedom struggle down South, has given rise to a perception that South India didn't play an active role in independence movement, when in fact the earliest anti colonial movements started here.
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