Kerala Verma Pazhassi Raja also
known as Cotiote Rajah was one of the earlier freedom fighter of India. He was
the prince regent of the princely state of Kottayam between 1774- 1805, and has
fought with the British East India Company, which in history is known by
Cotiote War. In Kerala the fearless freedom fighter is known as Kerala Simham
or Lion of Kerala.
In honour, Youth Affairs Minister P.K. Jayalakshmi unveiled the statue of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja on Friday. He gave his life while fight with the British Forces in the Wayanad Jungles at Mavilamthodu near Palpally.
The freedom fighter is believed to be killed on November 30, 1805 at Mavilamthodu and in honour of that Binu Thathupara a sculptor in the district took nearly three and a half months to complete 11 metres statue of Verma Pazhassi Raja.
Along with the statue, a Smrithi Mandapom was also set up on a sprawling one hectare of land of the district panchayat. Not only that with the investment of 30 Lakh, District Panchayat has also planned to set up research centre, reading room and a library.
On the other side, the Tourism Department of Kerala has allocated Rs. 50 lack to construct new facilitation centre manicured garden, compound wall, pathway and a ticket counter at the site. This entire work would be completed within the time span of three months, sources at the Tourism Department said.
