The unsung heroes of the south and their contribution in freedom struggle
- From Guerilla warfare to open revolution, these heroes have done it all.
- They have motivated the mass and the class to join the revolution and contribute in making India free from the British Raj.
- Most of them died in isolation, but they still reside in our hearts as instruments in India's freedom struggle.
FollowFreedom of India came with a price. While some sacrificed their lives for the nation, there were others who chose to be in jail for lifetime, leaving behind a life of comfort and luxury. We all know about Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad and Mahatma Gandhi, it was not all about them. The regional struggles that flared up across the country were spearheaded by some unsung heroes who deserve equal respect from us as their national counterparts.
So, here's celebrating the five most important freedom fighters of South India who have etched their mark in history of the freedom struggle of India.
Alluri Sitarama Raju: Leader of the ill-fated "Rampa Rebellion" of 1922-24, he fought against the Britishers with as much fervour as his national counterparts. Referred to as “Manyam Veerudu” (Hero of the Jungles) by the locals, he was master of guerilla warfare. Interestingly, he was born in a prosperous and rich Kshatriya family in Andhra Pradesh who gave up all the comfort to join the freedom struggle. His main agenda was to save the tribals in teh Agency area who were harassed by the British officials under the Forest Act and led an armed rebellion against the British Raj.
Pingali Venkayya: The designer of the National Flag, he was a devout follower of the Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi. He was also known as Diamond Venkayya for his knowledge on diamond mining. He was also an authority in geology, agriculture and an educationist. After he designed the National Flag, it was first modified and adopted as the flag of the Indian national Congress and then again modified to be the national flag of India.
Tanguturi Prakasam: He was a politician and a freedom fighter and was the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency. He was also the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was an established lawyer, but gave up his practice as he was drawn toward the freedom movement. He was also known for his brave confrontation with the British Police during the 1928 protests against the Simon Commission. The police had imposed a ban against any protests and had issued shoot at sight orders for those who violated the orders. He tore open his shirt, bared his chest and dared them to shoot if they could. This earned him the name of Andhra Kesari (Lion of Andhra).
Veerapandiya Kattabomman: A brave Palyekar chieftain in Tamil Nadu in the 18th century, he waged a war against Britishers 60 years earlier to the Indian War of Independence started in the Northern part of India. He was captured ana hanged in 1799 CE. While his fort was destroyed and his wealth looted by the British army. He protested against the sovereignty of the East India Company and refused to pay taxes.
Potti Sreeramulu: Often referred to as the Amarjeevi, he was a devout follower of Gandhi and even Gandhi praised him for his fasting abilities and dedication toward the country. He worked for the Dalit and the downtrodden and died during a similar fast, demanding a separate linguistic state of Andhra from the Madras Presidency
