distribution they are classified as western palayams and eastern palayams. The palayams held by Maravar chieftains were mostly in the western parts of Tirunelveli. The settlement of Telugu migrants in the black soil tracts, lying in the eastern part of Tirunelveli, left those parts under Nayak Palayakkarars. Revolt of Palyakkarars The Nawab of Arcot, who had borrowed heavily by pledging the villages in several parts of Tamilnadu, entrusted the task of collecting land revenue arrears to the Company administration.
Yusuf Khan, remembered as Khan Sahib, had been employed as commander of the Company’s Indian troops. He was entrusted not only with the command of the forces, but also with the collection of revenue. At the request of the Nawab, a force of Europeans and sepoys was ( ), ordered to proceed into the “countries of Madurai and Tirunelveli” to assist him. The encroachment of East Indian Company administration into palayakkarar’s authority aroused stiff resistance.
Mafuzkhan (Arcot Nawab’s elder brother) was appointed by the Nawab as his representative in those territories. Mafuskhan along with Colonel Heron proceeded towards Tirunelveli. They easily took Madurai. An expedition was sent to reduce Kattabomman, the palayakkarar of Panchalamkurichi but had to be recalled.
While returning Colonel Heron was urged to storm the fort of Nel- Kattum-Seval.Its palayakkarar Puli Thevar wielded enormous influence over the western palayakkarars. For want of cannon and of supplies and pay to soldiers, the attack of Colonel Heron had to be abandoned and the force retired to Madurai. Yusuf Khan born as Maruthanayakam, belonged to Ramanathapuram district. When in Pondicherry he embraced Islam.
He joined the company of sepoys under Clive in and participated in the siege of Tiruchirappalli during - . From to he was in charge of the districts of Madurai and Tirunelveli as Governor under the Madras Government which had been controlling them though they belonged to the Nawab of Arcot. He defeated Haider Ali and captured Solavandan. At the time Lally’s siege of Madras ( - ), he rendered splendid service to the English.
As one in charge of administration of Madurai and Tirunelveli regions he