Which of the following was NOT a South Indian Raja who raised the banner of revolt against the British?
VerifiedAnswer: King of Travancore
Explanation:
The King of Travancore was notably different from other South Indian rulers during the colonial period because he maintained friendly relations with the British East India Company rather than opposing them. Unlike many of his contemporaries who fought against British expansion, the rulers of Travancore chose a path of cooperation and alliance.
Travancore, located in present-day Kerala, was one of the few princely states that successfully navigated British colonial expansion through diplomatic means. The rulers recognized the changing political landscape and chose to align themselves with the British rather than resist their authority. This strategic decision allowed Travancore to maintain relative autonomy while many other kingdoms fell under direct British rule.
In contrast, several other South Indian rulers actively revolted against British authority. Tipu Sultan of Mysore fought four Anglo-Mysore Wars against the British, demonstrating fierce resistance until his death in 1799. The Maratha rulers, including those in South India, engaged in multiple conflicts with the British through the Anglo-Maratha Wars. Various Nayak rulers and local chieftains also organized resistance movements against British expansion in the Deccan and Tamil regions.
The rulers of Travancore, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, implemented progressive administrative reforms and modernization efforts while maintaining their alliance with the British. They focused on internal development, education, and social reforms rather than military confrontation. This approach helped them preserve their kingdom's semi-independent status throughout the colonial period, making them unique among South Indian rulers of that era.
