The Madras High Court has permitted the installation of a memorial stupa to commemorate the warriors who fought and won the 1755 Natham Kanavai battle against British forces, observing that remembering such victories was a constitutional and civilisational duty.
Justice GR Swaminathan made the observation while allowing a writ petition filed by Siva Kalaimani Ambalam, a practising lawyer, whose request to install the stupa had earlier been rejected by the Tahsildar of Natham. The petition sought permission to erect a memorial in memory of the Natham Kanavai War, fought in 1755.
During the hearing, the court expressed concern that large sections of the present generation remain unaware of the resistance and sacrifices made by Indian society during the colonial period. Drawing a comparison with other memorials, the court remarked, “If for erecting a stone pillar in memory of Stan Swamy, permission is not required, certainly, no permission is required for erecting a stupa in memory of the Natham Kanavai battle.”
It was placed before the court that Natham Kanavai witnessed a “bloody confrontation” between the Melur Kallars and British troops in 1755, in which the Kallar community emerged victorious. The petitioner submitted that the British forces, led by Colonel Alexander Heron, had looted brass idols from the Thirumogur (Koilkudi) Temple, which were later recovered by the Kallar community after defeating the colonial troops.
In its order dated 26 November 2025, the High Court outlined several reasons for permitting the memorial. Referring to India’s civilisational diversity, the court observed that while the United States is described as a “melting pot,” India is better understood as a “salad bowl,” consisting of numerous communities and sub-communities with distinct histories. The court noted that such historical memories could be harnessed for higher national purposes.
Justice Swaminathan also highlighted the martial background of the Kallar community, comparing it with groups such as the Gurkhas and Rajputs. He noted that the community had been branded as a “criminal tribe” by the British and had suffered for decades until it was redeemed by leaders such as Shri Pon Muthuramalinga Thevar.
Observing that resistance to British rule began much before the 1857 uprising, the court said some scholars hold the view that the first war of Indian independence was waged from Tamil soil. Taking judicial notice of this perspective, the court remarked that the British “met their match” in the Madurai region, recalling historical figures such as Velu Nachiyar, the Marudu brothers, Puli Thevar, Veerapandiya Kattabomman, and Oomaithurai.
The court further reflected on the importance of celebrating success, stating that there is a converse to the maxim “success has many fathers but failure is an orphan,” namely that “success will beget many more successes.” It said victories against colonial forces, achieved at great cost and against impossible odds, deserved to be “relished” and the memory of martyrs “honoured.”
Drawing an analogy from sports, Justice Swaminathan referred to Chennai as the Chess Capital of India and noted that celebrating success could “motivate, instil inspiration and trigger transformation.” He cited the achievements of leading chess players, including world champion Gukesh Dommaraju, as examples of how success stories inspire future generations.
The court also referred to Article 51A of the Constitution, noting that it is the duty of every citizen to cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired India’s freedom struggle and to defend the nation when called upon.
Concluding the matter, the High Court held that the petitioner was at liberty to erect the memorial stupa for the “Natham Kanavai War” on the land mentioned in the petition, thereby clearing the way for honouring the 1755 war heroes.
Source: Indian Express
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