Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi, alias Velu thampi Dalawa, was born in Thalakkulam village, Kanyakumari District,  Tamil Nadu on 61 May 1765. His mother tongue was Malayalam but he was proficient in English, Tamil and Sanskrit. An expert in Ayurveda, Astrology, Tharka Sastra and Mathematics, was also adept in the practice of 'Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala.

At the age of 24, he became the Tehasildar, locally known as "Karyakkar" during Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal's rule. In 1799 he had led an agitation, marching to the Travancore Palace demanding strict action against corruption. He condemned the Government's tax hike policy. His continuous crusade  against corruption impressed the king and the king promoted him as 'Mulakumadiseela Sarvadi Karyakkar' (Finance Minister).

In 1801 the ruling king Balarama Varma promoted him as Dalawa, and he is remembered today as the Diwan of Travancore. During this period he had established a Census system to keep account of all paddy fields and other crops in Travancore. In 1803 he introduced a new revenue code known as 'Chattuneettole' and 'Nalvazhi' through becoming a pioneer  of revenue administration. During this period places like Kellam, Changanassery, Vaikkom emerged as well known trade centres in Kerala. Constrained to accept the subsidiary alliance imposed by the British Raj, the kingdoms of Travancore & Cochin allied against the Raj. Velu Thampi trained the local manpower. In 1809 he initiated complete agitation against British Raj, better known as 'Kandara Vilamparam' - (Kundara Proclamation) in the history of India's freedom struggle. Setbacks failed to deter him.

However, on 29 March, 1809 when the British Military surrounded the place of Mannady, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, he refused to surrender, choosing instead to commit suicide, the death of a hero and martyr in India's Freedom Struggle.

The  Department   of   Posts   is   happy   to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Velu Thampi.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India