Draft:KunchaiKuttyPilla Sarvadhikaryakkar

KunchaikuttyPilla (also known as Kali Kutty Nair or Kali Kutty Pilla i) was a General in the army of Travancore kingdom, part of present-day Kerala (India) in the late 18th century. He was known as "Sarvadhikaryakar" (i.e. Chief of Military)  during the reign of kings Ramavarma (known as Dharma Raja) and Balarama Varma. Raja Kesavadasa was the Diwan (i.e. Prime Minister) for most of that period.

KunchaikuttyPilla played a crucial role in Travancore's wars against Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. He fought alongside Vaikom Padmanabha Pillai against Tippu Sultan's army at the Battle of Nedumkotta in December 1789. That was Tippu Sultan's first attempt to conquer Travancore. KunchaikuttyPilla was the leader of the Travancore army at that time. Tippu was defeated at the battle of Nedumkotta. British East India Company did nothing to help during this war in spite of a promise to assist Travancore. Later, in 1790 Tippu came back to attack Travancore during the rainy season. During this battle, KunchaikuttyPilla helped to open a dam on the Periyar river, causing damage to Tippu's equipment and supplies and foiled his attempt. KunchaikuttyPilla is said to have died around KollaVarsham 969 (AD 1794 ), though he might have sacrificed his life while opening the dam.

KunchaikuttyPilla married a lady from "Pallipattu Natalakkal" family in Alappuzha district. A temple/memorial dedicated to him has been built by his descendants of "Ponvelil" famiy at Evoor in Alappuzha district. A sword presumed to belong to him is on display there.