THE EXISTENCE | THE FALL | THE RISE
A FAMILY WITH A PAINFUL HISTORY
YET A FAMILY WITH LOVE AND TOGETHERNESS
1786
The Thoratappa temple near the Keethianda family’s Ballyamane was also burned, and the idols were desecrated. Evidence of this can still be seen in the nearby stream, where the broken idol remains.
Kalaiah, along with his aunt who had gone to fetch water from the well, was arrested and imprisoned in Piriyapatna jail. Determined to ensure the survival of the Keethianda family, his aunt devised a plan for Kalaiah’s escape. Disguised as a Brahmin priest, Kalaiah managed to flee the prison and return to Coorg. There, he joined the Kodagu King Veeraraja, who had also escaped and was secretly building an army. Kalaiah fought valiantly in the ensuing battles, ultimately helping to defeat Tipu Sultan’s forces.
1786
Impressed by Kalaiah’s bravery and intelligence, King Veeraraja appointed him as a Kariakara (commander of the army) and granted him extensive lands in Thora. Kalaiah rebuilt the Ballyamane and began a prosperous life as a progressive farmer. His social status soared, and he enjoyed the privilege of Seeda Beti with the king, allowing him direct access without an appointment.
However, jealousy from neighboring families led to conspiracies against Kalaiah. The king, misled by these envious neighbors, ordered Kalaiah’s capture and execution without a proper inquiry. Kalaiah was executed in Madikeri.
