Migapulle Arachchi was a feudal lord from theJaffna Kingdom who became a rebel leader just after itsannexation by thePortuguese Empire in 1619.[1] His titleArachchi, is a title given to the commanders ofLascarins or native military forces.[2]
They are also known by other names including the Ciṉṉa Mikkappiḷḷai or Ciṉṉa Mīkāppiḷḷai also known asChinna Migapillai.
After the death ofEthirimana Cinkam, the king ofJaffna Kingdom, there were three claimants to the throne.Cankili II usurped the throne by killing the other claimants,Arasakasari the latter king's brother andPeriyapillai Arachchi a powerfulKaraiyar chieftain and father of Migapulle.[3] Migapulle fled toMannar with the two princesses of Jaffna kingdom to the Portuguese and embracedCatholic Christianity, and was baptised asDom Luis. Migapulle joined other Christianmudaliyars such asDom Pedro and with other local support who were dissatisfied with the cruel rule of Cankili and rose to revolt.[4] Cankili put down the uprising by invitingRaghunatha Nayak, who sent his captainVarunakulattan (also known asKhem Nayak) and a force of 5000 men.[5]
Cankili II was under the Portuguese made the governor of Jaffna in 1617 and paid tribute to them on the promise that he had no contact with theKaraiyar captains.[6][7] The Portuguese conquered the Jaffna kingdom in 1619 and sent Cankili II toGoa where he wasbeheaded. Six revolts were led by Karaiyar captains between 1620 and 1621.[3] Migapulle went to India and invitedRaghunatha Nayak on March 1620, the king ofThanjavur Nayak kingdom.[8][9] They were eventually defeated by the Portuguese and a second rebellion was led byVarunakulattan, under the support of the Thanjavur Nayak.[3] They were finally defeated in February 1621 byPhillippe de Oliveira.[8][10] The rebellion was put down with excessive brutality against the civilian population including mass murder and mutilations.[11]
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