Global InformationPapadu information
Papadu (born as Papanna;[citation needed] died 1710) was a freedom fighter of early-18th century India who rose from humble beginnings to become a folklore hero. His deeds have been described by historians Barbara and Thomas Metcalf as "Robin Hood-like",[1] while another historian, Richard Eaton, considers him to be a good example of a social bandit.[2][a]
Papanna lived during the period when the Mughal Empire had expanded its interests in South India and when tensions between the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb and his Hindu populace were rising. Towards the end of his life, after the death of Aurangzeb and amid the subsequent power struggle for succession, Papanna was able to dramatically enhance his fortunes, in particular as a consequence of a raid on the wealthy city of Warangal. Although of humble origin, he assumed some of the manners of a king.
Between 1702 and 1709 Papanna and his men were besieged four times while occupying the fort at Shahpur. He was captured and executed in 1710.
- ^ Metcalf & Metcalf (2002), pp. 30–31
- ^ Eaton (2005), p. 155
- ^ Hobsbawm (2010), p. 13
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