Consider the following statements regarding the historic Kundara Proclamation of 1809: 1. It was issued by Velu Thampi Dalawa, the Dewan of Travancore, urging the populace to wage an armed uprising against the paramountcy and economic exploitation of the British East India Company. 2. The proclamation successfully rallied French military reinforcements from Pondicherry who joined the Travancore infantry at the Quilon battle.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement 1 is correct because the Kundara Proclamation of January 1809 was a passionate call to arms issued by Velu Thampi against British interference and the Subsidiary Alliance burdens imposed on Travancore. Statement 2 is incorrect because no French military reinforcements arrived from Pondicherry to assist Velu Thampi, leaving the native forces to fight the Company troops largely isolated. The rebellion was eventually crushed, leading to heavy British retribution.