Born on 3rd January 1753, Kerala Verma was the king of Kotayyam of Northern Malabar (present day Kerala). In 1792, Veer Verma, Kerala Verma's uncle connived with the British to become the king of Kotayyam. Kerala Verma always opposed the company rule and defied British with his guerilla warfare. However, in 1800, the Britishers sent Major General Wellesley to defeat and capture Kerala Verma.