Episode 4 – The Life of Mohammed Yusuf Khan
Episode 4 – The Life of Mohammed Yusuf Khan
By now, we have discussed in detail about Marudhanayagam (the film) in our previous three episodes. This episode will explore the life of Muhammed Yusuf Khan aka Marudhanayagam.
Fondly called by people in his birth-place Ramanathapuram as Khan Saheb, the execution of Marudhanayagam by the British is a tragic event in the modern history for many and a fortunate event for some. Why was Marudhanayagam, a man who British considered the most terrifying figure during the latter half of the 18th century, despised by his own people?
This career graph of Muhammed Yusuf Khan is what intrigued Kamal Haasan the most and convinced him to tell his story on-screen. Talk about coincidences, Kamal Haasan was also born in Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, but that was not one among the many compelling reasons for him to direct this film.
History has it that Marudhanayagam was a disobedient child to his parents and wild during his youth. Eventually, he ran away from home and sought shelter in Pondicherry at the behest of Captain Brunton, a European leader. It is assumed that during this transition, he rechristened himself to Muhammed Yusuf Khan and embraced Islam. But, there are no records in history books to substantiate his conversion.
In later years, his loyalty to the Nawab of Arcot and East India Company raised him to levels he could only imagine. Under Robert Clive, he served as the commandant of the East India Company. Soon, he was also appointed as the tax collector of Madurai district. His impending rise in the leadership hierarchy left everyone in awe.
A man who was held in such high regard by the British and Nawab was later executed by the same people. How did this phenomenal transformation occur? Wait for our next episode!
Written by Surendhar MK, Design Courtesy: Akilan Nagaraj
