1) One of the most interesting parts of Raamanaathacharite is how the *lower castes* fought for their homeland. In fact, the author goes out of the way to specify `Kolli Naaga' and `Akkasaaliga Chikka' as heroes worthy of mention in the war against the Jihadis. (3-3:53-55).
2) This harmonises with wars against Tipu. Sure, Malabar Nairs and Brahmins put up a ferocious resistance, but resistance from Thiyyas was no less resolute. And when the Jihadis of Bijapur invaded Madurai, it was the Kallars who raided Jihadi camps and forced their retreat.
3) In short, when it came to Jihadis, there was never any difference about how the different segments of society fought. All of them had a stake in the outcome. And all of them fought for their homeland equally fiercely. The theory of `indifferent lower castes' is utter rubbish.
4) A little told story is how lower castes have fought jihadi and European forces. They were as patriotic, if not more [they had nowhere to run if they lost, unlike elites who could often flee]. Someone should put together the history of lower caste resistance to Jihadis.
cc @holatombola You might find this interesting.
