- Velu Thampi Dalawa was the Prime Minister (Diwan) of the Kingdom of Travancore. - The rebellion in 1808-1809 was directed against the British East India Company due to issues like subsidiary alliance terms and perceived interference in the state's administration. - Velu Thampi is famous for the Kundara Proclamation issued in 1809, urging the people to rise against the British.