When a Lagaan-like tale unfolded at Esur

 An amount of Rs 12 crore has been provided for the comprehensive development of Esur village and the upgradation of civic infrastructure there.

Residents of Esur refused to pay revenue to the imperial regime in the year 1942 as the yield from the land had dropped substantially due to natural calamity. When harassment from the officials became unbearable, they snatched revenue documents from the officials, declared independence and hoisted the tri-colour flag on the Veerabhadreshwara temple in the village. A 12-year-old boy was made the sovereign of the village while a ten-year-old boy was made the Amildar.

In a bid to reclaim the lost territory, the imperial forces which entered the village opened fire at the civilians. A serious scuffle ensued between police and civilians in which an Amildar and police officer lost their lives.

Additional forces were rushed to the troubled village. The troops engaged in loot, plundering and the houses of people who spearheaded the freedom struggle were set on fire. Death sentence was awarded to five persons on charges of conspiring against the government.

The village has a memorial constructed in honour of martyrs. A new memorial will be re-constructed at a cost of Rs 51 lakh and a park will be developed around the same cost. The state government has also released funds for upgrading the roads and drainage facility in the village. The works are likely to be completed by February 2010.