where comes the conflict between British and Tamilians?

 Idiocy of 'intellectuals ' On the Independence day of 2016 about a dozen learned history teachers, including rtd professors, and PGs were discussing about topics for seminars and for an intercollegiate meeting. Among the many topics 'the atrocious and cunning way the British subdued Tamil Nadu' was a prominent one. The discussion was wide ranging. One among them even told if British did not come the Chera, Chola and Pandyas would have given a great life to Tamilians. After many such ignorant and partially intelligent discussions a middle aged professor asked them to tell 'who were ruling the present geographical areas of TN when British arrived? There were many incorrect answers. After giving all chances and clues he explained the following in detail with dates and also the causes and situation. He said: Northern TN like Aarcot was with Urdu speaking Muslims. Tanjavur area with Marathi speaking kings. Western TN (Coimbatore, Salem, etc) was with Kannada speaking Hyder Ali and then his son Tippu (they also used Persian). Madurai and southern districts were with Telugu speaking Nayakars. And Kanyakumari was with Malayalam speaking kings. Ramanathapuram was the only with Tamil Sethupathies but they paid tributes to Marathi or Telugu rulers. Now, where comes the conflict between British and Tamilians? From a real Tamilian's point of view it was a liberation from the linguistic hold of invaders. Now there was silence for some time and then discussion started. One among them told : we are thorough with American Civil War and proudly talk of twisted history and even celebrate inhuman parasites as heroes but real history is bittergourd for many.