Ratsitatane, nephew of King Radama of Madagascar, who has been brought to Mauritius as a political prisoner, manages to escape from prison and plots a rebellion that will free the island's slaves.

He is betrayed by an associate and is caught by the British forces, summarily judged, and condemned to death.

He is beheaded at Plaine Verte on April 15, 1822, and his head is displayed as a deterrent against future uprisings among the slaves.

The British administration of Mauritius, beginning in 1810 with Sir Robert Farquhar as Governor, has led to rapid social and economic changes.

It is tainted, however,  by the Ratsitatane episode.