The Tarasin Revolt represents a struggle between the indigenous Tarasin people of Cularin and external corporate entities seeking to exploit Cularin's natural wealth, most notably the Trade Federation, following the planet's rediscovery around 232 BBY.
Beginning approximately in 161 BBY, the Tarasin attempted to block off-world corporations from entering the jungles to collect rare trees, particularly the ch'hala tree, held sacred by the Tarasin. This initial confrontation sparked violence, which subsequently escalated.
Contributing factors also included the rapid expansion of the urban centers of Gadrin and Hedrett into the surrounding jungle, leading to a level of deforestation that the Tarasin found unacceptable.
The corporations employed armed security, and the Trade Federation eventually deployed war droids to safeguard their on-planet interests. In response, the Tarasin sought to expel all off-worlders from their world and launched a series of retaliatory attacks, utilizing both off-world weaponry and their inherent Force abilities. Despite this display of Force talent, the Jedi chose not to intervene in the conflict. However, the Federation droids adopted an aggressive posture and raided a Tarasin settlement (or "irstat"), resulting in numerous Tarasin fatalities.
During the conflict, some Tarasin conducted reconnaissance and sought refuge in the subterranean Ishkik caverns, where they stockpiled military supplies.
After a prolonged period of non-involvement, two Jedi from the Almas Academy journeyed to Cularin to broker a peaceful resolution. Although fighting persisted, negotiations ultimately proved successful after about six months, leading to the drafting of the Cularin Compact and the cessation of hostilities. This treaty recognized certain rights for the Tarasin and their culture, while also mandating that off-world corporations protect Cularin's ecology when extracting resources.
The Tarasin facilitated the aliens' pursuit of profit while ensuring the planet's preservation. However, the subsequent surge in trade and prosperity attracted pirates, smugglers, and other criminal elements in the years that followed.
Even though the Tarasin sold off their surplus military equipment in Gadrin or off-world, rumors persisted regarding hidden caches of equipment within the Ishkik caverns.