Tuluva Dynasty

Tuluva Dynasty

The Tuluva Dynasty is the third dynasty, that ruled Vijayanagar Empire. They were chiefs who feinted portions of coastal Karnataka. The Tuluva Dynasty was one of the decision-making lines of the Vijayanagara Empire of Southern India. The Vijayanagar empire accomplished it utmost splendor during this period with their most celebrated king was Krishna Deva Raya. Their reign comprised of five emperors from 1491 till 1570. They ruled approximately the whole of South India with Vijaynagar as their capital.

Tuluva Narasa Nayaka:

Tuluva Narasa Nayaka (1491-1503 CE) was the able commander of the Vijayanagar army under the rule of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya. Following the death of king Saluva Narasimha, the crown prince Thimma Bhupala was assassinated by an army commander. The faithful Narasa Nayaka then crowned the prince, Krishnadevaraya.

Viranarasimha Raya:

Viranarasimha Raya (1505-1509 CE) was crowned the king of Vijayanagar Empire following the death of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka. The adolescent Krishnadevaraya was the king`s half brother. The demise of their competent father Tuluva Narasa Nayaka resulted in feudatories mounting in revolt ubiquitously. Primarily, Immadi Narasa Nayaka, the eldest son of Tuluva Narasa Nayaka became king and lasted the throne for two years prior to assassination. Viranarasimha Raya was coronated subsequently in 1505 and depleted years, combating revolt warlords. Yusuf Adil Khan of Bijapur tried to expand his sphere of authority to the south of the Tungabhadra.

The Vijayanagar regent was backed by Ramaraja of the Aravidu family and his son Thimma. With their aid, Adil Khan was overpowered and repressed. Adoni and Kurnool area became a part of Vijayanagar Empire. During this time, the chief of Ummattur was again in revolt and Viranarasimha Raya set out south to quell the rebellion, having placed Krishnadevaraya as the ruler in absence. Intensive efforts by Viranarasimha Raya to suppress the rebellion in Ummatur had mixed results. Portugal assisted king Raya`s forces in this conflict, providing horses and weaponry, in exchange seeking control of the port of Bhatkal.

Legend has it that, when on his deathbed, Viranarasimha Raya appealed to his minister Saluva Thimma (Thimmarasa) to blind Krishnadevaraya so that his own eight year old son could become king of Vijayanagar. Thimmarasa however fetched a pair of she-goat eyes to the king and informed him that he had Krishnadevaraya killed.

Krishnadevaraya:

Krishnadevaraya (1509-1529 CE) was the most prominent king of Vijayanagara Empire. He presided over the empire at its summit. He is considered the hero of the people of Kannada and Telugu descent in South India and measured one of the eminent kings of India. Emperor Krishnadevaraya also received the designations of Andhra Bhoja and Kannada Rajya Rama Ramana. He was aided in the administration by the competent Prime Minist er Timmarusu. Timmarusu, was liable for the coronation of Krishnadevaraya. Krishnadevaraya revered Timmarusu as a father figure, but was the son of Nagala Devi and Tuluva Narasa Nayaka, an army commander under Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, who soon after took charge of the sovereignty of the empire to prevent it from disintegration. The king`s coronation took place on the birthday of Lord Krishna while his original inscription dates back to July 26th. 1509 C.E. He built a fine-looking village near Vijayanagara called Nagalapura in reminiscence of his mother.

Military Campaigns and Foreign Relations:

The reign of Krishnadevaraya was a magnificent episode in Vijayanagar history when its armies were successful everywhere. On instances, the king was known to change battle plans abruptly and turn a losing battle into victory. The first decade of his rule was one of long sieges, bloody conquests and victories. His main enemies were the Gajapatis of Orissa who had been at constant conflict since the rule of Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, The Bahamani Sultans, though divided into five small kingdoms were still a constant threat, the Portuguese were a rising maritime power and hence controlled much of the sea trade. The feudatory chiefs of Ummatur, Reddys of Kondavidu and Velamas of Bhuvanagiri had time and again rebelled against Vijayanagar authority.

Success in Deccan:

The annual affair of raide and plunder of Vijayanagar towns and villages by the Deccan sultans came to an end during the Rays`s rule. In 1509. Krishnadevarayas armies clashed with the Sultan of Bijapur at Diwani and sultan Mahmud was severely injured and defeated. Yusuf Adil Khan was killed and Kovilkonda was annexed. Taking advantge of the victory and disunity of the Bahamani Sultans, the Raya invaded Bidar, Gulbarga and Bijapur and earned the title "establisher of the Yavana kingdom" when he released Sultan Mahmud and made him de-facto ruler. All this happened by 1510.

War with Feudatories:

The Emperor restrained local rulers, Reddys of Kondavidu and Velamas of Bhuvanagiri, and detained lands up to the Krishna River. Gangaraja, the Ummatue chief brawled Krishnadevaraya on the banks of the Kaveri and was overpowered. The chief later drowned in the Kaveri in 1512. The region was made a part of the Srirangapatna province. In 1516-1517, he pushed beyond the Godavari river.

War with Kalinga:

Krishnadevaraya conquered the Gajapatis of Orissa who were in occupation of northern Andhra in five campaigns. The success at Ummatur asserted the required momentum to carry his campaign into to Telangana region, which was in control of Gajapati Prathaparudra. In 1513 the Vijayanagar army laid siege to Udayagiri fort, which lasted for a year before the Gajapati army was routed. Krishnadevaraya offered prayers at Tirupati thereafter along with his wives Tirumala Devi and Channa Devi. His kulaguru Vyasatirtha wrote many songs in praise of the King after this victory.

The Gajapati army was then met at Kondavidu where after a siege of a few months, Krishnadevaraya along with Saluva Timmarasa inflicted another defeat on Prathaparudra. Saluva Timmarasa took over as governor of Kondavidu thereafter. The Vijayanagar army then accosted the Gajapati army at Kondapalli area and laid another siege. This was the final defeat for the Gajapathi king who offered his daughter Jaganmohini in marriage to Krishnadevaraya. She became his third queen. He established cordial relations with the Portuguese, who set up the Portuguese Dominion of India in Goa in 1510. The Emperor obtained guns and Arabian horses from the Portuguese merchants. He also utilized Portuguese expertise in improving water supply to Vijayanagara City.

Ultimate Conflict:

The complicated alliances of the empire and the five Deccan sultanates meant that he was incessantly at war; in one of these campaigns, he crushed Golconda and detained its commander Madurul-Mulk, trampled Bijapur and its sultan Ismail Adil Shah and restored Bahmani sultanate to Muhammad Shah. The underscore of his invasions occurred on May 19, 1520 where he secured the fortress of Raichur from Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur after a difficult siege during which 16,000 Vijaynagar soldiers were killed. The grateful emperor suitably rewarded the exploits of the chief military commander, Pemmasani Ramalinga Nayudu, during the battle of Raichur.

During the campaign against Raichur, it is said that 703,000-foot soldiers, 32,600 cavalry and 551 elephants were used (See The battle of Raichur). Finally, in his last battle, he razed to the ground the fortress of Gulburga, the early capital of the Bahmani sultanate. His empire extended over the whole of South India. In 1524 he made his son Tirumalai Raya the Yuvaraja though the crown price did not survive for long. He was poisoned to death. Suspecting the involvement of Saluva Timmarasa, Krishnadevaraya had his trusted commander and advicer blinded.

Internal Affairs:

Paes abridges the king`s approach towards matters of law and order by the sentence, "The king maintains the law by killing." Offences against belongings (designed to maintain stability) and for murder arrayed from cutting of a foot and hand for theft and beheading for murder (except for those occurring as a result of duel). Paes could not approximate the size of Vijaynagar as his view was obscured by the hills but estimated the city to be at least as large as Rome. Additionally, he measured Vijaynagar to be "the best provided city in the world" with a population of not less than a half a million. The empire was divided into a number of provinces often under members of the royal family and into further subdivisions. The official languages of the court were Telugu and Kannada.

Arts:

Vitthala temple with musical pillars, Hoysala style multigonal base Hampi. The reign of Krishnadevaraya was an age of productive literature in many languages, while it was also known as a golden age of Telugu literature. Several Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada and Tamil poets enjoyed the patronage of the emperor. Emperor Krishnadevaraya was assured in many languages. He patronized Kannada poets Mallanarya who wrote Veerasaivamrita, Bhavachintaratna and Satyendra Cholakathe, Chatu Vittalanatha who wrote Bhagavatha, Timmanna Kavi who wrote a eulogy of his king in Krishnaraya Bharata.

Vyasatirtha, the great saint from Mysore belonging to the Madhwa order of Udupi was his Rajguru who wrote countless songs in praise of his devoted king. Krishnadevarayana Dinachari in Kannada is a freshly discovered work. The record highlights the modern society during Krishnadevaraya`s term in his personal diary. However it is not yet clear if the king himself wrote the record. Krishnadevaraya patronised Tamil poet Haridasa. In Sanskrit, Vyasatirtha wrote Bhedojjivana, Tatparyachandrika, Nyayamrita (a work directed against Advaita philosophy) and Tarkatandava. Krishnadevaraya himself a proficient scholar wrote Madalasa Charita, Satyavadu Parinaya and Rasamanjari and Jambavati Kalyana.

Amuktamalyada:

Krishnadevaraya inscribed Amuktamalyada in Telugu. In Amuktamalyada, Krishnaraya magnificently elucidates the pangs of division endured by Andal (one of the twelve bhakti era alwars) for her lover Lord Vishnu. He depicts Andal`s physical beauty in thirty verses, using metaphors of the spring and the monsoon. One of the main characters is Periyalwar, the father of Andal. Lord Vishnu commands Periyalwar to educate a king of the Pandya dynasty the path of knowledge to moksha. Amuktamalyada is also known by the name Vishnuchitteeyam, a reference to Vishnuchittudu, the Telugu name of Periyalwar. Several other short stories are included in Amuktamalyada in the course of the main story of Godadevi, the Telugu name of Andal, which is used throughout. Krishnarayalu was also well versed in Sanskrit, Tamil and Kannada. Jambavati Kalyanamu is his Sanskrit work. He also mentions of himself belonging to the Kuruba/Golla clan in Amuktamalyada.

Religion and Culture:

Krishna Deva Raya esteemed all cults of Hinduism, although he individually inclined in favor of Sri Vaishnavismas and lavished on the Tirupati temple numerous objects of priceless value, ranging from diamond-studded crowns to golden swords. Additionally, he is known to have constructed the statutes of himself and his two wives within the temple complex. Krishna Deva Raya is respected, worshipped and idolized by Kurubas & Yadavas as one of the eminent personalities of their community. Krishnadevaraya, was formally, initiated into the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, by Panchamatha Bhanjanam Tathacharya, the Rajaguru, of those times. Article by U Vaidyanathan He also, equally, patronised Vyasatirtha, and other vedanta scholars of that time. He patronized poets and scholars in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Sanskrit.

Achyuta Raya:

Achyuta Raya (1529-1542 CE) was a ruler of a Vijayanagara Empire of South India. He was the younger brother of Krishna Deva Raya, whom he succeeded in 1529. He patronised Kannada poet Chatu Vittalanatha and the great singer Purandaradasa(Father of Carnatic music) and the Sanskrit scholar Rajanatha Dindima II. Upon his death, the succession was disputed. His nephew, Sadashiva, finally became king while yet a child, under the regency of Aliya Rama Raya, a son-in-law of Krishnadevaraya.Achutha devaraya crowned Garikepati Viswanatha Naidu of Balija caste as the king of Madurai and thus Viswanatha Naidu became the founder of Madura dynasty.

Achyuthadevaraya not only crowned Alluri Sevappa Naidu of Balija caste as the king of Thanjavur but also gave his sister-in-law Murthimamba (His wife Thirumalamba`s own sister) in marriage to Sevappa naidu who became the founder of Thanjavur dynasty. The time when Achyuta Raya became the king was by no means a favorable one. The peace and prosperity of the halcyon days under Krishnadevaraya were coming to an end. Feudatories and enemies were waiting for an opportunity to bring down the empire. In addition, Achyuta Raya had to contend with the powerful Aliya Rama Raya, who was competing for the throne.

While the works of Nuniz speak very lowly of Achyuta Raya as being a king given to vices and cruelty, there is enough evidence to prove that the king was indeed noteworthy in his own right and fought hard to keep the prosperity of the kingdom alive. He had been handpicked by Krishnadevaraya himself as an able successor. Ismail Adil Shah of Bijapur invaded and captured the Raichur doab. However the Gajapati`s of Orissa and Quli Qutub Shah of Golconda were defeated and pushed back. Now Achyuta Raya along with his general Salakaraju Tirumala went on a southern campaign to bring the chiefs of Travancore and Ummatur under control. This they did successfully. Then they invaded the doab north of Tungabhadra and recaptured the forts of Raichur and Mudgal. The two Sanskrit works Achyutabhyudayam and Varadambikaparinayam describe the kings life and rule in detail.

Throughout his rule, Achyuta Raya had to contend with the manipulations of Rama Raya who in his powerful capacity had replaced many of the faithfull servants of the Kingdom in high ranking positions with men of his own favour. On more than one occasion the Bahamani Sultans were brought in to play the role of mediator between the king and Ailya Rama Raya in the game of power sharing. This would further weaken the kingdom. In 1542 Aliya Rama Raya imprisoned Achyuta Raya in a coup and made Sadasiva Raya the new regent. Aliya Rama Raya became the de-facto king and let very little governance in the hands of Sadasiva Raya.

The Tiruvengalanatha Temple was built at Vijayanagara during his reign. It has become popularly known by his name as Achyutaraya Temple, rather than by the name of the deity Lord Venkateshwara to whom the temple was dedicated.

Sadasiva Raya:

Sadasiva Raya was a king of Vijayanagara Empire. He came to power following the death of his uncle Achyuta Deva Raya in 1543. His coronation was made possible due to support of Aliya Rama Raya, son-in-law of Krishnadevaraya. Throughout his rule, the real power lay in the hands of the de-facto ruler Aliya Rama Raya.

Varman dynasty

Varman dynasty

The Varman dynasty ruled Kamarupa (Assam) from 350 to 650. This dynasty is sometimes called the Naraka or Bhauma dynasty since it traces its lineage to the mythical Narakasura. Pushyavarman is the first historical ruler of Assam. This dynasty was followed by the dynasty of Salasthambha. Perhaps the most famous was monarch of this dynasty was the last, Bhaskara Varman who claimed be a descendant from god Vishnu, was a staunch Buddhist and accompanied King Harshavardhana to religious processions from Pataliputra to Kannauj.

1. 350-374        Pushya Varman
2. 374-398        Samudra Varman
3. 398-422        Bala Varman
4. 422-446        Kalyana Varman
5. 446-470        Ganapati Varman alias Ganendra Varman
6. 470-494        Mahendra Varman alias Surendra Varman
7. 494-518        Narayana Varman
8. 518-542        Bhuti Varman alias Mahabhuti Varman
9. 542-566        Chandramukha Varman
10. 566-590        Sthita Varman
11. 590-595        Susthita Varman
12. 595-600        Supratisthita Varman
13. 600-650        Bhaskara Varman

History of RAJAPALAYAM KSHATRIYAS

History of RAJAPALAYAM KSHATRIYAS

About RAJAPALAYAM :

Rajapalayam is an important municipal city in Virudunagar district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated 85 kilometer south west of Madurai. Its main attraction is Ayyanar falls and the town of Srivilliputur. It is also known for its Rajapalayam breed of dogs.

History:

Rajapalayam gets its name from the name of the community that is dominant here Rajas or Rajus a Telugu speaking community that had migrated from Andhra Pradesh centuries ago. The word `palayam` is frequently used in many Tamil cities as a suffix and it translates roughly as a `fort`. The origin of Rajapalayam dates back to 1700 AD. The exact timing of the settling of Raju people in this specific area is not established, but believed to have happened as a consequence of collapse of Vijayanagara empire and the arrival of Rajus as administrators or commanders to this region.

Initially, Rajapalyam developed as an agricultural community and most people had farming as their source of livelihood. In the mid 1900s, the small town of Rajapalayam gradually evolved into a thriving business community. Due to the enterprising and hard working nature of its people, commerce developed quickly in the region and several industries, particularly cotton based flourished. Hence it got the name “Cotton city”. Today Rajapalayam is one of the most industrialized cities in southern Tamil Nadu and people of all communities and religions live and contribute for its growth.

Geography:

Rajapalayam city acquired the total area of 11 sq kms. It is located 9° 12` to 9° 47` N latitude and 77° 20` to 78° 26` E longitude. The climate of the city is Semi- arid -tropical monsoon type. It has a high mean temperature and a low degree of humidity. In summer the maximum temperature is 37.1°C and minimum is 25.4°C. In winter the maximum temperature is 29.2°C and minimum is 20.4°C. The maximum rainfall of the city is 792 mm.

Economy:

The economy of the city is based on the manufacture of textiles, and there are mills for spinning and weaving cotton, as well as a large cotton market. The major industries of Rajapalayam are-

Rajapalayam Mills Ltd- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Rajapalaiyam Spintext- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Rajapalaiyam Textiles- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Sri Ramco Spinners- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Sri Vishnu Shankar Mill Ltd- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Ramaraju Surgical Cotton Mills- Manufacturer of surgical bandages & cloth
Sandhya Spinning Mills Ltd- Spinning mill, part of Ramco Group
Geetha Krishna Spinning Mill Pvt. Ltd.- A quality cotton yarn manufacturer
Sree Karpagambal Mills Ltd.- Large yarn spinning and fabric weaving mill since 1956
Sethuram Spinners Pvt. Ltd.- Leading spinning mill in Rajapalayam. Manufacturers and exporters of open end yarn, 100% cotton open end (OE) yarn used for making of denim, terry towel, bottom weights, industrial fabrics and furnishings etc
Polyspin Export ltd- manufacturer and exporter of p.p.bags and jumbo bags
Sterling Techno(P) Ltd- Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Madras Chip Boards- Manufacturer of flush doors
Limenaph Chemicals (P) Ltd is Manufacturers of cement paints (colours), adhesives, lime powder, paints, distemper and alloied products.
Ramaraju Surgicals Surgical dressings, cotton wool, grey, gauze, absorbent gauze and bandages from the Ramaraju Surgical Cotton Mills have been manufactured to international quality standards for almost 60 years now.
Raju Spinning Mills (P) Ltd-Manufacturer of cotton yarn
Nachiar Spinning Mills. - The largest and number one exporters of cotton yarns and cloths from Rajapalayam to all the Europe and African countries
Shri Padmavathi Cotton Mills- Manufacturer of cotton Yarn.

Transport:

By Air: The nearest airport to Rajapalayam is Madurai.
By Rail: Rajapalayam has a railway station that connects it with Tirunelveli, Sivakasi, Srivilliputur and other towns and cities of the state.
By Road: Rajapalayam is well connected by road with the neighbouring towns and cities of the state.

Demographics:

As per 2001 Census of India, Rajapalayam had a population of 121,982. Males constitute 50% and females 50% of the population . 9% of the population is under 6 years of age. Rajapalayam has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 66%.

Culture:

The major languages used in Rajapalayam are Tamil, Telugu and English. Most important festival of Rajapalayam is the sacred wedding ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. This festival is held during March -April. During this festival the city displays a colourful and joyous mood. Images of the divine couple are taken around the city in a tastefully decorated chariot, amidst the presence of a huge gathering of devotees. The notes of Nadaswaram and drums further aggravate the festive ambience. The annual float festival marks the images of Meenakshi and her consort floating on the Mariamman tank on an illuminated raft bedecked with flowers. As such there are festivals throughout the year in Rajapalayam. All most 11 big annual festivals are celebrated, which are spread through the year with exception of the monsoon months. There are several libraries, theaters and town halls for entertainment in the city.

The Rajapalayam breed dog was used for hunting long back in Rajapalayam. It is a hound dog, white in colour with good height. Its nose is generally light in colour-pink.

Visiting Places:

Ayyanar Koil (Ayyanar Falls): Ayyanar Falls is located on the slope of Western Ghats, It has lot of waterfalls and a temple. It provides good opportunity for woodland mountain climbing. Dam is situated on the way to Ayyanar Falls which is providing water for the whole city.

Sanjeevi Hills: Sanjeevi Hills is situated in Rajapalayam on the way to Chatrapatti. The calm and serene ambience makes it a favorite spot for tourists. Tradition recounts that in order to save the unconscious Lakshmana, Hanuman, the monkey god carried the entire Sanjeevi Hill with the herbal plants to Sri Lanka and threw it away afterwards. It is said that the thrown down hill is the Sanjeevi Hills.

Srivilliputtur: Sri Andal`s Temple is located in Srivilliputtur . Andal was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The tower at the entrance gate (Main Gopuram) is the second highest in Tamil Nadu. And the tower is the symbol of Tamilnadu Government.

Shenbagathope Grizzled Squirrel Sanctuary: The forests are found on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Only 6.3% of the total geographical area is under forests. Many rare and endemic varieties of flora and fauna are found along the mountain slopes. A wildlife sanctuary, spread over 480 square kilometres was established in 1989 at Shenbagathopu in Srivilliputtur taluk..

This sanctuary is contiguous with the Periyar tiger reserve on the south-western side and the Megamalai reserve forest on the north-western side. The altitude varies from 100 to 2010 m above sea level. The sanctuary is home to the endangered, arboreal grizzled giant squirrel `Ratufa macrora`. This greyish brown squirrel weighs 1 to 1.8 kg. and is the size of a small cat. It measures about 735 mm. from nose to tail with the tail being 360 to 400 mm. long. They construct drays at forked branches where the crowns of neighbouring trees meet. This enables the squirrel to move away from the site by jumping from tree to tree when threatened. The home range of an individual is between 1,970 and 6,110 square metres.

Education:

Rajapalayam has many higher secondary and high schools, which provide quality education. Most of the schools are established due to the vision and philanthropy of wealthy Rajus. Notable schools in town are-

Ananda Vidhyalaya.

- S.S.Govt. Higher Secondary School
- P. A. Chinnaiah Raja Memorial School
- Chinmaya Vidyalaya
- P.A.C Ramasamy Raja Matriculation Higher Secondary School
- A.K.D. Dharmaraja School
- N.A. Annappa Raja Higher Secondary school
- Nadar Hr. Secondary School
- N.A. Ramachandra Raja Gurukulam

AKD Dharma Raja Women`s college. In recent years, there has been some progress in women education beyond high school and many have become accomplished doctors, engineers and professionals. Higher education which was once the preserve of wealthy people of this town has become possible to its ordinary people with the beginning of a separate women`s college in the town.

A Gurukulam (old style institute teaching Sanskrit and Vedic literature) has also been set up recently.

- PACR Polytechnic College
- N.A.Manjammal Polytechnic College
- Rajapalayam Raju`s College
- AKD Dharma Raja Women`s college

 

 

Raja Ravi Varma Biography:

Raja Ravi Varma
Born: April 29, 1848
Died: October 2, 1906

Achievements: Raja Ravi Varma was one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian Arts. He brought Indian painting to the attention of the larger world; provided a vital link between the traditional Indian art and the contemporary art.

Raja Ravi Varma is considered as one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian Arts. He is famous for his depiction of scenes from the epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Raja Ravi Varma is most remembered for his paintings of beautiful sari clad women, who were portrayed as very shapely and graceful. He is considered as modern among traditionalists and a rationalist among moderns.

Raja Ravi Varma was born on April 29, 1848 in the royal palace of Kilimanoor, 25 miles from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India. His parents were Umamba Thampuratti and Neelakandan Bhattathiripad. At the age of seven years he started drawing on the palace walls using charcoal. His uncle Raja Raja Varma noticed the talent of Ravi Verma and gave him preliminary lessons in painting. At the age of 14, Ayilyam Thirunal Maharaja took him to Travancore Palace and he was taught water painting by the palace painter Rama Swamy Naidu. He was later given lessons in oil painting by a British painter, Theodor Jenson.

In 1873, Ravi Varma won the first prize at the Madras Painting Exhibition. He achieved worldwide acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873. He traveled throughout India in search of subjects. He often modeled Hindu Goddesses on South Indian women, whom he considered beautiful. He stayed in the city of Bombay in Maharashtra for some years and drew many a beautiful Maharashtrian woman.

Ravi Varma is particularly noted for his paintings depicting episodes from the story of Dushyanta and Shakuntala, and Nala and Damayanti, from the Mahabharata. Raja Ravi Varma was fascinated by the power and forceful expression of European paintings, which came across to him as strikingly contrasting to stylized Indian artwork. His paintings are considered to be among the best examples of the fusion of Indian traditions with the techniques of European academic art..

Some of the famous paintings of Raja Ravi Varma are:

Lady Lost in Thought
Damayanti Talking to a Swan
The Orchestra
Arjuna and Subhadra
Lady with Fruit
The Heartbroken
Swarbat Player
Shakuntala
Lord Krishna as Ambassador
Jatayu, a bird devotee of Lord Rama is mauled by Rawana
Victory of Meghanada
A Family of Beggars
A Lady Playing Swarbat
Lady Giving Alms at the Temple
Lord Rama Conquers Varuna
Romancing Couple
Draupadi Dreading to Meet Kichaka
Shantanu and Matsyagandha
Shakuntala Composing a Love Letter to King Dushyanta
Girl in Sage Kanwa's Hermitage

Raja Ravi Varma died on October 2, 1906.

 

 

King Marthanda Varma (1729–1758) "founder of Kingdom of Travancore"

Marthanda Varma:

  
Marthanda Varma (1706 - 1758) was the son of the Rani of Attingal. He inherited the throne of Venad, a small principality on the southern tip of peninsular India, from his uncle, as per the matrilineal system of inheritance. However, Pappu Thampi and Raman Thampi, sons of the deceased king, conspired with the nobles Ettuveetil pillamar (nobles of the 8 houses) and the religious heads - the Ettara Yoggakaar (8 and a half yogam), to assassinate him. He escaped from the capital city of Padmanabhapuram to the loyal city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), taking the the help of local people. Collecting forces, he destroyed both the feudal nobles and his cousins and exiled the Yogakkar from the land.
A shrewd tactician and a brilliant general, he signed a treaty with the English East India Company in 1723, in his capacity as the crown prince. On assuming the throne in 1729. Assisted by his able minister Ramayyan Dalawa, Marthanda Varma raised a well trained army from the local people of Venad. He started on his campaign of expansion and started conquering the neighboring kingdoms. Many of these were allies of the Dutch East India Company and they declared war on Marthanda Varma. The battle began when a force of Dutch marines under the leadership of a Flemish commander, Captain Eustachius De Lannoy (also spelt D'lennoy) were sent to Travancore to secure a trading post from the Raja. They landed with artillery in Kulachal (Colachel), then a small but important coastal town, and captured the territory up to Padmanabhapuram, the then-capital of Travancore. The arrival of the Raja's army from the north forced the Dutch to take up defensive positions in Kulachal, where they were attacked and defeated by the Travancore Nair forces, the key element of the Raja's personal army, known as the Travancore Nair Brigade or locally known as the Nair Pattalam. This unit was later integrated into the Indian Army as the 9th Battalion of the Madras Regiment in 1954. Some twenty eight Dutch soldiers were taken prisoner. After the defeat, the commander Captain Eustachius De Lannoy joined the Raja's army in return for his life being spared, and served in it for over two decades as Valia Kappithan (commander-in-chief) and received the status of a Madambi (Nair noble). De Lannoy is supposed to be the person who introduced the "Left, Right, Left Right" parade ground call. Until then, the soldiers' drill was conducted with calls of "Olaikaal, Seelaikaal" — the soldiers would tie coconut fiber around one leg and cloth around the other, on which parade ground commands were based. He stayed at Udayagiri Kotta till his death. A pillar of victory which gives details about the war still stands near the coast of Kulachal.

Following the defeat of the Dutch and the capture of Admiral D'lennoy at the battle of Colachael in 1741, Marthanda Varma continued his expansion and annexed all the princely states right up to Kochi in 1746. An invasion from Rettipalayam through the Aramboli Ghat was stopped and Marthanda Varma secured the Eastern border as well. Marthanda Varma renovated the 8th century old Sri Padmanabha temple of Trivandrum, and on January 3rd 1750, he dedicated (tripaddidhanam) his new kingdom to Sri Padmanabha and ruled as the servant of the deity, with the title Sreepadamanabhadasa.

He is known as "The maker of modern Travancore" for developing a small kingdom into a powerful state.

SREE CHITHIRA THIRUNAL BALA RAMA VARMA

SREE CHITHIRA THIRUNAL BALA RAMA VARMA

MAHARAJA OF TRAVANCORE :

Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, Maharaja of Travancore was the last in the line of Rulers of the princely State of Travancore, trace their heritage and lineage back to the Chera King Ayyan Adikal Thiruvati. Sree Chithira Thirunal was the 59th Ruler from Ayyan AdikalThiruvati. Sree Chithira Thirunal was born on the Deepavali day- the 7th November, 1912- as the eldest son of Her Highness Maharani Sethu Parvathi Bayi, popularly known as "Amma Maharani" who was adopted to the Travancore Royal Family from Mavelikara Palace and Sri. Ravi Varma Koil Thampuran of Kilimanoor Palace, the family of the renowned Artist Raja Ravi Varma.

His early education in Malayalam and Sanskrit was imparted by the eminent Scholar Sree Atoor Krishna Pisharady and in English by Mr. Dowel/I.C.S and T. Raman Nambisan. Later he had his higher education from Capt. G.T.B. Harvey, and Mr. Dutt I.C.S. His Highness had the inestimable advantage of a broad based and enlightened private education in his boyhood and adolescence. He studied diligently and extensively not only Sanskrit literature, the glory of Indian Cultural heritage, but also English literature and Indian History. He acquired knowledge in Tamil and extended his acumen to areas of Academic learning, Art and Culture. The unique blend of the ancient and modern streams of education influenced the educational policy which H.H. followed during his reign.

On the demise of H.H. Sree Moolam Thirunal, H.H. Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma became the Maharaja of Travancore at the age of 12 on the 1 st of September 1924. As he had not attained majority, the British Government appointed his Aunt H.H. Sethu Lekshmi Bayi as Regent.

WITH MAHATMAJI

Sree Chithira Thirunal lived in Bangalore till 1st July 1931 and acquired knowledge in practical administration for 15 months under the guidance of Krishna Raja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore. After Vaikom Satyagraha of 1924 Mahatmaji met Sree Chithira Thirunal with the Regent Maharani and held discussions on Temple Entry. Mahatmaji was well impressed by the behavior and the replies of the young Maharaja. When Gandniji asked him point blank whether he would throw open the Temples for the low caste Hindus on assumption of power, the young King boldly and categorically replied that he would definitely do. The reply on such an issue of vital importance was spontaneous and without consultation with anyone but on his own intention.

When Sree Chithira Thirunal attained the age of 18, the British Government terminated the Regency and entrusted the full administration to him. On 6th of November, 1931, Sree Chithira Thirunal ascended the throne as the Maharaja of Travancore. ln his moving speech on the eve of coronation as the Maharaja of Travancore, His Highness declared :
"It is my hope that I shall be enabled by God's Grace to earn the affection and esteem of all communities and classes amongst my people whose advancement in every department of life will be my perpetual pre-occupation and my sole aim".

The Maharaja went abroad, on a foreign tour commencing on 8th April 1933, with his mother H.H. Amma Maharani, Sister H.H. Karthika Thirunal Lekshmi Bayi and brother H.H. Marthanda Varma Elaya Raja. They visited England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, He had audience wtth King George V in London and Pope Pius XI at the Vatican.

TEMPLE ENTRY PROCLAMATION

During his reign, Sree Chithira Thirunal introduced sweeping social and political reforms in the ancient Kingdom. The most revolutionary among his social reforms was the historic and epoch making Temple Entry Proclamation of the 12th November, 1936. No such revolutionary step had ever been taken by a Ruler of India during the past 20 centuries of Indian History. This proclamation was widely acclaimed even by National Leaders as the first bold move in the country for the eradication of untouchability and racial discrimination. Gandhiji said, "I varily believe that when all else is forgotten, this one act of the Maharaja- the Proclamation- will be remembered by future generation with gratitude". Mahatmaji showered all his blessings and appreciation in his speeches and writings in ''Young India". He wrote an open letter to H.H. which he told him:

*" People call me as Mahatma and I don1t think I deserve it. But in my view, you have in reality become a Mahatma by your proclamation at this young age, breaking the age old custom and throwing open the doors of the Temples' to our brothers and sisters whom the hateful tradition considered as untouchables" .

According to Gandhiji, his next visit to the State was a 'Pilgrimage'. His Highness was praised as Modern Asoka and Modern Buddha.

The Universities of Andhra and Annamalai conferred D. Litts on him. A life size statue of H.H. was erected in his honour at Madras by the citizens of Madras which was unveiled by the then Governor of Madras, Lord Erstine.

SREE MOOLAM ASSEMBLY

Sree Chithira Thirunal diluted his own powers by constituting India's first State Legislature, based on universal franchise (1932-33). He was a Ruler who perceived the winds of change even as they began blowing across the world. He knew that his tiny kingdom could not and should not remain isolated from the main currents of the seitgeist. So he paved its way to move towards democracy. A bicameral legislature was established, developing Sree Moolam Assembly and forming Sree Chitra State Council. A majority of the members of the two Houses were elected from general constituencies and the others nominated from specific groups. Sree Chithira Thirunal thus strengthened the democratic infrastructure in a state where political literacy was increasing by leaps and bounds.

Sree Chithira Thirunal played a decisive role in the modernisation of Kerala in more ways than one. He set up the University of Travancore and as its first Chancellor saw to it that the lingua franca of the "New World"- English- retained the pride of place given it by his illustrious predecessor Maharaja Swathi Thirunal.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Perhaps the most commendable feature of the educational policy of His Highness was the recognition of the need for giving a vocational orientation to education. The tremendous pressure of his conventionally educated candidates for white colour jobs was already being felt. With characteristic foresight, His Highness decided that a new dimension should be given to education in the State, with a distinct technical bias. A committee with A.M. Statham, an eminent educationist, as its chairman was appointed to' study and report on the question of combining vocational training and the generalist type of education. His recommendations were accepted by Government with certain modifications.

School education made gigantic strides during the reign of His Highness. The following statistics comparing the positions obtained in 1931-32 and 1948-49 respectively (the beginning and end of his rule) are quite revealing. As against 31,793 students in High Schools in 1931-32 there were 1,54,113 students in 1948¬49. During the same period the number of students at the primary level went up from 3.89 lakhs to 11.64 lakhs. The number- of High Schools rose from 73 to 388. As against 16 High Schools for Girls in 1931-32, there were 80 in 1948-49. The number of girls studying in High Schools went up from 4283 to 52,386. The number of Training Schools increased from 18 to 41 and the number of students therein from 338 to 2402. If today this state stands in the vanguard of the states in India in the matter of . literacy and school education, this magnificent achievement is in no small measure due to the generous and farsighted policy followed by the Government of His Highness.

A scheme of compulsory primary education in the age group of five and eleven was inaugurated in the State on 11th February, 1946. This scheme was acclaimed throughout India as one of the most progressive steps adopted by any State Government. It aimed at abolishing illiteracy in the course of the following five to ten years. While it was made abundantly clear that education would be purely of a secular character and that religious instruction is not the duty of the State, all encouragement was provided to private agencies, particularly those belonging to minority communities, to participate in the State's effort to. eradicate illiteracy. The Government of His Highness, realising the severe handicaps of the down trodden sections of the people, unhesitatingly announced full fee concessions, mid-day meals and even free clothes to the children. Hostels were also set up for them.

TRAVANCORE UNIVERSITY

Perhaps the most memorable achievement of His Highness was the founding of the University of Travancore, the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream of the people of his kingdom. The need for a separate Travancore University had been felt for long, so that, Travancore could have complete freedom in shaping its educational policy and priorities. Two Committees were appointed to enquire into the question of establishing a separate University, in 1919 & 1924. After considering their recommendations, on 1’st November 1937, the Government of His Highness issued the University Act. The goal in founding the new University was to give its alumni the very best in Indian thought and culture as well as Western Science and Civilization. Many States had their own Universities but the academic recognition gained by the graduates was not of a wide based nature. Maharaja was particular that the students passing out of the Travancore University should not meet with the same fate and he was able to set such a high standard that he could invite with confidence Vice Chancellors of many other Universities including Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Amarnath Jhah, Dr. Mohamed Us man and Sri Ramalinga Reddy, who placed the stamp of excellence on this University giving all India recognition to its graduates, from the very inception. Special emphasis was given to vocational education to meet the requirements of modern conditions. The administration of the Government Colleges and the control of all the Private Colleges in the State were transferred to the University.

Institutions like the Observatory, the Public Library and the School of Arts were also placed under the University. The Institute of Textile Technology, an Engineering College and a Central Research Institute to carry on research in Pure and Applied Sciences, especially in subjects which have a direct bearing on the agricultural and industrial needs of the State were also started. A Department of Marine Biology was another significant addition. The inauguration of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and Fine Arts and the establishment of an Oriental Manuscript Library bore eloquent testimony to the deep and abiding interest taken by His Highness in the encouragement of studies relating to our ancient cultural heritage. He patronised musicians, artists, dancers and Vedic scholars. The Government of His Highness appointed for the first time an Art Advisor to Government, Dr. Jayaram H.Cousins. His Imagination of a future generation of youth could well be grasped in the formation of a new form of University Training Corps, viz. Labour Corps, preceding the N.C.C in the educational institutions. The expenses of the University were to be met fully by the Government.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT ABOLISHED

 While some of the other Maharajas of the country were given to varieties of hedonism, the Maharaja of Travancore took many progressive and revolutionary steps for administrative reforms and development. Capital punishment was abolished in the State during his benign rule for the first time in Asia. The Maharaja also knew the importance of industrialisation and probably, the role of the public sector. He introduced heavy industry in the State and established giant public' sector undertakings. As many as twenty industries were established in the State mostly for utilising the local raw materials such as rubber, ceramics and minerals. A majority of the premier industrial concerns the State boasts of today, were established by Sree Chithira Thirunal.

The vision of Sree Chithira Thirunal covered every walk of life. The poor farmers too captured his attention. The setting up of a Land Mortgage Bank and the appointment of a Debt Relief Committee were for their relief, as he was well aware of their plight in a State of Feudal domination.

During his rule the revenues of the State nearly quadrupled from a little over Rs. 2.5 crores to over Rs. 9.5 crores ("The story of the Integration of the Indian States by V.P. Menon" -, chapter Travancore-Cochin, page 275).
Consequent to the integration of States, the position of the Maharaja ceased to exist in June 1949 and Sree Chithira Thirunal became the Raj Pramukh of the State of Travancore- Cochin. Later, with the Re-organisation of States on 1’st November 1956, he ceased to be the Raj Pramukh too. He declined the offer of Governorship of Kerala and retired from this life of a public administration. Despite the opportunities offered to him, he was firm in declining all invitations to enter politics also.

H.H. spent the rest of his life as "Sree Padmanabha Dasa" and led an ordinary life. When he lost the Privy Purse and the special privileges in 1972, he lived like any other ordinary citizen.

Sree Chithira Thirunal was not over- ridden with joy when he ascended the throne nor did he feel sad when he lost power. He was serene even from childhood. When he joined the array of the common man after abdicating power and authority, his humility personified, still continuing to overwhelmed hearts of the people who admired him for 35 years, and for whom he continued as their King.

Even after laying down office, Sree Chithira Thirunal continued to retain his traditional patronage of the poor and needy by creating several Trusts for helping them financially in medical, educational and cultur~1 fields. The benefits run to lakhs every year which blesses the people without barriers of caste, creed or nativity. The Sree Chithira Thirunallnstitute for Medical Science and Technology was. established as h:s 60th Birthday gift to the people of Kerala. The Sree Avittom Thiruval Hospital established earlier in 1951 by him was the nucleus of the Medical Complex in Thiruvananthapuram consisting of the Medical College, Medical College Hospital, Dental College and Dental College Hospital.

MAN OF SIMPLICITY

Simplicity was the hall mark of Sree Chithira Thirunal's personality. He was a Bachelor and led an auster's and unostentatious life. He moved about in the Palace, in simple Kerala attire, without any touch of gold or even a watch. At meal times, he sat down in the same attire, cross-legged on the floor in typical Kerala style of yore and ate simple and frugal meal' on plantain leaf. In a land where monarch had always been on the move Sree Chithira Thirunal represented a family of Rulers with over a thousand years of history. To modern India the man who showed the human heart of a King was a symbol, a tradition perpetuated and yet transformed. His humility and unpretentiousness never failed to remind his people that it was monarchy reverting to the rank of a commoner. The Maharaja himself was the most uncommon man. Some of his outstanding characteristics were his tremendous sense of honour, his aptitude for painting and sketching, his fond of knowledge about puranas and religion and politics and history. Though frail in frame, his capacity to bear pain including physical was astounding. Extreme courtesy, well known humility, great consideration, foresightedness, clear judgment and great love for humanity all contributed to the greatness that enveloped him.
The all absorbing devotion and dedication to Sree Padmanabha Swamy is a famed aspect of the Maharaja's personality. During the prolonged discussions on the issue of the integration of Travancore with the Indian Union, which the Maharaja had with national leaders, the Maharaja who held the view that he ruled the State on behalf and as the servant of Sree Padmanabha and who attached great importance to this position, conveyed his Willingness to abdicate rather than act against his convictions. Sri. C. Rajagopalachari, the then Governor- General, after consultation with the deciding powers conveyed to Sri. V.P. Menon, the following directions : "C. Rajagopalachari, Governor General, told me that if the proposed union, involved the abdication of the Maharaja, he would advice dropping the proposal" ("The story of the integration of the Indian States"- by V.P. Menon). They felt that it was essential that the Maharaja's position should be safeguarded, otherwise the task of administration would be rendered difficult.

A true Padmanabha Dasa, he continued to strictly observe the code of conduct he had imposed on himself despite the changes in the constitutional status. Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma lives as Maharaja in the hearts of the tens of thousands of people. He was indeed a "Rajarshee" among “Rajas” and “Raja” among “Rajarshees”. Kavimony Desika Vinayakam Pillai observed Sree Padmanabha Dasa in his Tainil Poetical Collection:

"The plant with its flowers, the
infant with it’s smile and the
parrot with its tongue extol the
glories and achievements of the
reign of the King who is the
devotee' and deputy of Lord Padmanabha"

REFORMS / CONTRIBUTIONS OF H.H. SREE CHITHIRA THIRUNAL MAHARAJA AS THE KING OF TRAVANCORE , DURING 1931 TO 1949

INDUSTRIES FOUNDED BY THE MAHARAJA

1. Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Ltd. (FACT) Udyogamandal.
2. Travancore Titanium Products Ltd, Trivandrum (1945)
3. Trivandrum Rubber Works Limited, Trivandrum
4. Perumbavoor Rayons, Perumbavoor
5. Travancore-Cochin Chemicals, Aluva
6. Sree Chithira Mill~, Aluva
7. Kundara Ceramics, Kundara
8. Sugar Mills, Thuckalay
9. Vijayamohini Mills, Trivandrum 10. Punalur Paper Mills, Punalur etc.

Maharaja of Travancore

Maharaja of Travancore:

  
A Citizen King and an angel of light, His Highness the Maharaja of Travancore is the banner-bearer in the cause of humanity.

He was born at Travancore in 1912. He was brought up under the watchful solicitude of his talented mother, who is the lady of remarkable gifts. There are a few personages in history upon and such varieties of influences were expanded. He received practical training in administration in Mysore and Madras.

His investiture made the land ring with unbounded joy. It ushered in the dawn of a new era- an era of political progress and social reform. The state pulsated with a new life. His untainted liberalism expressed itself in granting increased autonomy of legislative bodies. He gave a new orientation to the army, infused a fresh life into the administration and made the citizens conscious of their civic rights. Verily Travancore became the beacon of progress.
K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri
Maharaja of Travancore
Maharaja of Travancore
Picture of circa 1938 of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma (1912-1991)

His spirit has given a silver lining to his soul. It has raised his name to the rarified rights of immortality. He has the gift of sympathy and the plainness of mind which are the best attributes of a constitutional monarch. If ever there was a monarch who had a sweet corner in his heart for the victims of the organized force of a cruel society we can proudly say that it is His Highness Sri Chitra Tirunal.

On the occasion of his sisters marriage. His Highness established the principle of social equality by extending his hospitality to all classes of his subjects. In 1936, when he was invested with ruling powers he earned his niche in history by reading the Temple Entry Proclamation.

“Ordained and commanded that there should henceforth be no restriction placed on any Hindu by birth or religion on entering or worshipping at the temples controlled by us and our Government.”

This charter of freedom sounded the death knell of age-long tyranny. The sense of social frustration which was hanging like a dark pall was dispelled. The society which treated the Harijan as a slave had to regard him as an equal citizen.
His highness has revolutionized the social fabric. His austereness is evidenced in all his beneficent deeds. He has in a rare degree that titanic will which is the soul of state-craft.

His name will shine on the tablet of Indian history as one of the great benefactors of humanity.

Source: Haripura Congress Souvenir, 1938