History / Kerala History

History of Travancore from Marthanda Varma to Sree Chithirathirunnal | PSC Notes

TravancoreMarthanda VarmaSree Chithira Thirunal

1. Who were the rulers of Travancore and what were their periods of rule?

Answer:

Anizham Thirunal Veerabaala Marthanda Varma – 1729–1758
Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (Dharma Raja) – 1758–1798
Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma – 1798–1810
Gowri Lakshmi Bayi – 1810–1815

Ruled pending the birth of a son from 1810–1813
Regent for her newborn son from 1813–1815

Gowri Parvati Bayi – 1815–1829

Regent for her nephew

Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma – 1829–1846

King from birth in 1813
Crowned in 1815
Ruled from 1829–1846

Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma – 1846–1860
Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma – 1860–1880
Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma – 1880–1885
Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma – 1885–1924
Sethu Lakshmi Bayi – 1924–1931

Regent for her nephew

Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma

Born in 1912
Succeeded in 1924
Received full power in 1931
Ruled until 1949
Titular Maharajah until 1971
Died in 1991

2. What are the important general facts about the Travancore dynasty?

Answer:

Tripapur Swarupam was the old name of the Travancore dynasty.
Travancore kings were known as Vanchibhupati.
Vanchisha Mangalam was the anthem of the Kingdom of Travancore.
The first written code of law in Travancore was Chattavariolas.
Colonel Munro prepared the Chattavariolas.
Shanku was the symbol of the Travancore dynasty.
Chief Ministers of Travancore were known as Dalava or Dewan.
Nanchinad was known as the “Paddy field of Thiruvithamkur.”
Matilakam Granthavali is associated with the Travancore dynasty.
Sri Padmanabhaswamy was the worship idol of Travancore.
Travancore kings were known as Sripadmanabha Dasan.

3. Who held the important “first” positions in Travancore?

Answer:

First Dalava: Arumukham Pillai
First Diwan: Raja Kesava Das
First British Diwan: Colonel Munro
First Resident Diwan: Colonel Munro
First British Resident: Colonel Macaulay
First Muslim Diwan: Muhammad Habibullah

2. ANIZHAM THIRUNAL MARTHANDA VARMA

1729–1758

4. Why is Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma important in Travancore history?

Answer:

Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma is regarded as the founder of modern Travancore.
He was born in 1706.
He styled himself as the “Prince of Neyyattinkara.”
He defeated the eight feudal landlords known as:
Ettuveettil Pillamar
Ettara Yogam
He renovated Udayagiri Kotta.
He built Vattakotta.
He built Krishnapuram Palace in Alappuzha.
The famous Gajendramoksham mural is located in Krishnapuram Palace.
He merged Kottarakkara with Travancore.
He annexed Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur to Travancore.
He started the temple ceremony called Hiranyagarbha.
Kalkulam was the headquarters of Travancore during his reign.
Mavelikkara was his business headquarters.

5. What were the important religious and cultural developments during Marthanda Varma's reign?

Answer:

Ramayan Dalava was a famous minister of Marthanda Varma.
Murajapam is an important celebration at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
Murajapam was first introduced in 1750.
Murajapam is celebrated every six years.
Bhadradeepam, conducted twice a year, is associated with Murajapam.
Marthanda Varma led Venad towards modernity.
Venad became the modern kingdom of Travancore.
The Travancore army became more powerful during his reign.

6. What were the important wars, territorial expansions and administrative reforms of Marthanda Varma?

Answer:

The King of Kayamkulam and Marthanda Varma signed the Treaty of Mannar in 1742.
Veera Kerala Varma, the king of Kottarakkara, died in Marthanda Varma's imprisonment.
Marthanda Varma captured Kayamkulam (Odanad) through the Purakkad War in 1746.
He established a layered administrative system in Travancore.
An individual Pravritti (village) was administered by a Pravarthikar, a village officer acting on behalf of the state.
A group of villages formed the Mandapathum Vathukkal (Thaluk).
It was governed by a Karyakar, described in the notes as a prototype of the modern Tahsildar or district revenue officer.
Marthanda Varma eliminated the feudal barons and established a centralised monarchy.

7. Which poets and officials were associated with Marthanda Varma?

Answer:

Ramapurathu Waryar and Kunchan Nambiar were prominent poets who lived in Marthanda Varma's kingdom.
Palliyadi Mallan Sankaran was the revenue minister of Marthanda Varma.
Krishna Sharma was his chief poet.

8. What was Thrippadidanam and when did Marthanda Varma perform it?

Answer:

Marthanda Varma performed Thrippadidanam on 3 January 1750.
He dedicated the kingdom to Lord Sri Padmanabha.
He thereafter ruled as the “Servant of Padmanabha”, or Padmanabhadasan.
This act is known as Thrippadidanam.

9. What was the Treaty of Mavelikara of 1753?

Answer:

The Treaty of Mavelikara was signed in 1753 between Marthanda Varma and the Dutch.
It was a peace and friendship treaty between the Dutch East India Company and Maharaja Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma of Travancore.
It was signed on 15 August 1753.
The treaty:
Marked the end of Dutch political and commercial dominance in Kerala.
Established an agreement of mutual territorial integrity.
Required the Dutch not to interfere in the internal affairs of smaller kingdoms.
Required the Dutch not to form alliances with Travancore's enemies.

10. What was the Battle of Colachel and why was it important?

Answer:

The Battle of Colachel was fought between Travancore and the Dutch.
It took place on 10 August 1741.
Marthanda Varma defeated the Dutch.
The cause of the war was disputes over trade.
It was the first time an Asian kingdom defeated a European power, according to the notes.
It ended Dutch plans for colonial expansion in India.
The Dutch never regained their former strength and shifted their focus towards Indonesia.

11. Who was Eustachius De Lannoy and what happened to him after the Battle of Colachel?

Answer:

Eustachius De Lannoy was the Dutch commander defeated by Marthanda Varma at the Battle of Colachel.
He later became a senior admiral in the Travancore army.
He trained the Travancore army in modern warfare.
He was known as “Valiyakappithan.”
His tomb is located at Udayagirikotta, near Thakkala in Tamil Nadu.
Udayagirikotta was built by Veera Ravi Varma.

12. What other important facts are associated with Marthanda Varma?

Answer:

Ammachiplav, where Marthanda Varma hid, is located near Neyyattinkara Sri Krishna Swamy Temple.
The historical novels Marthandavarma and Dharmaraja were written by C. V. Raman Pillai.

13. What were the important wars, treaties and developments during Marthanda Varma's reign?

Answer:

Treaty of Venad was signed with the British in 1723.
Attingal was added to Travancore in 1730.
In 1742, Marthanda Varma captured Kili Manor.
Treaty of Mannar was signed in 1742.
Under the Treaty of Mannar:
The Kayamkulam ruler agreed to merge a major portion of Kayamkulam with Travancore.
He agreed to pay 1,000 rupees every year.
Kayamkulam was captured in 1746 through the Battle of Purakkad.
During Marthanda Varma's period, the commercial department was known as Mulakumadishsheela.
The industrialists of Travancore were known as Mulakumadisheelakkar.
Marthanda Varma established an army called Maravapada.
Ponmana Anna and Puthan Anna were dams built during his period.

14. Which rulers were associated with the title “Ashoka”?

Answer:

Marthanda Varma → “Ashoka of Thiruvithamkur”
Vikramaditya Varaguna → “Ashoka of Kerala”
Amoghavarshan → “Ashoka of South India”
Kanishka → “Second Ashoka”

3. KARTHIKA THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA

DHARMA RAJA, 1758–1798

15. What are the important facts about Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, known as Dharma Raja?

Answer:

Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma ruled Travancore from 1758 to 1798.
He was known as:
Tripapur Muppan
Chiravayur Muppan
Kizhavan Raja
He was a contemporary of Pazassi Raja and Shaktan Thampuran.
He corresponded with the Pope at the Vatican.
He built Nedumkota.
He was the longest-ruling ruler in Travancore.
He shifted the capital of Travancore from Padmanabhapuram (Kalkulam) to Thiruvananthapuram.
He wrote Balaramabharata, a work based on the Natya Shastra, also known as Balarama Bharatam.
He was the ruler of Travancore during the invasions of Kerala by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
He built Kulashekhara Mandapam in Padmanabhapuram Palace.

16. What was the Treaty of Suchindram?

Answer:

The Treaty of Suchindram was signed in 1762.
It was an agreement between the native kingdoms of Cochin and Travancore.
The agreement was signed at the Suchindram Temple.

17. What are the other important facts associated with Dharma Raja?

Answer:

Colonel Macaulay, who served from 1795–1810, was the first British Resident of Travancore.
Kunchan Nambiar and Unnaivaryar were prominent poets in the court of Karthika Thirunal.
In 1766, Dharma Raja performed the second Thrippadidanam.
Tipu Sultan attacked Nedungota in 1789.
Dharma Raja died in 1798.
His major plays were:
Subhadraharana
Rajasuyam
Kalyana Saugandhikam
Panchali Swayamvaram
Gandharva Vijayam

4. RAJA KESAVA DAS

18. Who was Raja Kesava Das and what were his major contributions?

Answer:

Raja Kesava Das was the first Prime Minister of Travancore to assume the post of Dewan.
He was known as “Valia Divanji.”
His real name was Kesavapillai.
He received the title “Raja” from Lord Mornington.
Important places built by Raja Kesava Das include:
Alappuzha Town
Chala Kampolam
Varkala Town was founded by Ayyappan Marthandapilla.
MC Road (State Highway 1) was built by Diwan Rajakesava Das.
The route mentioned is Kesavadasapuram–Angamali.

5. AVITTOM THIRUNAL BALARAMA VARMA

1798–1810

19. What are the important facts about Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma?

Answer:

Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma ruled from 1798 to 1810.
He is described in the notes as the weakest ruler in the history of Travancore.
During his reign, a trade agreement was signed between Travancore and the British East India Company.
Macaulay was the first Resident of Travancore.
Balaramapuram and Vizhinjam Harbour were built by Ummini Thampi, who was the Diwan of Avittom Thirunal.

6. VELU THAMPI DALAWA

20. Who was Velu Thampi Dalawa?

Answer:

Velu Thampi Dalawa was the powerful minister of Avittom Thirunal Balarama Varma.
Kalkulam in Kanyakumari was his birthplace.
His real name was Thalakulath Velayudhan Chempakaraman Thampi.
He became the Dewan of Thiruvithankur in 1802.
He led the anti-British struggles in Thiruvithankur.
He was assisted by Paliath Achan, the minister of Kochi, in the struggle against the British.

21. What were the major administrative and economic activities of Velu Thampi Dalawa?

Answer:

He established Hajoor Kacheri, the secretariat, in Kollam.
He founded the Changanassery slave market.
He made Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Lake arable.
He sacrificed his life in 1809.
He committed suicide at Mannadi Temple in Pathanamthitta.
His memorial is located at Mannadi.

22. What was the Kundara Proclamation?

Answer:

Velu Thampi Dalawa issued the Kundara Proclamation.
It was issued on 11 January 1809.
The corresponding Malayalam calendar date given is 984 Makaram 1.
The Ilampallur Temple was the temple where the Kundara Proclamation was witnessed.

7. UMMINI THAMPI

23. What are the important facts about Ummini Thampi?

Answer:

Ummini Thampi became the Diwan of Travancore after Velu Thampi Dalawa.
He built Vizhinjam Port.
He established courts called Insuwaf Kacherikal in Travancore.
He started the police force in Travancore.
Before the police force, there was a force of Nair soldiers.
In 1810, he founded the weaving town at Balaramapuram.

8. AYILYAM THIRUNAL GAURI LAKSHMI BHAI

1810–1815

24. What are the important facts about Ayilyam Thirunal Gauri Lakshmi Bhai?

Answer:

Ayilyam Thirunal Gauri Lakshmi Bhai ruled from 1810 to 1815.
She was the first woman ruler of Travancore.
She was the ruler who ruled for the shortest period in Travancore.
She abolished the slave trade in Travancore.
Slave trade was abolished on 5 December 1812.
She implemented the secretarial system of administration.
She introduced the Pattayam system, or land deed system.
She established District Courts and Appellate Courts in Travancore.
She introduced vaccination and allopathic treatment.
During her reign, Devaswom administration was taken over by the government.
Swati Thirunal was the son of Rani Gauri Lakshmi Bhai.

9. COLONEL MUNRO

25. Who was Colonel Munro and what were his important positions?

Answer:

Colonel Munro was the Diwan of Travancore during the reign of Rani Gauri Lakshmi Bhai.
He became Diwan after Ummini Thampi.
He was the first European Diwan in Travancore.
He was appointed as Travancore Resident in 1811.
He was the first Resident of Travancore.
He was the first non-Hindu Diwan in the history of Travancore.
He prepared the legal code called Chattavariolas.
He served as Diwan in both Travancore and Kochi.

10. UTHRATTATHI THIRUNAL RANI GAURI PARVATI BHAI

1815–1829

26. What were the major reforms of Rani Gauri Parvati Bhai?

Answer:

Rani Gauri Parvati Bhai ruled from 1815 to 1829.
She was the first regent ruler of Travancore.
She abolished export and import duties.
She declared that education was the duty of the government.
She made primary education compulsory in Travancore.
Educational colleges were taken over by the government.
Parvati Puthanar was constructed during her period.
Parvati Puthanar is a canal connecting:
Veli Backwater
Kadinamkulam Backwater
She allowed lower castes to wear gold, silver and other jewellery.
She issued a proclamation allowing everyone in her kingdom to tile the roofs of their houses.
Coffee cultivation was introduced into Travancore for the first time.
She abolished Uzhiyam Vela.
She was the ruler during the period when the London Mission Society began its work in Travancore.
The London Mission Society was first started at Nagercoil.

11. SWATI THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA

1829–1846

27. What are the important titles and cultural achievements of Swati Thirunal?

Answer:

Swati Thirunal Rama Varma ruled from 1829 to 1846.
He was known as:
Dakshina Bhojan
Garbhashreeman
He was known as the “King of Musicians” and “Musician of Kings.”
He was fond of Carnatic music and Veena Vayana.
He abolished the ancient punishment method called Suchindram Kaimuk.
He started English education in Travancore.
Mohiniyattam flourished during his reign.
He managed more than twenty languages.
The Travancore army was given the name Nair Brigade during his reign.
His reign is known as the “Golden Age of Modern Travancore.”

28. What were Swati Thirunal's administrative and educational contributions?

Answer:

He moved Hajoor Kacheri from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram.
He established the English School in Travancore in 1834.
The school later became:
Raja's Free School
University College
Swati Thirunal was the first king of Kerala to appear on a postage stamp.
Iraimman Thampi was his head poet.
“Omanathingal Kidavo” was composed by Iraimman Thampi.

29. Who were the Thanjavur Nalvar associated with Swati Thirunal?

Answer:

The head scholars of Swati Thirunal's congregation were known as the Thanjavur Nalvar.
The members were:
Vadivelu
Ponnaiah
Chinnaiah
Sivanandan
They were collectively known as the Thanjavur Nalvar Sangam.

30. What were the important “firsts” and institutions associated with Swati Thirunal?

Answer:

First in Travancore:

Census → Swati Thirunal, 1836
Regular Census → Ayilyam Thirunal, 1875

Institutions established by Swati Thirunal:

Thaikkad Hospital
Horsemanship / Kuthira Malika
Trivandrum Zoo
Observatory
Travancore Public Library
Nakshathra Bungalow
Court of Munsif

Departments initiated by Swati Thirunal:

Irrigation Department
Engineering Department
Department of Agriculture

12. UTHRAM THIRUNAL MARTHANDA VARMA

1847–1860

31. What are the important reforms and events associated with Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma?

Answer:

Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma ruled from 1847 to 1860.
He issued a proclamation freeing the children of slaves.
He gave permission to Channar women to wear upper clothes on 26 July 1859.
He established the Pen Pallikkoodam in Thiruvananthapuram.
He was the King of Travancore during the 1857 Revolt / Sepoy Mutiny.
He was the ruler during the establishment of the post office system in Travancore.
The first post office in Kerala was established at Alappuzha in 1857.
He was the ruler when the first coir factory in Kerala was established at Alappuzha in 1859.
Darragh Smail, the first coir factory in Alappuzha, was established by:
James Darragh
Henry Smail
James Darragh was an American of Irish descent.

13. AYILYAM THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA

1860–1880

32. What were the major reforms of Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma?

Answer:

Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma ruled from 1860 to 1880.
He introduced the Pandarapatta Proclamation in 1865.
The Pandarapatta Declaration is known as the “Magna Carta of Travancore.”
The Temple Entry Proclamation is known as the “Magna Carta of Kerala.”
He introduced the Janmi-Kudiyan Valambaram in 1867.
He was the ruler during the confiscation of the newspaper Sandishtavadi.
Travancore received the title “Mathruka Rajya” or Model State during his reign.
He started vernacular schools in Travancore.
He instituted a special class for legal studies.
Queen Victoria bestowed the title of “Maharaja” on Ayilyam Thirunal in 1866.

33. Who was T. Madhava Rao and what did he do during Ayilyam Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

T. Madhava Rao was the famous Diwan of Ayilyam Thirunal.
In 1860, he started the Public Works Department in Travancore.
In 1861, the government opened the Anchal (post office) to the public.
Important people in Ayilyam Thirunal's court included:
Kerala Varma Valiya Koi Thampuran
A. R. Rajaraja Varma
Raja Ravi Varma

34. What institutions and buildings were established during Ayilyam Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

Established during his reign:

Thiruvananthapuram District General Hospital
Civil Hospital
Mental Hospital
Arts College
Latex-related institution
Kollam–Punalur Suspension Bridge, 1877
Secretariat Building, Thiruvananthapuram

Important facts:

Albert Henry was the architect of the Punalur Suspension Bridge.
William Barton was the architect of the Secretariat Building.
The Secretariat Building was inaugurated in 1869.
Swati Thirunal worked hard to obtain the status of Mathruka Rajyam (Model State) for Travancore.
Ayilyam Thirunal was the ruler when Travancore actually received the status of Mathruka Rajyam.

14. VISAKHAM THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA

1880–1885

35. What are the important facts about Visakham Thirunal?

Answer:

Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma ruled from 1880 to 1885.
He was famous as a scholar.
He was the ruler at the time of drafting the Mullaperiyar Lease Agreement.
He described the Mullaperiyar lease as being “written with my heart's blood.”
Ramayankar was his famous minister.
A complete land survey was conducted in Travancore during his reign.
He encouraged the cultivation of tapioca in Travancore.
Sree Visakh is a variety of tapioca named in his memory.

36. What administrative and agricultural developments occurred during Visakham Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

Visakham Thirunal separated police and administration of justice in Travancore.
The first cotton mill in Travancore was established in 1881 in Kollam district.
Irrigation projects in Nanchinadu were expanded.
Nanchinad is known as the “Paddy field of Thiruvithamkur.”

15. SREE MOOLAM THIRUNAL RAMA VARMA

1885–1924

37. What were the major social and political events during Sree Moolam Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma ruled from 1885 to 1924.
He was the ruler to whom the:
Malayali Memorial of 1891
First Ezhava Memorial of 1896

were submitted.

The Malayali Memorial was submitted on 1 January 1891.
K. P. Shankara Menon was the first person to sign it.
G. P. Pillai was the second to sign it.
Dr. Palpu was the third to sign it.
The First Ezhava Memorial was submitted on 3 September 1896.
He passed the Janmi-Kudiyan Regulation Act in 1896.
He made primary education free.
He allowed children from backward communities to enter government schools.
He started the Archaeological Research Department.
He was the ruler when the Vaikom Satyagraha began on 30 March 1924.

38. What are the important facts about representation and administration during Sree Moolam Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

Ayyankali was the first Harijan to become a member of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha.
P. Rajagopalachari was the Diwan who exiled Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai.
The Travancore Legislative Council came into force in 1888.
In 1904, the Travancore Legislative Council became the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha.
The first meeting of the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha was held in 1904 at VJT Hall.

16. MULLAPERIYAR DAM

39. What are the important facts about the Mullaperiyar Lease Agreement and Dam?

Answer:

Visakham Thirunal was the king when the Mullaperiyar Lease Agreement was written.
Sree Moolam Thirunal was the king when the Mullaperiyar Dam was inaugurated in 1895.
Ramayankar was the Diwan of Travancore who signed the Periyar Lease Agreement for the Mullaperiyar Dam.

40. Which important institutions were started during the era of Sree Moolam Thirunal?

Answer:

Important institutions and buildings started during his period included:

Finger Print Bureau
Handwriting Library / Hastha Likhitha Library
Women's College
Law College
Ayurveda College
Sanskrit College
Durguna Parihara Padasala
Kanakakkunnu Palace
Ayyankali Hall / VJT Hall

17. PURADAM THIRUNAL SETHULAKSHMI BHAI

1924–1931

41. What were the major social reforms of Sethu Lakshmi Bhai?

Answer:

Puradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bhai ruled from 1924 to 1931 as Regent.
She abolished:
Animal sacrifice
Devadasi system in temples
The Devadasi system was also called Kudikari Sampradayam.
She was the ruler during:
Suchindram Satyagraha
Tiruvarppu Satyagraha
A memorandum connected with the Vaikom Satyagraha was submitted to her.
She electrified Thiruvananthapuram in 1929.
She ruled as Regent because Sri Chithira Thirunal was a minor.
Gram Panchayats were formed during her period.
She launched a free mid-day meal scheme.
She granted freedom of movement to Avarnas through temple streets in Travancore.
She was the only ruler of Travancore visited by Mahatma Gandhi, in 1925.
She was the ruler when the Nair Act came into force.

42. What were the other important developments during Sethu Lakshmi Bhai's regency?

Answer:

She ended Marumakkathayam in Travancore.
The Travancore Newspaper Act was passed in 1926.
Sree Moolam Thirunal was the ruler when the Vaikom Satyagraha began.
Sethu Lakshmi Bhai was the ruler when the Vaikom Satyagraha ended.

18. SRI CHITHIRA THIRUNAL BALARAMA VARMA

1931–1949

43. What are the major achievements and reforms of Sri Chithira Thirunal?

Answer:

Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma ruled from 1931 to 1949.
He was the last ruler of Travancore.
He issued the Temple Entry Proclamation on 12 November 1936.
He ordered the abolition of capital punishment in Travancore.
He was the first King of Travancore to make a sea voyage.
He introduced adult suffrage in Travancore.
He was the first Chancellor of Travancore University.
He was the first ruler of Kerala to visit the Pope.
He enacted the Widow Remarriage Act in 1938.
He was the ruler during the Punnapra-Vayalar Struggle in 1946.
He later held the position of Rajapramukhan of Thirukochi.
He was the ruler of Travancore when India became independent.

44. What were the important political developments during Chithira Thirunal's reign?

Answer:

V. S. Subhamanya Iyer was the chairman of the Temple Entry Study Committee appointed during Chithira Thirunal's reign.
Muhammad Habibullah was the only Muslim Diwan of Travancore.
The Travancore State Congress was formed in 1938.
Pattom Thanu Pillai led the formation of the Travancore State Congress.
Chithira Thirunal died in 1991 at Kowdiar Palace.
His statue was installed at Thiruvananthapuram University College.

45. Who were the last Diwans of Travancore?

Answer:

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer was the last Diwan of Travancore.
P. G. N. Unnithan was the last acting Diwan of Travancore.
Muhammad Habibullah was the only Muslim Diwan of Travancore.

19. IMPORTANT KERALA STATE MANUALS

46. Who wrote the major state manuals mentioned in the notes?

Answer:

Travancore State Manual → V. Nagamaiah
Kochi State Manual → C. Achyuthamenon
Malabar Manual → William Logan

20. INSTITUTIONS ESTABLISHED DURING CHITHIRA THIRUNAL'S REIGN

47. Which major industries and institutions were established during the reign of Sri Chithira Thirunal?

Answer:

The following were established during his reign:

Travancore Rubber Works
Kundara Clay Factory
FACT
Punalur Plywood Factory
Nellikampetti Wildlife Sanctuary
Travancore Public Service Commission
Travancore University
State Transport Service
Thiruvananthapuram Radio Station

Important dates:

Nellikampetti Wildlife Sanctuary → 1934
It was the first wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
Travancore Public Service Commission → 1936
Travancore University → 1937
Travancore University became Kerala University in 1957.
State Transport Service → 1938
Thiruvananthapuram Radio Station → 1943

21. SIR C. P. RAMASWAMI IYER

48. Who was Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyer and what were his major roles?

Answer:

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer was the last Diwan of Travancore.
He was the first Vice Chancellor of Travancore University.
He implemented the American model of governance in Travancore.
He was the Diwan who made the “Independent Travancore Declaration.”
K. C. S. Mani attempted to assassinate C. P. Ramaswami Iyer.

Timeline to remember

Marthanda Varma → 1729–1758
Dharma Raja → 1758–1798
Balarama Varma → 1798–1810
Gauri Lakshmi Bhai → 1810–1815
Gauri Parvati Bhai → 1815–1829
Swati Thirunal → 1829–1846
Uthram Thirunal → 1846–1860
Ayilyam Thirunal → 1860–1880
Visakham Thirunal → 1880–1885
Sree Moolam Thirunal → 1885–1924
Sethu Lakshmi Bhai → 1924–1931
Chithira Thirunal → 1931–1949
1723 → Treaty of Venad with British
1730 → Attingal added to Travancore
1741 → Battle of Colachel
1742 → Treaty of Mannar
1746 → Kayamkulam captured
1750 → Thrippadidanam + Murajapam
1753 → Treaty of Mavelikara
1762 → Treaty of Suchindram
1789 → Tipu Sultan attacked Nedungota
1802 → Velu Thampi became Dewan
1809 → Kundara Proclamation
1812 → Abolition of slave trade
1811 → Munro appointed Travancore Resident
1834 → English School established by Swati Thirunal
1836 → First Census
1857 → First post office in Kerala at Alappuzha
1859 → First coir factory in Kerala at Alappuzha
1865 → Pandarapatta Proclamation
1866 → Ayilyam Thirunal received title Maharaja
1867 → Janmi-Kudiyan Valambaram
1869 → Secretariat Building inaugurated
1875 → Regular Census
1877 → Kollam-Punalur Suspension Bridge
1888 → Travancore Legislative Council
1891 → Malayali Memorial
1895 → Mullaperiyar Dam inaugurated
1896 → First Ezhava Memorial + Janmi-Kudiyan Regulation Act
1904 → Sree Moolam Praja Sabha
1924 → Vaikom Satyagraha began
1926 → Travancore Newspaper Act
1929 → Thiruvananthapuram electrified
1934 → First wildlife sanctuary in Kerala
1936 → Temple Entry Proclamation + Travancore PSC
1937 → Travancore University
1938 → Travancore State Congress + State Transport Service
1943 → Thiruvananthapuram Radio Station
1946 → Punnapra-Vayalar Struggle
1949 → End of Chithira Thirunal's reign
1957 → Travancore University became Kerala University
1971 → Chithira Thirunal ceased to be Titular Maharajah
1991 → Chithira Thirunal died