Exploring the Legacy of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma

Recent publications have begun to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked southern empires of India, correcting a longstanding north-centric narrative in historical writing. One notable contribution to this growing body of work is a new book detailing the life and mission of Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma (1706-1758), a pivotal figure in the history of Travancore. His reign as maharaja is characterized by significant military achievements and enlightened governance, yet documentation of his legacy remains sparse, primarily found in local historical accounts and fictional works like C.V. Raman Pillai’s novel published in 1891.

Marthanda Varma stands out among the rulers of Travancore due to his remarkable military campaigns and reformist policies. His life was marked by tumultuous events, yet he is credited with transforming a disordered state into a politically stable and economically vibrant kingdom. Comparatively, he shares a historical parallel with Sri Rama Varma of Cochin, known as Shakthan Thampuran, as both faced the challenge of ruling chaotic territories yet left behind strong governance structures.

Military Campaigns and Transformative Leadership

A substantial portion of the book explores Marthanda Varma’s military exploits, detailing battles fought, alliances formed, and strategic retreats taken. Notably, his vision extended to conquering the entire Malabar Coast, reminiscent of the Chera dynasty. However, deteriorating health and the loss of his trusted advisor, Ramayan Dalawa, led him to abandon these aspirations. Despite facing numerous assassination attempts from powerful enemies, Marthanda Varma consistently led from the front, demonstrating a rare quality among his contemporaries.

Two significant events define his reign: the Battle of Colachel in August 1741 and his dedication of the kingdom to Lord Sri Padmanabha. The battle marked a turning point in Kerala’s history, as Marthanda Varma successfully defeated the Dutch, representing the first significant defeat of a European power by an Indian ruler. This victory not only reshaped the political landscape but also initiated a shift away from the dominance of feudal nobility.

Legacy and Historical Impact

The dedication of his kingdom to Lord Sri Padmanabha was both a personal and political act, described in detail by the authors. This act of atonement later played a crucial role in the political maneuvers of Travancore’s last ruling king, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, who, with his Dewan, C.P. Ramaswami Iyer, used this dedication to contest the Instrument of Accession to the Union Government, asserting that the state belonged to the deity rather than the royal family.

This new book not only highlights the military and political prowess of Marthanda Varma but also invites readers to reassess the historical narratives surrounding southern Indian rulers. The authors’ journey began with a chance meeting with a member of the Travancore royal family and culminated in this comprehensive examination of a transformative figure in Kerala’s history.

Published on October 19, 2025, the book is now available for readers interested in understanding the intricate history of Travancore and its significant rulers. This in-depth study promises to enrich the historical discourse surrounding southern India, offering fresh insights into the legacies of its leaders.