sign in sign up
<<
Home , Agastheeswaram, Agastheeswaram taluk, Battle of Colachel, Kunchan Nambiar, Marthanda Varma, Neyyattinkara

International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

MARTHANDAVARMA – The Legend of Modern

Sharmila Prasad R. Ph.D. Research Scholar (Reg. No.1035/2014) Research Department of History, Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikkudi – 630 003. , . (Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi – 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.)

Dr. C. Lawrance Assistant Professor (Research Supervisor) Research Department of History, Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikkudi – 630 003. Tamil Nadu, India. (Affiliated to Alagappa University, Karaikudi – 630003, Tamil Nadu, India.)

------

ABSTRACT

The Travancore, erstwhile Hindu feudal kingdom, is one of the most scenic and charming portions of India. The term Travancore is the anglicized form of Thiruvithamkodu which means 'the abode of prosperity'. It derived its name from the word , its one- time capital. Anizham Marthandavarma was the of Travancore from 1729 A.D until his death in 1758 A.D. The accession of Marthandavarma to the throne marked the commencement of a new era in the annals of the administrative past of Travancore. Within a few years of his accession, he was able to put down the over mighty subjects and restore peace and order throughout his country. Later, he waged continuous wars against several of his northern neighbours and conquered them. These struggles with his enemies did not prevent him from establishing an effective administration and undertaking several nation-building activities. King Marthandavarma was the only Indian king to beat the European army at the Battle of against the Dutch. For administrative convenience, Marthandavarma re-organised all departments. He followed Blood and Iron policy in uniting the Travancore kingdom. He adopted a European mode of discipline in his army with the help of Captain De Lannoy.

Keywords: Marthandavarma, Thrippadidanam, Murajapam, Bhadradeepam, Hiranyagrabham, Varippanam, Mandapathum Vathukkal.

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1637 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

Introduction

At the time of King Varma's birth, Thrippappur Swaroopam (Thiruvithamkur) was a small principality extending from in the north to Aaralvaimozhi in the south. The power of the King of Venad was fragile and he could not maintain his control over his territory. King Rama Varma was forced to request troops from Tamilnadu to collect dues and impose order in his territory. When Marthandavarma ascended the throne, the crisis in Travancore had already deepened. He founded the modern kingdom of Travancore by militarily expanding the Kingdom of Venad.1 He is known as the Architect of Modern Travancore.

Early Life

Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma was born in 1706 A.D to the Queen of Travancore, Maharani Karthika Thirunal and Raghava Varma of Royal . King Veera Rama Varma anointed the 14-year-old Anizham Thirunal as the ‘ of ’, after being pleased by the maturity and administrative talent of his nephew. Marthandavarma ascended the throne of Travancore in 1729 A.D.2 He is acclaimed as the only Indian king to beat the European armed force at the against the Dutch. Marthandavarma had to flee from the capital for the safety, due to the opposition of the nobles. He lived in difficulty for many years, travelling from one place to another to escape from his enemies.

Administrative Reforms

For the purposes of administration, the State was divided into fifteen Mandapathum Vathukkals*3 under officers known as Karyakkar.4 Each taluk was divided into several Adhikarams or Villages. The Village officer was called Pravartikar in Nanchinad and Adhikari in other places. The village was the smallest unit of administration. The village officer was directly appointed by the King. There are subordinates such us Village Accountant,*5 Assessment assistant and other Assistants. The Adhikari was answerable for the collection of taxes and the execution of royal orders. He arranges for the proper performance of the pujas in the temples and shrines within his jurisdiction and assigns a Manager for each temple.6

Besides decisive military victories, King Marthandavarma brought about administrative reforms within the state revenue, budgetary and public works. He re-organized the commercial sector and dominated the . became the centre for trade and commerce. New roads and inns were opened throughout the kingdom.7 Military out posts were setup in the state for the protection of the people. Water transport from to Cochin was implemented.

Marthandavarma, the Maker of Modern Travancore, paid distinct attention to improve agriculture in the kingdom. was the southernmost part of Travancore. The portions of land lying east of town, called Nanjilnadu was considered as the ‘Granary of Travancore’8 due to its extensive cultivation of paddy rice. The fertility of this area was copious due to the irrigation facilities introduced by Marthandavarma. He digged new canals for irrigation. The dams and channels were constructed with the object of extending irrigation facilities to South Travancore. It benefited the lands in the taluks of and . The irrigation system supplied drinking water to the inhabitants of

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1638 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

Padmanabhapuram and its vicinity. Dry lands were brought under cultivation. Distributary channels were constructed from Kothayar to provide additional irrigation facilities to Kalkulam. A special staff was employed in the construction of irrigation tanks in the taluk. A large earthen dam and distributary channels were also constructed in the Pallipuram village.9

Thus, single-crop paddy fields became double-crop paddy fields and also doubling their production. Ponmana Dam and Puthen Dam were built by the King and are still operational.10 A new channel named Puthanar was dugged for irrigation in Thovala areas.

The career of conquest and consolidation naturally entailed heavy expenditure. To meet the situation, Marthandavarma had introduced unorthodox methods of taxation. The heavy and constant requirement for money made him to intervene in the economic life of the people in a big way. He introduced land revenue. Pepper trade, trade in tobacco and salt were declared state monopolies. Through these financial measures, Marthandavarma was able to meet the administrative and military expenses.

After the disappearance of the traditional monopoly of state services of Madampimar, Pillamar and Kariakkar, Marthandavarma decided to institute of public service, based on faithful service. He experienced the danger of entrusting public services to hereditary families.

Marthandavarma organized an entirely new public service, based on efficiency and loyal service. He instituted a Knighthood, known as ‘Chempakaraman ’.11 Marthandavarma adopted yet other measures to reward men who deserved recognition by their meritorious services. , distinctions and privileges were granted to members of the armed forces and other services for their faithful service.

The extension of the kingdom called for an efficient Postal service. Travancore Pettis*12 were constructed. If there is any delay in dispatching the mail as per schedule, the Mandapathum Vathukkal should enquire and punish the mail-carrier or the postal clerk.

During the time of wars, the State mostly depend the inland water communication for transport facilities. Therefore, Marthandavarma visualized a scheme of inland waterways, connecting the major backwaters on the western side of Travancore by a chain of canals, to provide for quick and cheap transport facilities.

Land Revenue Settlement

For the first time in the history of the country, a regular survey of the lands and a systematic assessment were undertaken. The first revenue settlement took place in 1738-39 A.D. The work was limited to the Venad territories. It took nearly ten years to complete the settlement of the process. The other sources of revenue included fines, Varippanam,*13 customs, monopolies, customary dues and market dues. Whenever there was considerable expenditure on unusual items, contributions were laid on merchants and people alike. For instance, fortifications and debts due to wars, were balanced by customs-duties collected mainly from pepper export. Depots were established in different parts of the state to receive and store these articles. Private import-export trade in these commodities was prohibited. The trade was conducted both by sea and land.14

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1639 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

The right of collecting market tolls was auctioned and given to the highest bidder. But as the rates of the toll were fixed, the bidder was not allowed to collect more money. The toll was collected on goods brought for sale like paddy, salt, dried fish, coconuts, betel leaves and goods bought in the market like pepper. The toll was collected in kind or cash.

One important reform in the administration carried out by Marthandavarma was the framing of Pathivu kanakku*15 for such as Devasoms, Oottupuras,*16 , revenue and military establishments, pension and grants. The expenditure was monitored strictly. In case of misappropriation, the victim was not only severely punished but also compelled to refund the amount. The royal rules were functioned without any distinction.

Forts and Fortifications

At the beginning of the reign of Marthandavarma, there were five forts in Venad- Thovala, Neyyattinkara, Puthenkotta in Trivandrum, and Kilimanoor. During the campaigns, several fortifications were raised by Travancore at Thottapalli and Vaikkom to protect strategic points. A fort with mud-walls and stone bastions and battlements was built from Kaduttara to Kanyakumari Coast. The old forts at Kalkulam and Puliyurkurichi were demolished and reconstructed as quadrangular forts. The fort of Valiya koyikkal Palace was completed with granite walls and renamed as fort in 1744 A.D.17 At Udayagiri, a granite wall with bastions enclosing the hill was built. Within the fort, batteries and powder magazines were also constructed. An iron foundry was established at Udayagiri, where cannons, mortars and bullets were cast. Many other old forts were repaired and put in a state of defence.18

Army Organization

After completing the fortifications, Marthandavarma directed his attention to the organization of an efficient army. They were trained on European models.19 In this effort, the king was ably assisted by De Lannoy, who was taken as prisoner in the Battle of Colachel. Army consisted of infantry, cavalry, artillery and irregular troops. De Lannoy’s works of training Travancore soldiers was highly appreciated by the king and gave the of Valiya Kappithan (Great Commander) to De Lannoy.

British troops assist the Travancore garrison at Attingal to defend the fort. Dutch prisoners of war joined the Travancore army and fought against her enemies. Similarly, on several occasions foreign mercenary assistance was made use of by Marthandavarma to extend and the consolidate his conquests.20

Military Career

King Marthandavarma was not only a shrewd tactician and a but also an able military general. After mashing the power of the feudal lords, he turned his attention to the neighbouring states. He annexed and .21 A treaty known as the Treaty of Mannar was signed between Travancore and Kayamkulam Raja. But the Kayamkulam Raja was finally defeated in 1746 A.D, and the kingdom was annexed to the Travancore. Thus, Travancore kingdom extended from Kanyakumari to Kayamkulam in the north.22 Following this, Ambalapuzha, and were also annexed to Travancore in 1753 A.D. The principality of was annexed. Again, Karappuram and Aalangad were ceded to Travancore. In 1755 A.D, the of Calicut was also

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1640 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

defeated at a battle in . The support of the armies of some other local , made almost all the kings of prostrate before the power of Marthandavarma. He was ably assisted in his military conquests by Ramayyan Dalawa, later his Prime Minister and Diwan on Travancore.23

Battle of Colachel

In 1741 A.D, the Dutch reinstated the Queen of the Kottarakara kingdom against the wishes of Marthandavarma, who attacked the kingdom and completely routed the Dutch army. The activities of Dutch infuriated and finally he fully annexed Kottarakara to Travancore, The Queen fled to Cochin and received a pension from the Dutch. The decisive Battle of Colachel, resulted in the complete eclipse of Dutch power in Kerala. Though the Battle of Colachel was fought in 10 August 1741 A.D, the peace treaty with Dutch was signed in 1753 A.D.

More than twenty Dutchmen were taken as prisoners at the Battle of Colachel. The prisoners were treated with kindness, so they were happy and willing to take service under the Maharaja. Among them were De Lannoy and Donadi, who attracted the Maharaja 's special attention. De Lannoy was raised to the rank of a General. He rendered considerable service to Marthandavarma in subsequent wars.24 On 15 August 1753 A.D, the Treaty of Mavelikkara was concluded between Marthandavarma and the Dutch with both parties agreeing to live in peace and friendship.

Palaces

There were seven palaces outside Trivandrum at , Padmanabhapuram, Neyyattinkara, , , Kunnathur and Harippad. Another palace was built Krishnapuram, near Kayamkulam. The palaces at Padmanabhapuram and Krishnapuram were built under the direct supervision of Ramayyan Dalawa.25 In Trivandrum, there were two palaces, Pulikkottu Koyikkal and Valiya Koyikkal. The third palace, Thevarattu Koyikkal was made the royal residence in Trivandrum, whenever the king came here.

Temples and Dharmasalas

Marthandavarma renovated Sri . The first construction was the Ottakkal Mandapam.26 This rock brought from Thirumala Hills in forty-two days. The Sreekovil, Thekkedam, Balikkalpura and Seevelipura was also completed. The Kalasam (purification) ceremony was performed in Painkuni month in 1733 A.D and regular pujas were conducted from Alpasi in 1735 A.D. Several Oottupuras and Vazhiyambalams (rest houses) were constructed throughout the length and breadth of the country. Oottupuras were attached to many important temples where free meals were provided to all through the year.27

Culture

The Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple was re-constructed to the present gigantic structure and new ceremonies such as Murajapam and Bhadradeepam were introduced by Marthandavarma. The chief idol of this temple, which was mostly destroyed in a fire during the time of his ancestors, was also re-constructed using Salagramams imported from Nepal. He also created ‘Ottakkal Mandapam’ as well as the ‘Seevelippura’. The temple Gopuram

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1641 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

have seven floors. Out of which five were finished during Marthandavarma’s reign. As a result of the annexation of neighbouring places, the artists and scholars from these places migrated to Travancore, turning it into a cultural centre. The king gave benefaction to different temple art forms including Koothu, , and Thullal. Ramapurathu Warrier and Kunchan Nambiar served as his court poets.28

Marthandavarma revived and instituted fresh, several festivals in his time. The Alpasi and Painkuni festivals are celebrated according to the order of the King. In 1750 A.D, the festival of Lakshadeepam was conducted. The Sheeveli Mandapam was decorated with 1,00,000 lights which added splendour and brilliance to the building and the festival alike. The Murajapam, one of the biggest religious ceremonies held in the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple every six years, was held thrice in the reign of Marthandavarma.29

Thrippadidaanam

King Marthandavarma, the great conqueror and organiser,30 decided to dedicate his empire to Sri Padmanabha, his tutelary deity and thereafter rule as the deity's vice-regent despite the ruthless diplomacy and military exploits. The dedication took place on 3 January 1750 A.D31 and thereafter he was referred as Sree Padmanabhadasa Vanchipala Maharaja Sree Anizham Thirunal Veera Baala Marthandavarma Kulasekhara Perumal. This endowment of the kingdom to the Lord Padmanabha is known as Thripadidaanam.32 Thus, Travancore kingdom became the asset of Sri Padmanabhaswamy, the deity of the Travancore .

Conclusion

The reign of Marthandavarma was the most memorable epoch in the history of Travancore. On his accession to power, he found the country feeble and disunited. It was from the state of utter confusion and chaos that the king saved and protected the country. He contributed greatly to the expansion of his inherited domains by annexing several neighbouring states and integrated the entire south of Kerala. Ramayyan Dalawa, the Prime minister of Marthandavarma also played an important role in the consolidation and expansion of the Travancore state. Trivandrum, the capital city of Travancore state, became an outstanding city under Maharaja Marthandavarma.

References

1 Sobhanan, B., Ramavarma of Travancore, Cochin, 1978, p.1. 2 Watts, M.E., Travancore, Asiatic Review, Vol. XXVI, 1930, p.4. 3 *Mandapathum Vathukkals: Taluks 4 Nagam Aiya, V., The Travancore State Manual, Vol. III, New Delhi, 1906, p.376. 5 *Village Accountant: Adhikarakkanakkan. 6 The Directory, Cochin, 1934, No. VIII, p.3. 7 Madhava Menon, T., A Hand Book of Kerala, Vol. II, Trivandrum, 2002, p.574. 8 Hacker, I.H., Hundred Years in Travancore 1806-1907, London, 1908, p.12. 9 Nagam Ayya, V., op.cit., p.470. 10 Personally visited and confirmed. 11 Velu Pillai, T.K., History of Travancore, Trivandrum, 1935, pp.44-51. 12 *Anchal Pettis: Postal boxes. 13 *Varippanam: contributions.

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1642 International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124

14 Travancore Land Revenue Manual, Vol. IV, p.365. 15 *Pathivu kanakku: Fixed items of expenditure. 16 *Oottupuras: Feeding houses for . 17 Travancore Devaswom Hand book, Trivandrum, l970, p.40. 18 Raja Thangam, A., Captain De Lannoy and Travancore, Nagercoil, 2005, p.11. 19 Military Country Correspondence, 1732, p.78. 20 Edwin, P.G., Marthandavarma’s Relations with the French, Journal of Indian History, Vol. I, Part-III, Trivandrum, 1972, p. 856. 21 Shungunny Menon P., History of Travancore from the Earliest Times, Madras, 1878, p.137. 22 Panikkar K.M., Malabar and the Dutch, Bombay, 1931, p.53. 23 Veera Marthandavarma Maharajavinta Pattalam 1729-1758 (), Palm leaf Records, Vol. X, pp.43-45. 24 Sreedhara Menon, A., A Survey of Kerala History, Kottayam, 1964, p.229. 25 Subramania Iyer, K.V., A Short , Trivandrum, 1989, pp.90-96. 26 , U.T., A Visual History of Travancore-Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma, 2012, Kottayam, pp.24-26. 27 Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bai, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram, Trivandrum, 1998, p.183. 28 Sreedhara Menon, A., op.cit., p.233. 29 Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bai, op.cit., pp.168-170. 30 Pillai, K.K, The Suchindram Temple -A Monograph, , 2002, p.50. 31 Sreedhara Menon, A., op.cit., p.233. 32 Uma Maheshwari, S., Thrippadidaanam, , 2015, pp.40-42.

Volume VIII, Issue I, January/2019 Page No:1643