International Journal of Research ISSN NO:2236-6124 MARTHANDAVARMA – The Legend of Modern Travancore Sharmila Prasad R. Ph.D. Research Scholar (Reg. No.1035/2014) Research Department of History, Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikkudi – 630 003. Tamil Nadu, India. (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 Thiruvithamcode, its one- time capital. Anizham Thirunal Marthandavarma was the King 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 Colachel 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 Rama Varma's birth, Thrippappur Swaroopam (Thiruvithamkur) was a small principality extending from Edava 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 Kilimanoor Royal Palace. King Veera Rama Varma anointed the 14-year-old Anizham Thirunal as the ‘Prince of Neyyattinkara’, 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 Battle of Colachel 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 spice trade. Mavelikkara 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 Varkala to Cochin was implemented. Marthandavarma, the Maker of Modern Travancore, paid distinct attention to improve agriculture in the kingdom. Kanyakumari was the southernmost part of Travancore. The portions of land lying east of Nagercoil 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 Kalkulam and Eraniel. 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 Agastheeswaram 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 Nair 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 Pillai’.11 Marthandavarma adopted yet other measures to reward men who deserved recognition by their meritorious services. Titles, 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 Anchal 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 Palaces, 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