Sakthan Thampuran

Sakthan Thampuran Biography

Sakthan Thampuran was the King of Cochin and his palace is now situated in the central town of Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of Thrissur town. Thrissur Pooram, the festival of all Kerala festivals was also introduced by him. Other names of Shaktan Thampuran are Rama Varma Kunhjipilla Thampuran and Rama Varma IX. He was one of the most powerful rulers of Kochi Kingdom. He cleared the 60 acre teak forests around Vadakkunnathan Temple and developed the Thekkinkadu Maidan which is now heart of Thrissur. Swaraj round, around which the whole commercials of the main town are located, was also constructed by Shaktan Thampuran. This road was built around Vadakkumnatha Temple maidan where Thrissur Pooram is held every year in a grand way. Most recently Shaktan Thampuran’s statue was unveiled in the main town.  

Sakthan Thampuran was born on August 26, 1751 AD as the son of Anujan Namboodiripad of the Chennamangalam Mana and Ambika Thampuran of the Cochin Royal Family. He was born at at Vellarapally Palace. Young Shaktan lost his mother at a younger age and he was brought up by his maternal aunt. His early education was done under the Guru Kallenkara Pisharody.

Thampuran’s first wife was a Nair lady from the reputed Vadakke Kuruppath family of Thrissur whom he married when he was 30 years old. But she died and Thampuran remained as a widower till he was 52. Second wife’s name was Chummukutty Nethyar Amma of the Karimpatta family. She was a talented musician of 17 and was an excellent dancer of Kaikottikalli. But Sakthan Thampuran passed away after two years and as per rules, she had to return back to her home.

Once he took the power as the king of Kochi, he crushed the power of the feudal chieftains. Thampuran was a great administrator who had good relationship with British as well as Travancore king, Dharma Raja.  After his 55th birthday Sakthan Thampuran fell ill and died on September 26, 1805.

Published: N/A

Updated: September 24, 2017