Visakham Thirunal

Visakham Thirunal Biography

Visakham Thirunal was a Maharaja of Travancore Kingdom Kerala who ruled during the period, 1880-1885 AD succeeding his elder brother Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal. After succeeding the throne he brought in a new set of reforms including changes in the education system, police department, justice and judiciary etc. He popularized the cultivation of tapioca in Travancore kingdom which later came to be known as the poor man's meal in Travancore. He has also authorized a few works. He died in 1885, aged only 48. His only son Sri Narayanan Thampi, was the person belonging to Royal family who started the first bus services in Travancore, the first one being Thiruvananthapuram to Nagercoil. Thampi married a daughter of Irayimman Thampi, the court poet. Visakham Thirunal was grandson to Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and nephew of Maharajah Swathi Thirunal.

Varma was born on the 19th of May 1837 to Rani Gowri Rukmini Bayi and Punartham Thirunal Rama Varma Koil Thampuran belonging to the Royal Family of Thiruvalla. His mother died when he was only 2 months old. He was the youngest two children. He received his early education from his father, Rama Varma which included Malayalam and Sanskrit grammar. Subba Row taught him English at the age of 9. His first work, ‘Horrors of war and benefits of peace’ was published in English. He also published columns in noted dailies like The Statesman, Madras Athenaeum and the Calcutta Review. A Political Sketch of Travancore, A Native Statesman and Observations on Higher Education are his noted writings.

In 1891, he visited Madras and very soon he was appointed a Fellow of the University of Madras, a rare honour conferred in those days. As a scholar, he had a group of Brahmins in his court and used to seek their advice in settling cases. Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma succeeded to the Travancore throne in 1880 and is known as a good ruler as well. He was succeeded by Moolam Thirunal after his death.

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Updated: September 24, 2017