Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Biography 
Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma was a former ruler of the princely state of Travancore, Kerala. He ruled during the period, 1829-1846. This ruler is better known as a great admirer of arts and music. He was born into the Kulasekhara dynasty of the Royal family of Travancore on April 16, 1813 as tehs econd child of Gowri Lakshmi Bayi who ruled Travancore during 1811 - 1815, and Rajaraja Varma Koyi Thampuran of Changanasseri Palace. The famous lullaby, Omana Thingal Kidavo was written for him by the poet, Irayimman Thampi. He was born in the birth star, Chodi, also called Swathi.
Rama Varma was born at a time when no male heir was there in the Travancore Royal family and British were to annex the kingdom using infamous Doctrine of Lapse. But then Gowri Lakshmi Bayi conceived and Ram Varma was given the title of King even before his birth. Hence he is also known as Garbhasriman. According to folk stories, he was born as per prayers of residents of Travancore and Padmanabhaswamy blessed them with a male heir. He was a child prodigy from early years. His mother passed away before he became two years old and later he was brought up by his aunt, Rani Parvathi Bayi, who took over as the Queen Regent, during the period of his childhood days. She appointed tutors for young Swathi Thirunal, who taught him Malayalam, Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Persian, Hindi and Marathi. He showed deeper interest and insight in music and literature.
Swathi Thirunal's reputation as a patron of arts and cultural activities attracted artists including musicians, dancers and writers from all parts of India to his court. Irayimman Thampi was his court poet. He also organized a troupe of Hindustani artistes in the palace. Several Bharatnatyam dancers from Thanjavur got settled in Thiruvananthapuram because of the recognition they got through the king. Greatest musician Shadkala Govinda Marar was one among the contemporaries of the Maharaja.
He took over the power at the age of 16. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal's reign was a period of transition and he was known as an excellent administrator as well, though British imposed a lot of controls over the state. He shifted Huzur Cutcherry (Secretariat) and other public offices from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram so that he can give more attention. He started an English school in Thiruvananthapuram in 1834 and implemented reforms in the legal sector. A great scholar and linguist endowed with rare artistic gifts, he is also known as a great devotee of Lord Padmanabha. He died on December 27, 1846 at the young age of 33.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 03, 2018
