Mastering Travancore History for Kerala PSC 10th Level Exams
For every Kerala PSC aspirant, the history of Travancore is not just a chapter in a textbook; it is the foundation of the state’s modern administrative and social structure. Whether you are appearing for the LDC (Lower Division Clerk), LGS (Last Grade Servants), or any 10th-level preliminary and mains examinations, Travancore history accounts for a significant portion of the Kerala History syllabus. Understanding the lineage of the Venad rulers, the strategic brilliance of Marthanda Varma, the administrative reforms of the Diwans, and the social revolutions that culminated in the Temple Entry Proclamation is crucial for scoring high marks.
This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for students on www.myentrance.in. We have combined a detailed narrative with an interactive visual timeline to help you memorize dates, names, and events chronologically. Historically, Travancore was one of the most progressive princely states in British India, often referred to as a ‘Model State’. From the defeat of the Dutch at Colachel to the integration with the Indian Union, every event holds a potential PSC question. In the following sections, we will dive deep into the ‘Maker of Modern Travancore’, the legendary ‘Dharma Raja’, and the revolutionary reformers who paved the way for modern Kerala.
1729 – 1758
The Reign of Marthanda Varma
Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma is known as the ‘Maker of Modern Travancore’. He consolidated the small principalities of Venad into a powerful kingdom. He successfully crushed the power of the Ettuveetil Pillamar (Eight Lords of the Land) and the Yogakkars. His reign marked the beginning of a centralized administrative system in Travancore, moving away from feudal clusters.
August 10, 1741
The Battle of Colachel
A landmark event in world history, the Battle of Colachel saw the forces of Travancore defeat the Dutch East India Company. This was the first time an Asian power had decisively defeated a European naval power. The Dutch commander, Eustachius De Lannoy, was captured and later became the ‘Valiya Kappithan’, training the Travancore army in modern warfare.
January 3, 1750
Thrippadi Danam
Marthanda Varma dedicated his entire kingdom to the tutelary deity, Sree Padmanabhaswamy. By this act, the rulers of Travancore assumed the title ‘Padmanabha Dasa’ (Servant of Lord Padmanabha) and governed the state as trustees. This event provided religious legitimacy to the royal family and unified the state under a divine banner.
1758 – 1798
The Era of Dharma Raja
Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, popularly known as Dharma Raja, shifted the capital from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram in 1795. He is remembered for his kindness and for providing asylum to those fleeing the invasions of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. He built the ‘Nedumkotta’ (Travancore Lines) to protect the northern borders of the state.
January 11, 1809
The Kundara Proclamation
Velu Thampi Dalawa, the Prime Minister of Travancore, issued this famous proclamation calling upon the people to revolt against the British East India Company. It was a cry for freedom against colonial interference in the state’s internal affairs and remains a symbol of resistance in Kerala’s history.
1829 – 1847
Swathi Thirunal’s Golden Age
Known as the ‘Garbha Sreeman’, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma was a legendary composer and a visionary ruler. He established the first government English school in 1834, the Public Library in Thiruvananthapuram, and the Astronomical Observatory. He is regarded as the king who modernised education and music in Travancore.
1888
Sri Mulam Popular Assembly
During the reign of Sri Mulam Thirunal, Travancore became the first princely state in India to establish a Legislative Council. This Council, formed in 1888, was the first step towards representative democracy in the region. Later, in 1904, the Sri Mulam Popular Assembly was established to include people’s representatives in governance.
November 12, 1936
Temple Entry Proclamation
Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma issued the historic Temple Entry Proclamation, which opened all government-controlled temples in Travancore to all Hindus, regardless of caste. This was a revolutionary social reform that Mahatma Gandhi described as ‘a miracle of modern times’. It dealt a major blow to the practice of untouchability.
In-Depth Study Notes for PSC Aspirants
Beyond the timeline, several key administrative aspects of Travancore often appear in PSC 10th level exams. One major area is the tenure of the Diwans. Diwan Nanoo Pillai, Diwan T. Madhava Rao, and Diwan C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer are names you must remember. T. Madhava Rao is often credited with turning Travancore into a ‘Model State’ through his financial and administrative reforms between 1858 and 1872.
Social Reforms and Protests
Travancore was the epicenter of social movements. The Channar Revolt (Upper Cloth Movement) which occurred between 1813 and 1859 was a significant struggle for the right of lower-caste women to cover their chests. The Malayali Memorial (1891) and the Ezhava Memorial (1896) were petitions submitted to the King demanding better representation for locals and the Ezhava community in government service, respectively. These events highlight the political awakening of the people.
Key Figures to Remember
- Ayyankali: Born in Venganoor, he fought for the right of ‘Pulayas’ to walk on public roads and for children to attend school. His ‘Villuvandi’ (bullock cart) strike in 1893 is a frequent PSC question.
- Sree Narayana Guru: His visit to Aruvippuram and the subsequent installation of the Shiva idol in 1888 challenged the Brahmanical monopoly on priesthood.
- Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bayi: She is noted for abolishing slavery in Travancore (1812) and for being the only queen to rule in her own right.
Exam Tips for 10th Level PSC
When studying Travancore history, focus on the following ‘firsts’: First English school (Swathi Thirunal), first railway line (Chala-Quilon line, 1904), and the first post office. Also, ensure you know the years of the major treaties, such as the Treaty of Mavelikkara (1753) with the Dutch. Memorizing the nicknames of kings is also helpful; for example, ‘The Father of Modern Travancore’ is Marthanda Varma, while the ‘Dharma Raja’ is Karthika Thirunal.
Conclusion
The history of Travancore is a saga of transition from a small feudal state to a modern, enlightened society. For a PSC candidate, mastering these dates and details is the key to securing those vital marks in the Kerala History section. Review this timeline frequently, and cross-reference these events with our mock tests on www.myentrance.in to ensure maximum retention.
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