Dharma Raja: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}

{{Infobox monarch

| name               = Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma

| title             = [[Maharaja of Travancore]]

| image             = Dharma Raja old painting.jpg  

| caption           =  

| reign             = 1758 - 1798

| coronation         =  

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| burial_place       = <!-- <br /> {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->

| predecessor       = [[Marthanda Varma]]

| successor         = [[Balarama Varma]]

| spouse             =  

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| royal house       = [[Travancore royal family|Venad Swaroopam]]

| dynasty           = Kulasekhara

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| religion           = [[Hinduism]]

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'''Dharma Raja''' '''Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma''' ({{lang-ml|ധർമ്മരാജാ കാർത്തിക തിരുനാൾ രാമവർമ്മ}}, 1724–17 February 1798)<ref>The names of members of Royal houses of Kerala usually succeeded their birth star(nal or nakshatra). Thiru added for respect. As most of the royal names were Rama varma, Kerala Varma, Raja Raja Varma, this was also a method to distinguish from each other</ref> was the [[Maharajah]] of [[Travancore]] from 1758 until his death in 1798. He succeeded his uncle [[Marthanda Varma]], who is credited with the title of "maker of modern Travancore". During his reign Dharma Raja not only retained all the territories his predecessor had gained but administered the kingdom with success.  He was addressed as ''Dharma Raja'' on account of his strict adherence to ''Dharma Sastra'', the principles of justice by providing asylum to thousands of [[Hindu]]s and [[Christians]] fleeing [[Malabar Coast|Malabar]] during the religious and military onslaught of [[Tipu Sultan]].

Rama Varma was born in 1724 AD as the son of the Senior Rani of [[Attingal]]<ref>The Maharanis of Travancore are known as Attingal Thampuratties</ref> with her husband Prince Kerala Varma Koil Thampuran of the [[Kilimanoor palace]]. He had a brother Prince Makayiram Thirunal, grandfather of [[Irayimman Thampi]], who died young and thus Karthika Thirunal was destined to come into power. His mother was adopted from the royal house of [[Kolathunad]] in 1718 by the then King of [[Venad]]<ref>Information from Travancore State Manual by Nagam Aiya</ref> into the [[Travancore Royal Family]]. He was born into a time of political turmoil caused by the refractory Lords, the [[Ettuveetil Pillamar]] as also enemies of Venad such as the Rajah of [[Kayamkulam]]. When Karthika Thirunal was only four years of age, in 1728, his father died foiling an assassination bid by the Kayamkulam Rajah, when the prince along with his parents were traveling from [[Haripad]] to the domains of the Vanjipuzha Thampuran, a Brahmin chief, at Budhanur.<ref>Travancore State Manual by T.K. Velu Pillai, Page260</ref> As he grew up, he took part actively in the military conquests of his uncle Maharajah [[Marthanda Varma]] and assisted him in establishing the modern state of [[Travancore]] by annexing kingdom after kingdom up to the [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]] to Venad.

With the death of his uncle Marthanda Varma in 1758, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma succeeded to the Travancore [[musnud]]. With the able services of the [[Dewan|Dalawa]] Ayyapan Marthanda Pillai, Karthika Thirunal began his reign. Under his uncle's reign, Travancore had gained the reputation of being the most powerful state in [[Kerala]] and hence, many of the neighboring chiefs wished to execute friendship treaties with the Maharajah. The fortunes of the Cochin royal family were at the lowest ebb. A very small portion of their original territory alone remained in the Cochin Raja's possession. From 1755 AD, the Zamorin (Samoothiri) of Calicut Kingdom, was in possession of the major portions of Cochin. Although Marthanda Varma had promised help against the Zamorin by signing a treaty of alliance in 1756 with Cochin, he took no steps to help. Most of the barons of Kochi had sided with the enemy. The Dutch were the permanent friends and protectors of Cochin, but they withdrew their contingents from the field when the Zamorin promised to give back to them 'Chetwai' which he had conquered from them, on his way to Cochin. The Raja of Cochin deputed his nephew to ask for prompt assistance from Rama Varma. The recollections of the past shady dealings and breach of faith on the part of the Cochin rulers naturally had raised apprehensions in the Maharaja that his neighbour might not adhere to his promise when he felt his position secure. The same feeling might have prevented Marthanda Varma, his uncle, from rendering assistance immediately. Months passed. At last the Raja of Cochin met with Rama Varma to press his request. He strengthened his promises with the sanction of religion.

On the 25th of the Tamil month 'Adi' of 937 ME (1761 AD){{clarify|date=October 2010|reason=convert to Gregorian date}} the Raja of Cochin read the terms of their treaty and solemnly swore to abide by its terms, in the presence of the Deity Sthanumoorthy of Suchindrum Temple near Cape Commorin, the ministers of the two kingdoms and the spiritual authorities also being present and the signed document was delivered to the representative of the Maharaja of Travancore. In pursuance of the treaty, the Travancore Maharaja commanded his Minister Dalawa Ayyappan Marthanda Pillai and his Dutch General D'Lannoy to proceed to the north at the head of a large army to liberate Cochin kingdom from the clutches of Zamorin of Calicut kingdom. The account of this campaign is best given in the words of late Mr. C. Achyutha Menon, a native of Cochin, whose acquaintance with the records of the Cochin government, to which he was secretary for a long time, enabled him to speak with unassailable authority.

[[Hyder Ali]] had usurped the throne of [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore]] and was keen to invade and bring the smaller coastal kingdoms of Malabar and Travancore under his sway. As early as 1756, he had invaded Malabar at the instance of the ruler of [[Palghat]] to help him regain his territories captured by the Zamorin of Calicut. The Zamorin was driven away and saved his kingdom by agreeing to pay the princely sum of Rs.1.2&nbsp;million to Hyder Ali. In 1766, Hyder invaded Malabar a second time. The Rajah of [[Kolathunad]] fled to Travancore, while the Zamorin, after hastening his family's departure to Travancore, committed suicide in his own palace. Hyder Ali also started treaty negotiations with the Dutch who, since their defeat in the [[Battle of Colachel]] had been in awe of Travancore, kept the Maharajah of Travancore informed of all developments. What Hyder wanted was a free passage to Travancore through the Dutch territories. The Dutch Governor replied that he had informed [[Batavia, Dutch East Indies|Batavia]] of Hyder's request and was waiting for a reply.

Soon rumors of a proposed invasion of Travancore started developing after the Maharajah refused to stop construction of the Nedumkotta, which passed near the Dutch possessions, through Cochin territories, and because he had given refuge to Hyder Ali's enemies. Hyder asked the kings of Cochin and Travancore to pay the expenses of his Malabar campaign. The tribute to be paid by Cochin was Rs.400,000 and 10 elephants, while Travancore was asked to pay Rs.1.5&nbsp;million and 30 elephants. Hyder added that if Travancore refused, "He will pay a visit".  While the Rajah of Cochin agreed, Karthika Thirunal of Travancore replied, stating that it was "neither to please him nor in accordance with his advice that the invasion of Malabar was undertaken". But he stated that if Hyder withdrew from Malabar and reinstated the [[Kolathunad]] and Calicut Rajahs to their thrones, he would agree to a payment. This was taken by Hyder as a threat, but before he could plan an attack on Travancore, he had to return to Mysore.<ref>V. Nagam Aiya, ''Travancore State Manual'', Vol. 1, pp. 373-385</ref>

In 1788, a rebellion broke out in the territories and vassal states of Mysore, now ruled by Tipu Sultan, son and successor of Hyder Ali.  Tipu entered the regions of Malabar and Coorg to put these rebellions down, engaging in tactics that included the forced deportation to Seringapatam and the conversion to Islam by force, of Hindus.<ref>Logan, [https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&lpg=PA453&dq=Tipu%201788%20malabar&pg=PA452#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Malabar Manual'', Volume 1], p. 452</ref> The royal families of Malabar and large numbers of Hindu and Christian families fled to Travancore, where they were received and treated hospitably by the Maharajah.<ref>Logan, p. 454</ref><ref>Menon, [https://books.google.com/books?id=_YdCAAAAIAAJ&dq=powney%20travancore%201789&pg=PA212#v=onepage&q=1788&f=false ''A history of Travancore from the earliest times'', Volume 1], p. 212</ref> Tipu Sultan now demanded that the Rajah of Cochin, who had accepted the status of a vassal, to claim Alangad and Parur so as to provide Tipu with a pretext for an invasion of Travancore.<ref>Menon, p. 213</ref> However, the Rajah diplomatically assured Tipu that he would convince the Rajah of Travancore to become a vassal of Tipu like himself.  Tipu then sent envoys to Travancore with a 'Khareeta', wherein he stated that "I have learnt that you desire to cultivate friendship with our Sircar..". The Maharajah received Tipu's envoys in the presence of an East India Company representative, which was taken as an affront by Tipu. The Maharajah also negotiated with the British for a force to assist in the defense of Travancore, anticipating an attack from Tipu Sultan. Finally in 1789, arguing that the Nedumkotta passed illegally through the territories of Cochin, his vassal state, Tipu Sultan gathered his entire force in Malabar and marched to invade Travancore.<ref>V. Nagaim Aiya, ''Travancore State Manual'', Vol. 1, pp. 395-413</ref>

Tipu and his forces reached the Nedumkotta line which protected Travancore's northern frontier and [[Battle of the Nedumkotta|launched an attack]] in late December 1789.<ref>Menon, p. 227</ref> But a small number Travancore soldiers managed to change the course of events, by opening fire on the 14,000 Mysore infantry from a close cover that killed the Mysorean officer leading a bayonet charge.<ref>Aiya, p. 394</ref> The Mysorean column, hemmed in by the confines of the wall, retreated in confusion and Tipu Sultan himself was carried away by the crowd.  His palanquin, seals, rings, sword and other personal ornaments fell into the hands of the Travancore armies under the Dewan [[Raja Kesavadas]] Pillai.<ref>Menon, p. 228</ref> Tipu fell back into the ditch twice before scrambling out and the occasional lameness which he suffered until his death was due to the contusions suffered by his fall into the ditches of Travancore.<ref>Aiya, p. 395</ref>

In the following weeks, Tipu Sultan, stung by his defeat, complained to the English [[Governor Of Madras#Governors .28of British India.29|Governor Holland]] at Madras in a pre-dated letter that his soldiers were searching for fugitives from Malabar and that it was Travancore which had taken the offensive. Finally, Tipu attacked the Nedumkotta again after waiting for three months for further reinforcements to arrive from Coorg, Bangalore and Seringapatam. For nearly a month, the Travancore army under the protection of the Nedumkotta lines, managed to defend the state. However, finally a breach of about 1&nbsp;km (3/4 mile) in length was effected and the Mysorean army entered Travancore. Soon, the entire Nedumkotta fell into the hands of Tipu Sultan, who captured large quantities of ammunition and 200 cannons. The British forces stationed to assist Travancore did not provide aid to Travancore, but remained passive spectators, since they had not received orders from Governor Hollond to fight with the Sultan, much to the despair of the Maharajah. When orders were finally received, it was too late and the British Commander thought it injudicious to commit his soldiers against the large Mysorean army.  Tipu's army now devastated the whole of northern Travancore and reached [[Alwaye]] and camped on the [[Periyar River]], although Tipu's officers advised the Sultan against it.  Hindu temples were destroyed and the subjects fled to the forests.  The entire country was laid waste with fire and sword.  Even Christians were not spared.  The Dewan Raja Kesavadas of Travancore toiled ceaselessly and raised batteries at various places further south, and surrounded them with deep ditches and prepared to obstruct Tipu from proceeding further into Travancore.

The Sultan and his army now moved to a place where the Travancore army had built a wall across the river obstructing the water, leaving the river-bed dry. In spite of the warnings of some of his Generals, Tipu decided to wage a battle here at night, certain of his superior numbers. Tipu first ordered two of his [[kushoon]]s{{which lang|date=March 2020}} to advance and take over the defences which they accomplished with valour. At day-break, the Travancoreans broke down the retaining wall, letting the water flood onto the Mysorean forces. A large number of Tipu's soldiers were killed by the sudden flood and the road of succour and assistance to the advance guard was cut off. The remaining forces were defeated by a sudden attack by Travancore under the Dewan and an able General known as Kali Kutty Nair (Posthumously elevated to Kali Kutty Pillai). Of the soldiers of Tipu, who formed the advance guard, none returned to the presence of the Sultan. Three or four hundred cavalry soldiers met with death in front of him. Tipu was begged off his Palki by his General Kamruddin Khan, who fell at his feet, asking him to retreat to his camp. Kamruddin saw to it that Tipu was carried on the shoulders of loyal soldiers across the waters to the other side of the river. The Sultan's Palki with bed, some personal ornaments, and a dagger fell into the hands of Travancore soldiers. Although the Sultan was once again defeated and prevented from gaining any more ground in Travancore, the Dewan increased the garrison of the forts further South and maintained a military force ready for battle in any case.

Meanwhile, Governor-General Cornwallis removed the acting Governor of Madras Mr. Hollond from his post, because he had not provided any aid to Travancore in the battle. The new Governor mobilized the British forces stationed in Travancore to support the Maharajah. Hearing of this, Tipu Sultan decided to retreat from Travancore and Malabar to his own kingdom, to avoid war with the British. But war did occur, in which Travancore provided its forces to the British. The [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]] led by the [[Cornwallis in India|Governor-General Cornwallis]] in person eventually led to the [[Siege of Seringapatam (1792)|defeat of Tipu Sultan]] at his capital Seringapatnam in 1792. Tipu Sultan surrendered and the [[Treaty of Seringapatam]] was signed. The terms of surrender were particularly harsh in that Tipu had to hand over two of his sons as hostages to British custody until he cleared the amount of {{INR}}33 million fixed as the costs of the British campaign against him.<ref>V. Nagam Aiya, ''Travancore State Manual'', pp. 413-429</ref>

* The capital at [[Thiruvananthapuram]] was developed and infrastructure like bridges and other public works such as canals for irrigation were constructed. Bazaars and shopping centers were started for the benefit of the people.

As the composer of [[Kathakali]] Plays (''attakadha''). He set a systematic curriculum for teaching Kathakali. Being a good vocalist and scholar in music and dance, he composed excellent [[Kriti]]s<ref>Compositions</ref> which have enriched [[Carnatic music]]. He was perhaps the first violinist from the royal family. He has to his credit nearly 150 compositions. It was with the advent of the Kathakali plays of Karthika Thirunal that many reforms were brought in Kathakali. Changes were implemented in the structure of plays and in their technique to be adopted during presentation. Priority was given for sringara padas.<ref>''padas'' or verses in which amour is the predominant mood</ref> The rule that each character should enter the stage with sringara padas was introduced by him. Kathakali characters must enter by presenting pada in Padi [[raga]]. All his kathakali plays attained much popularity and fame on account of its technical superiority in stage presentation, variety and vividness of characters and the story. He has to his credit seven plays:

* [[Padmanabhapuram Palace]]

* [[Mysore invasion of Kerala]]

* ''[[Marthandavarma (novel)|Marthandavarma]]'' (novel)

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