• Dr. C. Gomathavalli

The modern history of Travancore started with the reign of Bala Marthandavarma. The princely state of Travancore forming the southern part of the present Kerala State is endowed with favourable geography most suited for the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom. Several major events involving the survival of the kingdom took place here. The modern era in the political history of Travancore is said to have dawned with the epoch-making reign of Bala Marthandavarma, one of the famous Travancore rulers. Marthandavarma was born in 1706 to queen Karthika Thirunal, the Queen of Attingal, and Raghava Varma of Kilimanoor Palace. During the reign of Marthandavarma, the famous Battle of Colachel was took place in 1741 A.D, and the Dutch were completely defeated. Besides decisive military victories, Marthandavarma brought about administrative reforms within the state revenue, budgetary, and public works sectors amongst others. The policy of Marthandavarma was a mercantile policy. The political developments during his period brought Travancore and the English very close. The close friendship and alliance of the Raja of Travancore with the English East India Company made Travancore a strong force in Kerala. After the extension of the territory, Marthandavarma directed his attention to the internal reforms of his kingdom. New roads and inns were opened throughout the state with military outposts. Water transport from Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram to Cochin was implemented under Marthandavarma while he also renovated the Padmanabhapuram Palace and built Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha. He paid special attention to improving agriculture in the state. Marthandavarma made a determined bid to consolidate his authority by the use of the Indian Ocean spice trade. Puthan dam, built by him near Padmanabhapuram, provided drinking water to that area. Marthanda Varna was followed by Rama Varma, a weak ruler compared to his predecessor.

Travancore - Marthandavarma - Kingdom - Battle of Colachel - political - developments - mercantile policy - authority - Padmanabhapuram - spice trade - agriculture - East India Company - military

"MARTHANDAVARMA-THE ARCHITECT OF MODERN TRAVANCORE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 6, page no.546-554, June-2017, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1706102.pdf

"MARTHANDAVARMA-THE ARCHITECT OF MODERN TRAVANCORE", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 6, page no. pp546-554, June-2017, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1706102.pdf