Marthanda Varma’s Reign and Reforms in Travancore

Maharaja Marthanda Varma

From an early age, Marthanda Varma displayed strong leadership ambitions and a desire for territorial expansion. In 1738, he successfully brought the Attingal kingdoms under his control, followed by the conquests of Nedumangadu, Kollam, and Kayankulam in 1739. With significant support from Anantha Padmanabhan, he extended his authority over regions such as the Red Fort, Kottarakkara, Kollam, Kottayam, Kayankulam, Sanganassery, Ambalapuzha, and Nedumangadu.

Marthanda Varma’s administration rested on two key foundations: the Coup Troops (Couppadai) and external alliances. The governance of Travancore during his reign was notably influenced by Tamil culture. His northward expansion and victories over smaller kingdoms were viewed as a celebration of Tamil heritage. To strengthen his forces, Marthanda Varma, guided by his authoritative vision, recruited skilled Tamils and foreign soldiers, offering them financial incentives.

Under Marthanda Varma’s rule, caste dynamics reached a peak in Travancore. His administration enforced policies that imposed heavy taxes and oppressive measures on lower-caste communities, including the Ezhavar, Nadar, Vannar, Kavadi, Mukkuvar, Paraiyar, and Pulaiyar. These discriminatory tax policies persisted until 1815, fostering deep divisions and internal conflicts within communities. Swami Vivekananda, upon visiting Travancore, poignantly described it as a tent of caste-mad lunatics, reflecting the intense caste-based discrimination prevalent at the time.

Some critiques noted that Marthanda Varma’s actions occasionally appeared unpatriotic and lacked compassion. To address unrest in North Travancore, he called upon Haider, the commander-in-chief of Coimbatore, a decision that paved the way for later challenges under Tipu Sultan in the region. Over time, some observed that Marthanda Varma’s decisions seemed to drift from humanity and conscience.

Marthanda Varma earned the title “Napoleon of Travancore” for his bold leadership. Facing numerous internal adversaries, he appointed taluka officials, known as “Sarvatikariyakkar,” to oversee regions such as Agastheeswaram, Tovalai, Kalkulam, Vilavankodu, Neyyattinkara, Nedumangadu, and Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring stability and preventing turmoil.

Marthanda Varma’s approach to land reforms, revenue divisions, and warfare drew inspiration from Mughal emperors. He focused on annexing neighboring territories, decisively overcoming adversaries, and intertwining politics with religious elements.

As Travancore was being consolidated in a manner reminiscent of Aurangzeb’s strategies, the Dutch unexpectedly launched an invasion of the kingdom.