Marthanda Varma’s Rise to Power in Travancore
 |
| Maharaja Marthanda Varma, builder of a unified Travancore |
Marthanda Varma was the son of Aatrinkal Valiya Rani and the nephew of Balarama Varma Kulasekara Perumal, who ruled Travancore from 1721 to 1729.
The King’s Marriage and Children
During a visit to the Thanumalaya Perumal temple festival in Suchindram, Balarama Varma encountered Abirami, a dancer who had arrived in Travancore from Salem with her brother Krishna in search of a livelihood. Captivated by her beauty and grace, the king welcomed her into the palace, renamed her Krishnammai, and married her. She bore three children: Pappu Thambi, Raman Thambi, and Kochchu Maadammai.
During a visit to the Thanumalaya Perumal temple festival in Suchindram, Balarama Varma encountered Abirami, a dancer who had arrived in Travancore from Salem with her brother Krishna in search of a livelihood. Captivated by her beauty and grace, the king welcomed her into the palace, renamed her Krishnammai, and married her. She bore three children: Pappu Thambi, Raman Thambi, and Kochchu Maadammai.
Political Turmoil and Injustice
During Balarama Varma’s rule, reports emerged of oppressive actions against dissenters. Farmers who opposed the regime’s injustices were reportedly executed, and their bodies displayed from the west tower of the Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram to deter rebellion.
As the king neared death from smallpox, he allocated revenues from various regions to Krishnammai and her children as Makkal Thaayam (paternal inheritance). After his death on February 9, 1729, the throne passed to his nephew Marthanda Varma, according to matrilineal tradition. However, Krishnammai, along with her sons Pappu Thambi and Raman Thambi, challenged Marthanda Varma’s ascension, seeking to abolish Marumakkal Thaayam (nephew succession) in favor of Makkal Thaayam.
Conspiracy and Resistance
Encouraged by Krishnammai and backed by certain Brahmins, the elite Pillaimaars, and a section of the army, the brothers plotted against Marthanda Varma. According to the Thambimaar Kathai Paadal (Song of the Brothers’ Story), their resentment intensified when Marthanda Varma allegedly demanded Kochchu Maadammai be given to him—a demand the brothers refused.
As the succession crisis unfolded, Marthanda Varma went into hiding, seeking protection from Anantha Padmanabhan Nadar, leader of the 108 Kalari, at the Purakkottur Kalari near Kannanur. Ananthan mobilized warriors from the Silambam tradition to support Varma. In retaliation, the Thambimaars sought help from the Nayakar king of Madurai, who dispatched an army led by Azhakappa Mudhaliyaar to Kalkulam. However, this force withdrew when British troops, possibly bribed by Varma, intervened in his favor.
Secret Support and Coronation
Kottavilai Aasan Kochiraman, a royal adviser since Queen Umayammai’s reign, coordinated with the Kalari leaders to organize Marthanda Varma’s coronation under the supervision of Thachchanvilai Aasan Thaanumaalaya Perumaal. While in hiding in a coastal village near Alanji, Marthanda Varma received regular updates on the situation from a messenger named Mundan, an Ottan.
Kalari schools in Kaariyaavilai, Ethamozhi, Kaliyankaadu, and Kulimaikaadu became active centers of resistance. In Kalkulam, the Thambimaars captured and imprisoned some warriors, but Mangodu Aasan’s forces launched a successful attack, freeing them.
The Fall of the Thambimaars
In the Thovaalai region, a final confrontation occurred at Poththaiyadi Aasan’s Silamba Kalari. There, Ananthan killed Pappu Thambi in battle. Raman Thambi attempted to kill Marthanda Varma, but the latter bent down in time, causing Raman’s sword to lodge in the ceiling. Seizing the moment, Marthanda Varma struck back, fatally wounding him.
According to The Kulasekhara Perumals of Travancore by Mark de Lannoy (p. 49), the Thambimaars were slain on October 28, 1730.
Consolidation of Power
After securing power, Marthanda Varma took punitive action against the eight-house Pillaimaars who had supported the Thambimaars. Their homes were demolished, ponds filled in, and, as per local accounts, their wives were auctioned off to fishermen of Muttam Beach and the Manakkarai community, who had aided Marthanda Varma in his time of need.
Some believe that the church of Saints Peter and Paul near Manakkarai may date to Marthanda Varma’s era, owing to architectural similarities with structures attributed to Rev. Fr. Pereeris in Padmanabhapuram.
Rewards and Stabilization
As a gesture of gratitude, Marthanda Varma awarded land and titles to Anantha Padmanabhan Nadar, making him a commander and bodyguard. His descendants continue to preserve the copper plate (Cembu Pattayam) detailing the royal land grant. Others from the Nair and Nadar communities who supported him were similarly rewarded.
With Marthanda Varma’s coronation, Travancore began to stabilize. Determined to strengthen and expand the kingdom, he surrounded himself with capable, loyal, and knowledgeable officials to guide the administration.
.jpeg){kind=small}
