POLITICS IN TRAVANCORE FORMATION

1.       As per Novel "Marthanda Varma" set in Kollavarsham 901-906 (Gregorian Calendar 1727-1732) by F.Y. Raman Pillai, and "Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar and TRAVANCORE FORMATION" by Immanuel Dr. M. Sarveswaran, in Kalliancaude forest, (panchavan forest) a group of merchants find an young man "Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar", a Warrior and Great Commander of King Marthanda varma's forces in battles with Desinganadu and other kingdoms, unconscious and covered in blood. They take him with them. Two years later, Parukutty still refuses to believe that her missing lover, Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar is dead.

2.       Parukutty's mother, Subhadra, arranges for Parukutty to marry Thambi, elder son of the aging King Rama Varma, through Thambi's right hand, Sundarayyan. Thambi brothers spread a lie that the rightful heir Prince Marthanda varma planned the attack on Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar. Thambi allies himself with the Ettuveettil Pillas to oust the Prince, stirring up the people against him and the royal officials.

3.       King Rama Varma was pleased with the energy and intelligence of the then Prince Marthanda Varma, allowed the latter to take necessary action in the affairs of the Government which the Prince utilized to adopt the measures against rebellious spirit of feudal lords who in turn became his inveterate enemies and planned lethal actions against the Prince. Marthanda Varma suggested to the King to avail aid from the foreign forces against the power of feudal lords, and Rama Varma made a Treaty with Madurai Nayaks at Thiruchirappalli in Kollavarsham 901 (1726 A. D.) to have additional forces be supplied to Venad for an annual payment.

4.       The novel presents the conspiracies, power struggle, internal agitations, in the political history of Travancore (Thiruvithamcode) and the history serves the purpose to cause the basic conflict during the relevant period. The novel contains political and social undercurrents and the conflict between the ruler and the claimants for power. It is a struggle against collateral rule of succession (marumakkathayam through maternal nephews) followed in Venad and failed agitation of Nair-Thambi clans to acquire power from Kshatriyas. It is a struggle between the royal head and the kingship seekers. It is about forceful acquisition of royal power. Marthanda Varma represents the royal lineage, royal power and royal justice. Subhadra represents the patriotic code of conduct. Mangoikkal Kuruppu is an impeachable critic of kingship. Thambis and Pillas are the riotous group who try to topple the traditional rule of succession in Thiruvithaamcore.

5.       The Pillas and Thambis along with their supporters, on several occasions, decide to assassinate the Prince Marthanda Varma at Padmanabhapuram Palace and Charottu Palace area, in Kalkulam Taluk, in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu State, and at Thiruvanathapuram area of Kerala State, but could not succeed in their lethal attempts.

6.       It was later revealed that Ananthapadmanabgan Nadar was attacked two years ago by Velu Kuruppu at panchavan forest when he was on his way to aid the Prince. He was rescued by the merchants. The King orders Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar to move Subhadra from her house to safeguard her from Kudamon Pilla who the King has just released. Subhadra is at her house and sad due to revealation about her ex-spouse. Kudamon Pilla arrives, catches her by the hair and is about to plunge his sword but Beeram Khan rushes in crying not to kill her. On hearing the voice of her ex-spouse and seeing him longing for her, she thanks God that she can even die. The sword falls on his neck. Before Kundamon Pilla can slay Beeram Khan, Kundamon Pilla is cut into two by Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar who has just arrived.

7.       Beeram Khan springs out from under the body kills his opponent and leaves the battlefield at once. Shamsudeen shoots Thambi in the hand as he is about to kill Nuradeen. Before Ramanamadathu Pilla and Raman Thambi can advance towards Shamsudeen, the battle field is surrounded by Thirumukhathu Pilla and Prince Marthanda Varma's forces. The Thambi brothers, (P hilanderers, keeping P aramours, such as, Kamalam, Sivakami, the mistress at the seventh house, and the unnamed female prostitute at Mortar) and Ettuveettil Pillas are arrested.

8.       On hearing the news, Marthanda Varma swears under his breath that he will seek vengeance on those responsible for the unwarranted deed of blood.

9.       The aged King Rama Varma who became ill and bedridden dies. The next day, the Prince conducts post funerary rituals for the King. He brings back his Nephew, the little prince, and Aunt who were safeguarded by Keralavarma Koithampuran at Chembakassery.

10.     Marthanda Varma ascended to the throne overcoming the hurdles with the help of his well wishers and entanglements of their personal lives with the history of Travancore (Venad). Marthanda Varma earns fame as a Protector of the people as well as a Servant to Sree Padmanabha deity.

11.     There, a joyful Parukutty awaits her lover Ananthapadmanabhan Nadar's return from Pathan Camp. Sundarayyan, a maravan by caste wanted to propose for Subhadra which was resisted by her brother.

                                                                     Adv. T. M. NADAR