Home > Indian History > History of India > Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was the last maharaja of the princely state of Travancore. He was invested with full ruling powers on 6th November 1930.

Share this Article:

Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, Maharaja of TravancoreChithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, also known as Chithira Thirunal Maharaja was the last ruling maharaja of the princely state of Travancore, in southern India. The princely state had its capital at Trivandrum or Padmanabhapuram. The official name of the renowned ruler was His Highness Padmanabha Dasa Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja. He was born on 7th November 1912 and belonged to the Kulasekhara dynasty. Chithira Thirunal Maharaja is most renowned for making the Temple Entry Proclamation in the year 1936 which abolished the prohibition on low-caste people from entering Hindu Temples. But during his rule, several people were slaughtered in the Punnapra- Vayalar revolt.

Early Life of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was born on 7th November 1912 to M.R. Ry Ravi Varma Kochu Koil Thampuran of Kilimanoor and Her Highness Sethu Parvathi Bayi, the Junior Rani of Attingal. His father was a great-nephew of the distinguished painter Raja Ravi Varma and his mother was distantly related to the Royal House of Travancore by the direct female line. In the year 1900, Sethu Parvathi Bayi was adopted by her maternal great-aunt as there was an absence of successors in the Travancore Royal Family. After the death of Sri Moolam Thirunal Ramavarma, his adoptive maternal, on 7th August 1924, Balarama Varma succeeded him and ascended to Balarama Varma succeeded to the throne of the princely state of Travancore.

As he was still a minor at the time of succession, Chithira Thirunal Maharaja reigned over the region under regency of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, his maternal aunt. As per customs, he took the designated sovereign name Sree Chithira Thirunal, as Balarama Varma as he was born under the Chithira nakshatram. Sree Chithira Thirunal Maharaja was invested with full ruling powers on 6th November 1930 after he attained the age of majority. He took the charge of administration in the year 1931.

Rule of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was influential in establishing the University of Travancore, which is now known as the University of Kerala in the year 1937. He constructed a stunning palace as well which has now been turned into a museum. The ruler of the princely state of Travancore also secured the services of distinguished statesmen like C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar. He primarily served as the chief minister of the state for many years. During the reign of His Highness Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, multyi-faceted development took around the state. In the year 1936, the promulgation of Temple Entry Proclamation was made by the Maharaja. This act emphasized on the social liberation. The lowest phase in his rule was the Punnapra- Vayalar massacre where almost a thousand people were killed.

After India achieved independence from the British East India Company in the year 1947, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma gave his consent to merge the princely state of Travancore with the new Dominion of India. Travancore was combined with the state of Cochin. From 1st July 1949, Chitira Tirunal was appointed as the as Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union and he served the position till 31st October 1956. Later on 1st November 1956, the Travancore- Cochin Union was merged with the Malabar district of the Madras State (now Tamil Nadu) to form the Indian state of Kerala.

Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja was stripped of his title and other privileges on 28th December 1971 due to mass de-recognization of rulers by the Government of India.

Personal Life of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma died at the age of 78 in the year 1991 at the Kowdiar Palace, after reigning for a period of 67 years. He was the last surviving Knight Grand Commander of both the Order of the Indian Empire and of the Order of the Star of India.

Titles of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore held numerous titles and styles through out his reign. These are discussed below-

* Maharajkumar Bala Rama Varma III, Elaya Raja of Travancore (1924)
* His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore (1924- 1935)
* His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Sir Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore, GCIE (1935- 1943)
* Major His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Sir Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore, GCIE (1943- 1944)
* Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Sir Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore, GCIE (1944- 1945)
* Colonel His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Sir Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore, GCIE (1945- 1946)
* Major-General His Highness Sri Patmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Sir Bala Rama Varma III, Kulasekhara Kiritapati Manney Sultan Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Bahadur, Shamsher Jang, Maharaja of Travancore, GCSI, GCIE (1946- 1991)

Honours of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
Maharaja Sree Tej Singh Prabhakar was honoured several times, which are mentioned below-

* King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935)
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire- GCIE (1935)
* King George VI Coronation Medal (1937)
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India- GCSI (1946)
* Indian Independence Medal (1947)


Share this Article:

Subscribe to Newsletter
Learn unknown facts about India from a curated list of informative articles.

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India

History of Indian Drama
History of Indian Drama is rich with Vedas and Indian epics and has gradually changed with time and remains unaffected by any foreign influence.
History of Khajuraho Temple
Located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is country’s most magnificent groups of temples.
History of Ayurveda
History of Ayurveda dates back to 5,000 years old and is widely considered to be the oldest form of health care in the world.
History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History of Indian Photography
An overview of the development of photography, through the various stages in India.
History of Delhi
History of Delhi began with the advent of Indian regal dynasties. Delhi witnessed the rise and fall of Hindu dynasties, Muslims and the British as well.
History of Indian Radio
History of Indian Radio dates back to late 1930s with the first establishment of All India Radio in 1936 that improved further after independence.
History of Punjab
History of Punjab dates back to the 16th century; however its formation is traced in the great epic Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
History of Maharashtra
Maharashtra, the land of charismatic Marathas, unfolds the legend of diverse culture and tradition, keeping in pace with the modernity. The gallant history of Maharashtra is still echoed amidst its historical relics and archeological wonders.
History of Kerala
History of Kerala can be interpreted from the inscriptions of Ashoka, Mauryan Emperor. History of Kerala is as interesting as its wide-ranging geographical features that make the land a place of versatile appeal.
History of Bihar
History of Bihar goes back to the very dawn of the human civilizations. Many eminent personalities and leaders from Bihar contributed for India’s freedom struggle.
History of Assam
In the ancient Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, Assam was known as `Kamarupa` or `Pragjyotish`. In the Mahabharata, the Puranas, the Tantras there are references of Assam as Kamrupa kingdom.
History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
History of Andaman and Nicobar Islands dates back to the settlement of the East India Company in the territory of the Islands.
History of West Bengal
History of West Bengal is rooted in richness and is an important episode in the history of India. The history of Bengal played an important role in shaping the history of India.
History of Jharkhand
One of the fairly newer states, Jharkhand was carved out of the southern portion of Bihar in 2000. The history of Jharkhand is seeped with a variety of cultural significances starting from the Vedic era to Mughal period and finally the British administration.
History of Sikkim
History of Sikkim declares the pre historic culture and the colonial era hilly politics and the rules of Sikkim.
History of Nagaland
The history of Nagaland mainly revolves around and deals with the customs and economic activities of the Naga Tribes and how the state has evolved since the Indian Independence.
History of Mizoram
History of Mizoram includes the various historical events and incidents which occurred during the various ages, right from before the age of the Mughals.
History of Jammu & Kashmir
History of Jammu and Kashmir involves a series of political and geographical transformations from every ancient era to the modern times also. Even now, Jammu and Kashmir has its political tension between Pakistan and India.
History of Puducherry
Puducherry was invaded by different invaders in different times. The invaders include Pallava Kingdom of Kanchipuram, dynasties of the South, Cholas of Thanjavur, Pandyas and Muslim invaders.
History of Chandigarh
In 1947, the British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Punjab was also included in this partition. So, there was a need for a new capital for Punjab, as the old capital Lahore became part of Pakistan during the partition. So, in 1948, under the leadership of chief architect Mr. P.L. Verma the construction of Chandigarh city began.
History of Daman and Diu
During the early stage, i.e. from 8th to 13th century, Daman and Diu was part of Goa.
History of Lakshadweep
History of Lakshadweep defines the first settlement on these islands under the Union Territory of India that was ruled by Cheraman Perumal, who was the last king of Kerala.
History of Karnataka
History of Karnataka comprised of the different rulers of different dynasties of various religions like Hindus, Buddhists, and later the Muslims.
History of Goa
History of Goa dates back to the 3rd century BC and reflects the rule of the mighty rulers and gained its independence under Jawaharlal Nehru.
History of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh possesses a rich historical heritage of culture of the ancient tribes. Being a bordering state of India, Arunachal Pradesh also has a history of military unrest since ancient Indian age.
History of Andhra Pradesh
History of Andhra Pradesh traces its origin back to the 5th century BC. According to the inscriptions, Kuberaka, the oldest Kingdom in South India had an empire in the coastal Andhra during that period.
History of Himachal Pradesh
History of Himachal Pradesh narrates about the various settlements and dynasties that emerged in the region over time.
History of Uttarakhand
History of Uttarakhand finds mention in the early Hindu scriptures as Kedarkhand, Manaskhand and Himavat. Uttarakhand is called as the Land of the Gods (Dev Bhoomi) because of its various holy places and shrines.
History of Rajasthan
The history of Rajasthan is dotted with tales of valor, chivalry, camaraderie and romance.
History of Tamil Nadu
History of Tamil Nadu reveals that this ancient place in South India was ruled by various kingdoms like the Pandyas Dynasty, Cholas Dynasty, Nayakas Dynasty and Pallavas Dynasty.
History of Haryana
History of Haryana depicts various events and influences that have cast a profound effect on the culture and people of the district. The place gained statehood on 1st of November 1966
History of Odisha
History of Odisha goes back a rather long way. Most of the history of the state is replete with the dynastic as well as tribal struggle for territorial superiority. Odisha is a place where one can find the religion, culture and history flow in away that lead to cultural amalgamation of early India.
History of Manipur
History of Manipur can be traced back to the prehistoric ages and this was followed by a number of rulers who reigned the land from age to age till it came under British rule and later joined the union of India.
History of Gujarat
History of Gujarat can be dated back to the 14th century that later witnessed the supremacy of many powerful dynasties.
History of Tripura
History of Tripura is dealing with the early mythological history and the history of British rule in North eastern part of India.
History of Meghalaya
The history of Meghalaya predominantly comprises of the three tribes of the state- Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes. Later on Meghalaya was formed by carving out two districts from the state of Assam.
History of Chhattisgarh
History of Chhattisgarh dates back to the era of epics and traces through the reign of powerful dynasties in India like Marathas. The area developed a rich cultural heritage during British era.