Home > Travel > States of India > Treaty of Mavelikkara
Treaty of Mavelikkara
Treaty of Mavelikkara was signed on 15th August 1753. This treaty left Marthanda Varma free to pursue a policy of conquest and annexation.

Share this Article:

Treaty of Mavelikkara, History of KeralaThe treaty of Mavelikkara was signed by Marthanda Varma and the Dutch on 15th August 1753 at Mavelikkara. As per the treaty both the sides agreed to live in harmony. This treaty allowed the English to have full control over their factories at Ajengo, Edava and Vilinjam. However Travancore was not allowed to give further encouragement to the English or footing in its territories for any other European power. The Dutch should not interfere in any political disputes. They had to renounce all their engagements with Malabar princes. In case if any European power attacked the king the Company would have to give their support both by land and sea. The Dutch as per the treaty had to supply Travancore with war materials annually and Travancore in return should sell to the Dutch a specified quantity of pepper at fixed rates both from the territories then in possession of Travancore and from those might be conquered afterwards.

The ninth clause of the treaty humiliated the Dutch the most. They could not interfere in any internal policy of the states. As per the treaty the Company should renounce all alliances with the other chiefs and nobles of Malabar and shall not prevent him in this matter in any respect. The Dutch had to surrender all pretensions to political authority. This treaty was a betrayal of their allies. The Raja of Kochi interpreted the disastrous implications of this treaty but was unable to do anything concrete.

Treaty of Mavelikkara helped Marthanda Varma to continue the policy of expansion and consolidation without the intervention of any foreign power. He conquered the neighbouring principalities that brought him to the borders of Cochin. Martanda Varma was free to pursue a policy of conquest and annexation. However the people of Kayamkulam, Purakkad and Chengannasseri went against Travancore. They opposed the conquest of one state of Malabar by another with the help of foreigners. The Raja of Purakkad joined the rebels. Martanda Varma himself violated one of the clauses of the treaty by leading an army against Ambalapuzha.

In order to retain the pepper trade the foreign rulers had to depend on the provisions of the treaty. This treaty contained several clauses that made the position of the Dutch weak. This treaty marked the beginning of end of Dutch control in India.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in States of India


East Indian States
East Indian States comprises of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and also the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It defines the cultural heritage, rich historical background and the linguistic unity.
Erode District
Erode District is one of the districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. The district of Erode is having a land-locked area with no sea coast.
Purnia District in Bihar
Purnia District is located in Bihar and extends from River Ganga to Nepal. The district has a rich Hindu history and glorious past.
South Delhi District
South Delhi District is the third largest district of Delhi as far as its area is concerned. South Delhi District is known for its economic, historical, cultural and social significance.
North Indian States
North Indian States formed the cultural and religious unity in spite of having many foreign invasion and the political disturbances from the early era till the British gained supremacy in Indian sub continent.
Kendujhar District
Kendujhar District, spread over an area of 8,240 sq kms, is as varied as the whole of Orissa with waterfalls roaring gorges, mountains and minerals. The manifold expressions of nature in Kendujhar District are considered as unique.
Hooghly district
Hooghly District along the bank of the river Hooghly is one of the principal trading ports of West Bengal.