Marthanda Varma II

Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma (26 September 1814 – 18 August 1860) was the Maharajah of Travancore state in southern India, succeeding his elder brother Maharajah Swathi Thirunal in 1846 till his demise in 1860. Known for his progressive rule, he abolished slavery in the kingdom. He was succeeded by his nephew Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal in 1860. His mother was Her Highness Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. He had three wives. The Maharajah's daughter was married by his nephew and heir Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal.

Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma
Maharaja of Travancore
Reign	27 December 1846 – 18 August 1860
Coronation	28 December 1846
Predecessor	Swathi Thirunal
Successor	Ayilyam Thirunal
Born	26 September 1814
Died	18 August 1860 (aged 46)
Consort	Nagercoil Ammachi Panapillai Amma Srimathi Madhavi Pillai Kochamma
Issue	Ammachi panipillai sreemathi madhavi pillai lakshmi pillai kochamma(wife of ayilyam thirunal)
House	Venad Swaroopam
Dynasty	Kulasekhara
Father	Changanassery Lakshmipuram Palace's Raja Raja Varma Valiya Koyil Thampuran
Mother	Gowri Lakshmi Bayi
Religion	Hinduism

A sketch showing William Cullen carrying a letter from Queen Victoria to the Maharaja of Travancore thanking the latter for his contributions to the Great Exhibition of 1851 which included the gift of a carved ivory throne

The Maharajah also adopted Bharani Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi and Bharani Thirunal Parvathi Bayi from the related Kolathiri royal house in 1857 after the death of his niece to perpetuate the royal line.

The Maharajah was a pioneer in the introduction of modern medicine in Kerala.He himself was trained in medicine and other sciences by tutors he appointed.As it was considered taboo at that time for the members of the royal family to touch human remains, king was barred from studying osteology with real bones and for bypassing this, he had ivory bone sets carved.He also ran a laboratory and a modern medicine dispensary inside the palace, where he would diagnose and treat palace staff.

The king was also a renowned Kadhakali scholar and afficiando,with numerous Kadhakali poems (Aatta Kadhas) to his credit as author.

See also

• Swathi Thirunal
• Travancore
• Gowri Lakshmi Bayi
• T Madhava Rao

Sources

• Aiya, V.Nagam. Travancore State Manual.
• Pillai, T. K. Velu (1996). Travancore State Manual. Vol. II (2 ed.). Archived from the original on 7 May 2006. Retrieved 7 May 2006.
• Menon, Shungunny. History of Travancore.

Marthanda Varma II Kulasekhara Dynasty Born: 26 September 1814 Died: 18 August 1860
Regnal titles
Preceded by Swathi Thirunal	Maharaja of Travancore 1846–1860	Succeeded by Ayilyam Thirunal