The ruler of Travancore known for his progressive social reforms and educational initiatives was:

The correct answer is: a) Swathi Thirunal.

Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1813–1847) was the Maharaja of Travancore from 1829 to 1847. He was a scholar, musician, and composer. He is also known for his progressive social reforms and educational initiatives.

Marthanda Varma (1706–1758) was the founder of the modern state of Travancore. He was a military leader who unified the various principalities of Travancore and defeated the Dutch East India Company.

Dharma Raja (1753–1798) was the Maharaja of Travancore from 1790 to 1798. He is known for his military reforms and for his resistance to the British East India Company.

Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma (1862–1914) was the Maharaja of Travancore from 1885 to 1914. He is known for his administrative reforms and for his promotion of education and development in Travancore.

Swathi Thirunal was a progressive ruler who was ahead of his time. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, and he promoted education and development in Travancore. He was also a religious reformer who abolished many of the social evils that were prevalent in Travancore at the time.

Swathi Thirunal was a great musician and composer. He composed over 400 songs in Sanskrit, Malayalam, and Tamil. He was also a scholar of Sanskrit, Malayalam, and Tamil literature.

Swathi Thirunal was a great ruler who made significant contributions to the development of Travancore. He is remembered as one of the greatest rulers of Travancore.