Marthanda Varma was the ruler of Travancore from 1729 to 1758. He is known for modernizing the Travancore army, defeating the Dutch, and patronage of arts and culture.
Marthanda Varma was born in 1706 to Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma and Umayamma Rani. He was the eldest son of the king and the heir apparent. Marthanda Varma was educated in the traditional arts and sciences. He was also trained in military matters.
In 1729, Marthanda Varma ascended the throne of Travancore. He was faced with a number of challenges. The kingdom was in a state of decline. The army was weak and the treasury was empty. The Dutch were a powerful force in the region and they were encroaching on Travancore territory.
Marthanda Varma set about addressing these challenges. He modernized the Travancore army and defeated the Dutch. He also patronized arts and culture. He built temples, palaces, and libraries. He also encouraged the arts and sciences.
Marthanda Varma died in 1758. He was succeeded by his son, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. Marthanda Varma is remembered as one of the greatest rulers of Travancore. He is credited with modernizing the kingdom and defeating the Dutch. He is also remembered for his patronage of arts and culture.
a) Modernizing the Travancore army: Marthanda Varma modernized the Travancore army by recruiting soldiers from all over the kingdom. He also trained the soldiers in modern warfare. The modernized army was able to defeat the Dutch and other enemies of Travancore.
b) Defeating the Dutch: Marthanda Varma defeated the Dutch in a series of battles. The Dutch were a powerful force in the region and they were encroaching on Travancore territory. Marthanda Varma was able to defeat the Dutch and drive them out of Travancore.
c) Patronage of arts and culture: Marthanda Varma patronized arts and culture. He built temples, palaces, and libraries. He also encouraged the arts and sciences. Marthanda Varma’s patronage of arts and culture helped to make Travancore a center of culture and learning.