The correct answer is A) Marthanda Varma.
Marthanda Varma was the ruler of Travancore from 1729 to 1758. He is considered to be the founder of modern Travancore. He was a great military leader and expanded the territory of Travancore by annexing many smaller feudatory states. He also introduced many reforms in the administration of Travancore.
Velu Thampi Dalawa was a minister in the court of Marthanda Varma. He was a great military leader and helped Marthanda Varma in annexing many smaller feudatory states. However, he later rebelled against Marthanda Varma and was defeated.
Uthram Thirunal was the ruler of Travancore from 1758 to 1767. He was a peace-loving ruler and did not expand the territory of Travancore. He focused on internal development and introduced many reforms in the administration of Travancore.
Dharma Raja was the ruler of Travancore from 1790 to 1813. He was a great military leader and fought against the British East India Company. He was defeated by the British and Travancore became a British protectorate.
Marthanda Varma was the most successful ruler of Travancore. He expanded the territory of Travancore, introduced many reforms in the administration of Travancore, and is considered to be the founder of modern Travancore.