SAKTHAN THAMPURAN

Rama Varma Kunhjipilla Thampuran (1751–1805), or Rama Varma IX, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran (Sakthan meaning powerful), was the ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin. He was the King of Cochin and his palace was in Thrissur City. City of Thrissur is the Cultural Capital ofKerala and Sakthan Thampuran is the very architect of City of Thrissur. Thrissur Pooram was also introduced by him.

Biography [edit]

Early life [edit]

Born on Karkidakom, 926 (ME) (August 26, 1751 AD) at Vellarapally Palace to Ambika Thampuran of the Cochin Royal Family and her consort Chennose Namboodiripad. His mother died when he was only three years old. The prince was brought up by his maternal aunt, famously known asChittamma (meaning mother's younger sister) Thampuran. His early education took place under the tutelage of scholars such as Kallenkara Pisharody. Sakthan Thampuran was a very powerful Maharaja as his name indicate. ^[1][2] [3]

Marriage [edit]

A view of the entrance of Shakthan Thampuran Palace where he was buried.

Thampuran married twice. His first wife was a Nair lady from the reputed Vadakke Kuruppath family of Thrissur whom he married when he was 30 years old. He is said to have had a daughter from this first wife. However, this Nethyar Amma (title of the consort of the Cochin Rajah) died soon after an unhappy marriage. Thereafter the Thampuran remained single for a few decades, marrying again at the age of 52. The second wife of the Thampuran was Chummukutty Nethyar Amma of the Karimpatta family and was a talented musician and dancer of Kaikottikalli. She was 17 at the time of her marriage with the Thampuran. This marriage was without issue and within 4 years the Thampuran passed away. In those days the widowed Nethyar Ammas did not have any special provisions from the state and hence Chummukutty, at the age of 21, returned to her ancestral home.^[4][5]

Death [edit]

After his 55th birthday Sakthan Thampuran fell ill and died in Kanni 11, 980 (ME) (September 26, 1805 AD), at Thrissur City. He was buried inShakthan Thampuran Palace, Thrissur. His palace in Thrissur City is preserved as a monument and he was responsible for developing the ThrissurCity and also making it the Cultural Capital of Kerala. ^[6][7]

Administration [edit]

After Thampuran ascended the throne of Cochin, he crushed the power of the feudal chieftains and consolidated the royal power. At that time temples were controlled by Namboodiri community, called Yogiatiripppads. The Yogiatiripppads was elected from different temples in the Thrissur District. Thampuran wrested the control of the temples and banished the system of Yogiatiripppads. Thampuran was strict and merciless with criminals which earned his name, Sakthan. British authorities enjoyed a good relation with Thampuran. He was also a personal friend of Dharma Raja ofTravancore.