From history: How Marthanda Varma of Travancore fended off Europeans who coveted his kingdom

Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma ascended the throne in 1729. He had been preparing for this position of eminence from his childhood and was ready to take up the responsibilities and authority wielded by the crown. Even as a young boy, he had been instructed in both warfare and statecraft. By the age of fourteen, in his effort to protect the crown and discover the people’s sentiments, he had toured the kingdom and was compelled to use his combat and diplomacy skills to survive. Pursued relentlessly by his enemies he had gained invaluable experience in armed conflict and endured severe hardships. He had, from his childhood, been single-minded in his goal to restore the power and prestige of the throne. His predecessor, Rama Varma, recognising Marthanda’s indomitable will to restore the crown’s authority, had, in many instances, asked Marthanda to represent him in negotiations and in forging alliances.

Schooled in adversity and tempered by deceit, he had emerged as a formidable warrior. With the physical attributes befitting a warrior prince – towering stature, a robust frame and long, powerful arms – he embodied strength and appeared to be a man of action. He had the added advantage of being supple, swift-footed, a...

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