Marthanda Varma II
Maharajah of Travancore state in southern India, succeeding his elder brother Maharajah Swathi Thirunal in 1846 till his demise in 1860
Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma (26 September 1814 – 18 August 1860) was the Maharajah of Travancore state in southern India, succeeding his elder brother King Swathi Thirunal in 1846 till his demise in 1860. Known for his progressive rule, he abolished slavery in the kingdom. He was succeeded by his nephew King Ayilyam Thirunal in 1860. His mother Queen Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. He had three wives. The King's daughter was married by his nephew and heir King Ayilyam Thirunal.
The King also adopted Bharani Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi and Bharani Thirunal Parvathi Bayi from the related Kolathiri royal house in 1857 after the death of his niece to perpetuate the royal line.
The King was a pioneer in the introduction of modern medicine in Kerala.He himself was trained in medicine and other sciences by tutors he appointed.As it was considered taboo at that time for the members of the royal family to touch human remains, king was barred from studying osteology with real bones and for bypassing this, he had ivory bone sets carved. He also ran a laboratory and a modern medicine dispensary inside the palace, where he would diagnose and treat palace staff.
The king was also a renowned Kadhakali scholar and afficiando, with numerous Kadhakali poems (Aatta Kadhas) to his credit as author.
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