Anyone familiar with the history of Kerala would recognize the three major kingdoms that shaped its political landscape: Travancore, Kozhikode, and Cochin.
Travancore rose to prominence only in the early 18th century, following the military conquests of Maharaja Marthanda Varma.
Conversely, the Zamorins of Kozhikode saw their power diminish towards the end of that century, largely due to the invasions of Hyder Ali.
By contrast, the Kingdom of Cochin endured over centuries—surviving the ambitions of Marthanda Varma, the campaigns of Hyder Ali, and even the formidable advances of Tipu Sultan—thanks to the exceptional diplomatic acumen of its rulers. Yet, these were only some of the challenges Cochin overcame in its long history.
For centuries, Cochin (Perumpadappu Swaroopam) withstood repeated aggression from the Zamorins, who opposed its claims to overlordship in Kerala. Much like India as a whole, which historically refrained from wars of conquest, Cochin never sought to expand its territory through offensive campaigns. Instead, every conflict it engaged in was defensive—fought either to reclaim its own lands or to protect the rights of its subordinate chieftains.
The emergence of European influence in Kerala during the 16th and 17th centuries can be traced directly to the protracted rivalry between the Rajas of Cochin and the Zamorins of Kozhikode. This conflict, depending on the historical perspective one follows, spanned no less than eight to nine centuries, continuing well into the late 19th century. Remarkably, despite its longevity, neither side ever succeeded in eliminating the other.
It is intriguing to consider whether this centuries-old rivalry was finally eased in 1877 by the intervention of Maharaja Sri Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore.
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| L: Raja of Cochin, Sri Rama Varma, posthumously known as Mithuna Masathil Theepetta Valiya Thampuran; R: Maharaja Sri Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore |
According to Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair’s autobiography, the Maharaja of Travancore may have played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the rulers.
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| Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, statesman and only Malayali to be President of Indian National Congress |
What is certain from historical records is that there was no cordial meeting between the Zamorin and the Raja of Cochin for centuries. The first documented instance of such an encounter occurred only in July 1914, when Maharaja Sri Rajarshi Rama Varma of Cochin met with the Zamorin.
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| July 1914 - Historic meeting of Samoothiri and Raja of Cochin Sri Rajarshi Rama Varma |
If the account attributed to 1877 holds any truth, it may indeed represent the crucial “ice-breaker” that laid the foundation for this reconciliation, when Raja of Cochin, Sri Rama Varma, posthumously known as Mithuna Masathil Theepetta Valiya Thampuran met the then Samoothiri at the Marina Beach in Madras.
We should also understand that Cochin did not have cordial relationships with Travancore as well during the time.
Excerpt from Page 13 - AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SIR SANKARAN NAIR
13. While a student in the College (1877), the Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward VII, visited Madras. We boys lined both sides of the Mount Road. The Anglo Indian boys cheered him. We Hindu and Muslim boys had not learned how to cheerthen. We showed our regard for him by our respectful silence. The Maharajas of Cochin and Travancore had come to Madras to pay their respects to him. So also the Zamorin Maharaja Bahadur came here. The Zamorin and the Cochin Maharaja used to pass each other on the Marina without any recognition, as their ancestors were bitter enemies and generally fought each other in the Pre-British days. One day the Travancore Maharaja whose ancestors also were fighting them, but was an enlightened man, laughed at them and told them, “ Here we are come from our distant countries to run like menials behind the carriage of a Foreigner whose servants we are. What is the use then of assuming all these airs? Where is our dignity?"
This made them heartily ashamed of themselves. The Maharaja of Travancore took one to the other. And thereafter they showed to each other the civilities appropriate to their position. In those days they considered it beneath their dignity to return the calls of Indian visitors. Now what a change !
End!
Photo Credits:
- Wiki Commons
- www.cochinroyalhistory.com
