- Ravi Varma V
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Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhikarikal Sri Ravi Varma was the Maharaja of Cochin, India in 1943–46.
Contents
Birth
Sri Ravi Varma (1865–1946) was born on 29 November 1865. He was born to Kavu Thampuran of Cochin Royal Family and Pana Namboothirippad. He was called Ravi Varma Kunjappan Thampuran.
Life
Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhikarikal Sri Ravi Varma ruled Cochin from 1943 to 1946. He was the Elaya Raja (crown prince) till his brother (Midukkan Thampuran, Maharaja Kerala Varma) died on 13 October 1943. He ascended the throne at the age of 78 years. Although short lived, he was very popular with the then People of Cochin. He was known for his spirit of equality and the way he got along with the common people despite the vast economic inequality prevailing in those times. A very well educated man for his time, he was fluent in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Sanskrit and Urdu (to some extent). Maharaja Ravi Varma was admired for his painting skills. He was very well versed with oil paintings. Maharaja Ravi Varma was also a famous player of Polo during his youth. (Not Confirmed) Maharaja Ravi Varma died on 1 February 1946. His Maternal Cousin, Maharaja Sri Kerala Varma, popularly known as Ikyakeralam Thampuran (The Maharaja who proposed the Unified State of Kerala), ascended the throne after his death.
Family
Married to Kamakshi Nethiyar,(sister of Sri P Damodara Menon) of Parakkat family. Their children- Balagopalan, Chandrasekharan, DevakiNandanan and UmaLakshmi Amma. His grand daughter SaradaMani Varma (d/o UmaLakshmi Amma & Rama Varma Thampuran)'s husband Rama Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran is the present Valia Thampuran of the Cochin Royal Family.
Death
Maharaja Ravi Varma died of natural causes in 1946 at the age of 81 years (Makara 18th, 1121 M.E), in Tripunithura. A 17 gun salute was given to him.
External links
Categories:- 1865 births
- 1946 deaths
- Rulers of Cochin
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