Ravi Verma V

Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhi Karikal Sri Ravi Verma V was the ruler of Cochin, India from 1943-46. He was also known as Raja Ravi Verma V.

Birth

Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhi Karikal Sri Ravi Verma (1865-1946) was born on 29th November, 1865. He was born to the Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhi Karikal Sri Sir Kerala Verma VI, who ruled the princely state of Cochin from 1941-43 and to Srimati Lakshmi Kutty Amma of the Trichur Karumpat Taravad. Raja Ravi Verma V belonged to the Perumal dynasty which ruled Cochin since 1537 under the rulership of Raja Vira Kerala Verma I. Presently in the state of Kerala in southern India, Cochin had significant importance even during the British period. The total territory of Cochin was 3,833 square kilometers when it acceded to the Indian Union for 235,000 Rupees.

Life

Maharaja Gangadahra Koviladhi Karikal Sri Ravi Verma V ruled Cochin from 1943 to 1946. He was the crown prince till his father died on 13th 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, Malyalam and Urdu (to some extent). Raja Ravi Verma V was admired for his painting skills and his father on several occasions applauded him in the Court of Nobles. He was very well versed with oil paintings. Raja Ravi Verma was also a famous player of Polo during his youth.

Raja Ravi Verma V died on 1st February, 1946. His son Maharaja Sri Kerala Verma VII ascended the throne after his death. His rule was also short and Raja Ravi Verma V’s grandson Maharaja Sri Rama Verma VIII became the ruler in 1948 who acceded the princely state to the Union of India on 1st July, 1949.

Death

Raja Ravi Verma died in the year 1946 at the age of 81 years. He died a natural death and a 17 gun salute was given to him.

External links

1. Rulers of cochin [http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/c/cochin.html]
2. Cochin [http://www.cochin.org]