Context:
Recently, the Union Minister of State for Tourism pledged to replace a statue of Sakthan Thampuran that was knocked over by the Kerala State transport bus.
More on the News:
- The minister’s announcement came after actor Suresh Gopi, who is also the MP of Thrissur, demanded that the Kerala government replace the fallen statue within 14 days.
- Sakthan Thampuran’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Thrissur, with the annual Thrissur Pooram festival being one of his most enduring contributions.
About Sakthan Thampuran:
- Raja Rama Varma Kunjipillai, or Rama Varma IX, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran, ruled over the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
- Born in 1751 to Ambika Thampuran and Chendose Aniyan Namboodiri of the Cochin royal family.
- he was raised by an aunt who called him Sakthan, meaning ‘powerful’.
- The word thampuran is believed to be an appropriation of the Sanskrit Samrat, meaning emperor.
Strategist and ruler:
- As an 18-year-old, Sakthan Thampuran advised his king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were vying for a larger share of trade in the region.
- He is said to have orchestrated Mysore’s attempt to invade the Travancore kingdom, which had established relations with the English East India Company.
- This would lead to the Powney treaty that freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and helped formalize its relations with the British.
- He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads — the erstwhile spiritual heads of key temples of that time.
Thrissur and Pooram:
- Sakthan Thampuran transferred the Capital of the Cochin kingdom from Thrippunithura to Thrissur, where he encouraged merchants of all religions and British officials.
- He overhauled and firmed up the kingdom’s finances, personally overseeing revenue management.
- In 1797, Sakthan Thampuran started the Thrissur Pooram festival, enhancing its cultural significance.
- He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.