Ayilyam Thirunal

Ayilyam Thirunal Biography

Ayilyam Thirunal was the ruler of the princely state of Travancore from 1860 to 1880 and has been one of the successful and popular rulers of the state. His reign helped the state to attain "model state of India". He was the nephew of Uthram Thirunal and Swathi Thirunal and grandson of the celebrated Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. In 1854 Ayilyam Thirunal was married to his uncle's daughter, Panapillai Madhavi Pillai Lakshmi Pillai Kochamma. He received honours such as Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India in 1866, Prince of Wales Gold Medal in 1875, Empress of India Gold Medal in 1877 and Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1878.

Ayilyam Thirunal was born on the 14th of March, 1832 to H.H. Rani Rukmini Bayi, the only sister of Maharajahs - Swathi Thirunal and Uthram Thirunal. The inheritance of power was done through Marumakkathayam system in Travancore Kingdom then. That means, power is inherited through female line. With the accession of Uthram Thirunal in 1846, Ayilyam Thirunal became the Elaya Rajah or heir apparent of Travancore State. Swathi Thirunal too, didn’t want to become a ruler. He had 7 siblings and his youngest brother Visakham Thirunal was declared as his successor. Ayilyam Thirunal was given private tuition first later T. Madhava Rao was appointed tutor in 1848. Madhava Rao eventually rose in service and later became Diwan of the kingdom.

In 1854 Ayilyam Thirunal married his uncle's daughter, Panapillai Madhavi Pillai Lakshmi Pillai Kochamma. But she died a few years later. After the death of Maharajah Uthram Thirunal in 1860, Ayilyam Thirunal ascended the throne. Assisted by his Dewan T. Madhava Rao, the Maharajah implemented many reforms and changes in Travancore and all gave a promising node for a better tomorrow. His administrative rules placed Travancore Kingdom first among Native states. Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal died on the 30th of May 1880.

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Updated: July 19, 2018