Marthanda Varma, ruler of the princely state of Travancore (in southern Kerala) from 1729 to 1758 was an extraordinary warrior and statesman. Varma played a pivotal role in expanding the kingdom’s boundaries and fending off the Europeans who coveted his kingdom. His navy defeated the Dutch in the Battle of Colachel in 1750. It was the only instance of an Indian kingdom defeating a European power on the sea.

At the height of his power, Varma handed over the kingdom to Lord Ananthapadmanabha, the reigning deity of the kingdom. In future, he and his heirs would rule over the kingdom as the ‘dasas’ of the deity.