Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma – The Legendary Music Composer
Kshatriya Community is blessed by the birth of many talented and gifted persons who had made immense contributions in various spheres. The present series of articles published under the head ‘Talented Kshatriyas’ are just a bird’s eye view of their contributions and are not exhaustive. It is hoped that these articles will inspire the present generation and the generations to come to appreciate their contributions covering a wide spectrum – Culture, Religion, Science, Philosophy, Education, Administration, Management, Literature, Fine Arts and Music. We have to beckon the past to illumine the present. Our endeavour is to get a glimpse of the significance of their contributions in various fields and enable readers to think how those contributions can be connected to the modern transitions happening. Strong points of our age-old tradition and its assimilation to the present age are of great importance.
Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma Maharajah carved out a niche of his own and occupy the most exalted place among the Kings. He left us leaving a great legacy in the field of music.
Rama Varma was born as the second son of Regent Rani Gouri Lakshmi Bai and Raja Raja Varma Koi Thampuran on 16.04.1813. His birth star was Chothi in the month of Medam. As there was no male member to rule Travancore at that time, Regent Rani was the ruler.
The famous lullaby, “Omana Thinkal Kidavo Nalla Komala Thamara Poovo…” was authored by Irayimman Thampi for Rama Varma.
When Rama Varma attained 2 years of age, his mother left the earth forever. After her demise, he was looked after by his mother’s youngest sister Rani Parvati Bai. She ruled Travancore until Rama Varma took over the reigns of Travancore at the age of 16 years. Even at this age he was well versed in many languages including Malayalam, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Hindustani and English. He also proved his brilliance in the field of classical music and literature.
Though he did not have the necessary administrative skills to run the Kingdom, with the support of elders and the British Officials he effectively and efficiently carried out his duties and responsibilities. He was instrumental in implementing many new projects and administrative reforms. It was during his tenure that the capital of Travancore was shifted from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram. He initiated steps to establish a Government Press, the first institution of its kind. He also established Observatory, Free English School (the precursor to the University College), Public Library, Museum and Zoo and many other institutions. Rangavilasom Palace and Kuthiramalika were also constructed during his period. He had tremendous enthusiasm and his passion for music was admirable.
He evinced great interest in promoting and encouraging Artists, Musicians, Dancers, and Literary persons. He invited such talented persons from outside the State and provided all facilities for their stay and performance. He also enjoyed their performances.
Gradually the British Officials began to unnecessarily interfere in the day to day administration and this was a cause of dismay for him. The rift between him and the British widened. His association with Artists became more and more close and strong. This gave him joy and peace of mind.
He had to his credit many literary works and musical compositions. Though he had in depth knowledge of many languages, his writings were mostly in Sanskrit which shows his love of the language.
Many noteworthy poems were authored by him. Some of the poems he wrote are:-
Sreepadmanabha Sathakam Bhakti Manjari, Syanandarapura Varnanam, Kuchelopakhyanam, Ajamilopakhyanam, Ulsava Prabandham etc.
As per the available information, he authored 63 musical compositions in Malayalam, 197 in Sanskrit, 37 in Hindustani, 8 in Telugu, and one in Kannada.
The great musicians of that time, Thyagaraja Swamikal, Muthuswami Deekshitar, and Shyama Sasthrikal. They were blessed with long life and had many disciples. But Rama Varma lived only up to 33 years and left his physical body on 25-12-1846. He didn’t have any disciple. He contributed much to various fields especially in the field of classical music though his life ended at a young age of 33 years .
During the period when he was alive and even after his demise, some mischievous persons tried their level best to discredit him by creating unfounded allegations regarding the authorship of his works. This conspiracy was cracked and conspirators were exposed by the untiring efforts of Dr. R.P.Raja (our beloved Kunjannan Chettan). He is a known Historian. He collected all the facts and evidences and he published a book titled ” New Light on Swathi Thirunal”. With the publication of this book, all the accusations levelled against Rama Varma faded into oblivion.
The priceless memory of the great King and composer still occupies the pride of place in the hearts of music lovers.
( This is only a very brief account of the life of Swathi Thirunal and is not an exhaustive and in depth study of him.)
Image Credit: By Stephen Crening – COMPANY SCHOOL WATERCOLOURS, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39282094
Song Credit : Enchanting Melodies