Swati Tirunal Rama Varma, the Maharaja of the kingdom
of Travancore, was born on April 16, 1813 to Rani Lakshmi Bai and Raja
Varma Koil Tampuran. He was popularly known as the garbhashriman, as he
got the throne at the time of birth only. This was due to the fact that
was no male child in the family and as per the rule of inheritance, it
is basically the male who sits on the throne and becomes the heir. In
this article, we will present you with the biography of Swati Tirunal
Rama Varma, which will give you a brief about his life history.
Talking about the educational background of Swati Tirunal, he studied
Sanskrit. Her learnt grammar, then poetry and also had a keen interest
in drama. He was a master of several languages including Malayalam (his
mother tongue), Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindusthani, Persian, Marathi
and many more. He lost his mother when he was only two years old. He was
brought up by his aunt Rani Parvati Bai. His aunt wanted him to learn
English. The task of teaching Swati English was entrusted to the Tanjore
Subba Rao, a great scholar. Swati was an epitome of brilliance.
Swati Tirunal was given an impetus in singing by Karamana Subrahmanya
Bhagavatar, a well known musician of the palace. Subba Rao not just had
the theoretical knowledge of music, but was also quite skillful in its
practical applicability. Swati got engrossed with singing and began to
enjoy it. He even learnt to play the musical instrument swarabat, which
hardly interests anybody. His immense love for music brought a large
number of eminent musicians to the court, who in turn gave Swati a
valuable insight into the field of Indian classical music.
A Maratha singer named Meruswamy alias Anantapadmanabha Goswami gave
Rama Varma an introduction about Carnatic and Hindusthani music. He also
gave him a deep understanding about the harikatha tradition. Some of the
scholars and musicians who worked in close association with Rama Varma
are Irayimman Thampi (poet), Shatkala Govinda Marar (musician),
Parameswara Bhagavatar (singer), Kilimannoor Koil (Sanskrit scholar cum
poet) etc.
Swati Tirunal has made an incredible contribution to the field of Indian
music. He has composed near about 500 songs, for which he is admired
even today. He has composed a number of musical plays. His notable works
include Varnams, Javalis, Padams, Swarajatis, Kritis and many more. As
far as the Hindustani music is concerned, his praise worthy compositions
consist of Dhrupads, Thumris, Tappas, Bhajans, Khyal etc. for the
Navratri festivity, he composed numerous kritis in the praise of Goddess
Devi. This great patron of art left for the heavenly abode at an early
age of 33 in the year 1846.
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Music of India |
