On Saturday, September 7, Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi made a public commitment to replace a statue of Sakthan Thampuran. The statue, which was damaged by a state transport bus in June, will be replaced with a new bronze statue if the Kerala government does not act within 14 days.
Background on Sakthan Thampuran
Historical Context
- Name and Reign: Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma Kunjipillai or Rama Varma IX, ruled the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
- Birth and Early Life: Born in 1751 to Ambika Thampuran and Chendose Aniyan Namboodiri of the Cochin royal family, he was raised by an aunt who named him Sakthan, meaning ‘powerful’. The term “thampuran” is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word “samrat,” meaning emperor.
Cochin Kingdom
- Geographical Coverage: The Cochin kingdom, part of the Late Chera Empire, included areas between Ponnani in Malappuram and Thottappally in Alappuzha in modern-day Kerala.
Political Achievements
- Heir Apparent: Became heir apparent in 1769 at the age of 18. He advised maintaining friendly relations with both Dutch and English traders.
- Diplomatic Efforts: Orchestrated Mysore’s invasion attempt on Travancore, which led to the Powney treaty. This treaty ended Cochin’s allegiance to Mysore and formalized relations with the British.
- Reforms: Abolished the Yogiatirippads, the spiritual heads of local temples, and transferred temple management to the government. He was also known for his efforts in reducing crime in the kingdom.
Urban and Cultural Contributions
- Capital Relocation: Moved the capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur, developing the Thekkinkadu Maidanam and Swaraj Round into a structured city layout.
- Economic and Cultural Development: Encouraged relocation of merchants and British officials to the city. Overhauled kingdom finances and personally managed revenue.
- Thrissur Pooram: Founded the Thrissur Pooram in 1797 as an alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram, aiming to provide a platform for major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What did Suresh Gopi pledge to do if the Kerala government did not replace the damaged statue?
- A) Organize a protest
- B) Replace the statue himself
- C) Fund the repair of the statue
- D) Seek compensation from the government
- Who was Sakthan Thampuran?
- A) A British colonial officer
- B) A ruler of the Cochin kingdom
- C) A Dutch merchant
- D) A military leader from Mysore
- What significant treaty did Sakthan Thampuran’s actions help establish?
- A) Treaty of Versailles
- B) Powney treaty
- C) Treaty of Amritsar
- D) Treaty of Nanjing
- What festival did Sakthan Thampuran establish in 1797?
- A) Arattupuzha Pooram
- B) Thrissur Pooram
- C) Onam Festival
- D) Pongal Festival
- What major urban change did Sakthan Thampuran implement in the Cochin kingdom?
- A) Moved the capital from Thrissur to Thrippunithura
- B) Moved the capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur
- C) Established a new trade route
- D) Built a new palace in Ponnani