Sakthan Thampuran ||Rama Varma IX || UPSC Current Affairs

SAKTHAN THAMPURAN

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP pledged to replace a statue of Sakthan Thampuran that was knocked over by a state transport bus.

About Sakthan Thampuran

Rama Varma Kunji Pillai Thampuran, or Rama Varma IX, better known today as Sakthan Thampuran, ruled over the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
He is well known for his strength and strategic acumen.
He played a key role in shaping the city of Thrissur (Cultural Capital of Kerala).
He was raised by his maternal aunt who affectionately called him "Sakthan," meaning "powerful."
He became heir apparent at the age of 18. His early political advice included urging the king to maintain diplomatic relations with both the Dutch and the British.

Reign

Played a critical role in freeing Cochin from Mysore's dominance after orchestrating Mysore’s invasion attempt on Travancore.
Signed the Powney Treatywith the British, ensuring the kingdom’s independence from Mysore while aligning with the British East India Company.
Abolished the power of Yogiatirippads (spiritual heads who had previously controlled key temples) and transferred temple management to the state government.
Reorganized the land administrationby taking over lands controlled by feudal chieftains.

Contributions to Thrissur

Moved the capital of the Cochin Kingdom from Thrippunithurato Thrissur.
Cleared 60 acres of teak forestsaround the Vadakkunnathan Temple, laying the foundation for what is now the Thekkinkadu Maidan.
Built the circular road known as Swaraj Round.
He is credited with founding the famous Thrissur Pooramfestival in 1797. It was created as an alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram.

Must read on Thrissur Pooram:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/thrissur-pooram

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following statements about Thrissur Pooram Festival:

1.It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu.

2.It was created as an alternative to the Pakal Pooram festival.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?

a)1 only

b)2 only

c)Both 1 and 2

d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

1^st statement is incorrect: The Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan (Shiva) Temple in Thrissur every year on the Pooram—the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.

2^nd statement is incorrect: It was created as an alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram. The seventh day of the Thrissur pooram is the last day. It is also known as "Pakal Pooram".