Dharma Raja

🪔 About

Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, widely known as Dharma Raja, reigned as the Maharajah of Travancore from 1758 until his demise in 1798. He succeeded his uncle Marthanda Varma, who is recognized as the "maker of modern Travancore". During his extensive rule, Dharma Raja not only preserved the territories acquired by his predecessor but also successfully administered the kingdom. He earned the epithet Dharma Raja due to his strict adherence to Dharma Sastra, the Hindu principles of justice, notably by offering asylum to thousands of Hindus and Christians fleeing Malabar during the Mysorean conquest. Beyond his administrative prowess, Dharma Raja was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Indian classical dance, particularly Kathakali. He was a prolific playwright and composer, credited with penning seven Āṭṭakathās (Kathakali plays). His efforts significantly popularized Kathakali among the common populace by organizing performances during festivals, especially Navaratri nights. Dharma Raja was instrumental in bringing about numerous reforms in Kathakali, including changes in the structure of plays and their presentation techniques, and he notably prioritized *sringara padas* (romantic verses). He established a systematic curriculum for teaching Kathakali and founded the 'Kottaram Kathakali Yogam,' which introduced the southern school of Kathakali. A scholar in music and dance, Dharma Raja was also an accomplished vocalist and is believed to be the first violinist from the royal family. He composed approximately 150 Kritis, enriching Carnatic music. His literary contributions extended to Malayalam literature, and he authored 'Balarama Bharatham,' a significant treatise on Bharathamuni's Natyashastra, which explores the science of Natya in relation to music. He also translated Jayadeva's 'Geetha Govindha' into Malayalam as 'Bhashashtapathi,' incorporating new ideas while retaining the original ragas and thalas.