Context: The Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP vowed to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue, which was knocked over by a state transport bus in June, with a new bronze statue if the Kerala government fails to act within 14 days.
Sakthan Thampuran
- Birth and Background: Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma Kunjipillai in 1751, was the son of Ambika Thampuran and Chendose Aniyan Namboodiri of the Cochin royal family.
- Nickname: Raised by an aunt who called him "Sakthan," meaning 'powerful,' a reflection of his strength and leadership potential.
- Title: The title "Thampuran" is derived from the Sanskrit word "samrat," meaning emperor.
- Heir and Political Strategy:
oHeir Apparent: At age 18, in 1769, Sakthan Thampuran became the heir to the Cochin kingdom.
oDiplomatic Approach: He advised maintaining good relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control over regional trade.
oMysore Invasion Strategy: He played a role in orchestrating Mysore’s invasion of Travancore, leading to the Powney Treaty, which freed Cochin from Mysore’s dominance and formalized British relations.
- Religious and Administrative Reforms:
oTemple Management: Sakthan Thampuran abolished the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual leaders who had conspired against the previous king, and transferred temple management to the government.
oCrime Reduction: Under his reign, the kingdom saw a significant decrease in crime, establishing his fearsome reputation as a just and strong ruler.
- Relocation of Capital: Sakthan Thampuran moved the Cochin kingdom’s capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur, laying the foundation for modern-day infrastructure.
- Thekkinkadu Maidanam: This central ground and the surrounding Swaraj Round became vital elements in Thrissur's urban planning.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: The king encouraged merchants of all faiths, including British officials, to settle in Thrissur, strengthening the city’s economy.
- Revenue Management: He personally oversaw financial reforms, ensuring stable and enhanced revenues for the kingdom.
- Thrissur Pooram Festival: In 1797, Sakthan Thampuran founded the Thrissur Pooram as a grand alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram, allowing major temples in Thrissur to honor Lord Shiva at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.