Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma and Kerala history

Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja was the last of the ruling maharajas (kings) of the princely state of Travancore in Kerala, India. Born on 7th November 1912, Chithira Thirunal came to the throne in 1924 after the demise of Sri Moolam Thirunal Ramavarma. He was just 12 when he became the ruler and therefore his reign was under the regency of his maternal aunt, the famous Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi.

Chithira Thirunal is renowned for some of his historic decisions, including the famous Temple Entry Proclamation in the year 1936, which removed the ban on low-caste people from entering Hindu temples.

Featured in this video is an elegant statue built in memory of Chithira Thirunal in the premises of Travancore Devaswom Board Office in Thiruvananthapuram, which was unveiled during the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the board.