What will you learn from this book
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Legacy of the House of Travancore: The book delves into the rich and complex legacy of the House of Travancore, tracing its origins, rise to power, and enduring influence on the socio-political landscape of Kerala.
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Royal Lineage and Dynastic Politics: Pillai provides insights into the royal lineage of Travancore, detailing the intrigues, alliances, and power struggles that characterized dynastic politics within the kingdom.
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Cultural Renaissance: The narrative explores the cultural renaissance that flourished under the patronage of the Travancore royals, highlighting their contributions to art, literature, music, and architecture.
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Social Reform and Modernization: Pillai discusses the progressive social reform initiatives undertaken by the rulers of Travancore, including efforts to abolish caste-based discrimination, promote education, and modernize governance.
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Economic Policies and Development: The book examines the economic policies and developmental projects implemented by the Travancore state, contributing to its prosperity and stability in the pre-colonial and colonial eras.
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Religious Pluralism and Tolerance: Pillai highlights Travancore's tradition of religious pluralism and tolerance, showcasing how different faiths coexisted harmoniously within the kingdom under the patronage of the royal family.
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British Colonial Rule: The narrative contextualizes the impact of British colonial rule on Travancore, exploring the dynamics of the princely state's relationship with the British East India Company and later the British Raj.
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Struggles for Independence: Pillai discusses the role of Travancore in the Indian independence movement, shedding light on the efforts of the royal family and the people of the state to resist colonial rule and assert their autonomy.
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Transition to Modern Kerala: The book traces the transition of Travancore into modern Kerala following India's independence, examining the challenges and opportunities faced by the state in the post-colonial era.
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Historiographical Analysis: Lastly, "Ivory Throne" offers a historiographical analysis of Travancore's history, drawing on archival sources, oral histories, and scholarly interpretations to present a nuanced and comprehensive narrative of the kingdom's past.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 9351776425 |
| ISBN-13 | 9789351776420 |
| No of pages | 704 |
| Font Size | Medium |
| Book Publisher | HarperCollins |
| Published Date | 14 Dec 2015 |
About Author
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In 1498, when Vasco da Gama set foot in Kerala looking for Christians and spices, he unleashed a wave of political fury that would topple local powers like a house of cards. The cosmopolitan fabric of a vibrant trading society - with its Jewish and Arab merchants, Chinese pirate heroes and masterful Hindu Zamorins - was ripped apart, heralding an age of violence and bloodshed. One prince, however, emerged triumphant from this descent into chaos. Shrewdly marrying Western arms to Eastern strategy, Martanda Varma consecrated the dominion of Travancore, destined to become one of the most dutiful pillars of the British Raj. What followed was two centuries of internecine conflict in one of India's premier princely states, culminating in a dynastic feud between two sisters battling to steer the fortunes of their house on the eve of Independence.
Manu S. Pillai's retelling of this sprawling saga focuses on the remarkable life and work of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last - and forgotten - queen of the House of Travancore. The supporting cast includes the flamboyant painter Raja Ravi Varma and his wrathful wife, scheming matriarchs of 'violent, profligate and sordid' character, wife-swapping court favourites, vigilant English agents, quarrelling consorts and lustful kings. Extensively researched and vividly rendered, The Ivory Throne conjures up a dramatic world of political intrigues and factions, black magic and conspiracies, crafty ceremonies and splendorous temple treasures, all harnessed in a tragic contest for power and authority in the age of empire.