Casamajor was one of the Travancore residents during the reign of Swathi Thirunal. We have the following information from the internet (www.brookmans.com/history kasamajor.shtml)The Casamajors were a family of Spanish origin, claiming descent from the royal house of Cadiz, and had settled in Bristol and founded the English branch of the family by the late 18th century. There were Casamajors also in London and they were working for the East India Company and the Casamajor merchants of Tacking, living at Potterells were James Archibald Casamajor and his daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, these being another branch of the Casamajor famly.James Archibald Casamajor, b. 1787, E.I.C.S., resident at Mysore and Travancore, had three daughters. His co-heirs, (1) Jane, m. 1844, William – Willoughby, 3rd Earl of Enniskillen; (2) Mary, m. 1839, StephanRam. Esq., of Ramsfort; and (3) Elizabeth, m. 1841, Robert WM. Gaussen, Esq., of Brookmans Park, Herts.

The Observatory in Trivandrum was built under the superintendence of Lieutenant (later Colonel) Horsley, of the Madras Engineers. The construction of the Sree Padam palce, during the former reign, on a plan drawn by a European Engineer, had impressed Swathi Thirunal with a favourable opinion of European engineering skill. The construction of the Observatory simply confirmed this impressions. Swathi Thirunal desirous of introducing a knowledge of European engineering art into Travancore, in consultation with the Resident Colonel Fraser, sanctioned the organisation of an experimental engineering department. An irrigation maramuth department was established at Nanjenaud and a superintendent appointed. A few companies of pioneers were formed for irrigation works at Nanjenaud, under the general supervision of the visiting Engineer Lieutenant Horsely, who began to devote his unremitting attention to the improvement of all the maramuth works in Travancore. This very able Engineer’s literacy work “Memoiers of Travancore” (If any visitor has information on this book, please let us know, email to cdit@vsnl.com), written at the request of the Resident, Colonel Fraser, shows his knowledge of the country, and how he exerted himself to be closely acquainted with everything connected with travancore.

Venkata Rao was Dewan of Travancore when Swathi Thirunal ascended the throne. The famous Rajah Sir T. Madhava Rao’s father Runga Row was the younger brother of Venkata Rao. Venkata Rao was one of the most popular Dewans of the state. he also seems to have taught Swathi Thirunal and his brother. Col. Welsh in his Military Reminscences states: I have not made any mention of the present Dewaun, an uncommonly handsome, fair and elegant Carnatic Brahmin. His name is Venkit Rao and he is one of the most intelligent, well educated men, I have met with in India, and writes an excellent letter. As far as I could learn he was most attentive and unremitting in his exertions for the improvement of the country and the good of the State. Such a man to educate the young princes would have been “worth his weight in gold”.After Swathi took over as maharaja, as he had a very high opinion of his tutor, Suba Row, and of his ability and knowledge, he wanted to appoint him Dewan. But the idea of dispensing with the services of the able and popular Dewan Vencatta Row, was not approved of by His Highness’ father, by Her Highness the Ranee, and by the Resident, Colonel Morrison. The controversy on this subject lasted about six months, and in the interval the able Resident, Colonel Morrison, was removed, and Dewan Vencatta Row tendered his resignation. Two months afterwards, in 1830, Suba Row was appointed Dewan. After about 7 years, Swathi was displeased with Subba Rao and suspended him. Remembering the good qualities and ability of the ex-Dewan, Vencatta Row, Swathi Thirunal entertained the idea of re-appointing him to the office of Dewan, and in consultation with His Highness’ brother, the Elia Rajah, this wise measure was resolved upon. His Highness the Elia Rajah then wrote to Vencatta Row, who expressed his willingness to accept the kind offer. The Maha Rajah then deputed His Highness’ favourite attendant, once Cunjen Thampan of Vycome, to Combaconum, to arrange personally with Vencatta Row regarding his return. In the year 1838 A.D., Vencatta Row arrived at Trivandrum, and was at once appointed Dewan. He began to display his characteristic energy in the administration, and his proceedings gave entire satisfaction to His Highness the Maha Rajah. As the new Dewan was progressing in his brilliant career, he had the misfortune to fall out with Captain Douglas, the then Acting Resident. Finding that they could not agree, Vencatta Row tendered his resignation, though much against His Highness’ wish, in 1839 A.D., after a career of only twelve months.

Soon after Reddy Row’s retirement (-1844-), Sreenivasa Row, the then first Judge of the appeal court, was appointed headed Dewan Peishcar, in charge of the administration. This officer was a very honest and quiet man, but had not that administrative tact which characterised many of his predecessors. Being called upon to assume charge of the administration at a time when the ablest Dewan, would have found it difficult to manage affairs satisfactorily ; he experienced great trouble in coping with the emergency. Reddy Row had brought the administration in to a state which Sreenevasa Row’s hand was too weak to rectify. The gradually growing illness of the Maha Rajah and his consequent indifference to the affairs of the State, the increasing misunderstanding between the court and the Resident; the general inactivity of the district officials, who had all a firm belief in the speedy return of Krishna Row to office, and above all the financial embarrassments of the country, were evils which Sreenivasa Row found too hard for him to surmount. People knew that his hands were tied; and that he had no power to act in any matter for himself. The Resident called for reports on every point connected with the administration, while he was utterly unable to get a reply from the palace to his references on important matters for months together. Revenue collections fell into arrears. Sreenevasa Row, was often found in a pitiful state, especially when the time for paying the monthly subsidy to the Resident’s treasury approached. The allowance to the various establishments had been in areas, and every day the Huzzoor cutcherry was invaded by crowds of people expecting and requesting payment. Sreenevasa Row had some good qualities. He was quite amenable to reason. He used to seek advice from able and honest officials of his cutcherry, without regard to their rank and position. He never shrunk from retracing his steps when he found it was necessary to do so. Buy such a sensible line of conduct Sreenevasa Row was enabled to show improvement in the financial department and in the general administration.

British Resident

Col. Morrison was the British resident of Travancore, when Swathi Thirunal ascended the throne. Swathi Thirunal had the advantage of the advice and counsel of his worthy father, the able tutor, the meritorious Dewan, as well as many old and experienced ministerial servants, both in the palace and in other departments. The Resident Colonel Morrison, C.B., a very able officer, was also a warm supporter of the Maha Rajah in the early days of his reign. Afterwards, Swathi Thirunal’s attention was directed to the remodelling of the cabinet, and as he had a very high opinion of his tutor, Suba Row, and of his ability and knowledge, he wanted to appoint him Dewan, but the idea of dispensing with the services of the able and popular Dewan Vencatta Row, was not approved of by His Highness’ father, by Her Highness the Ranee, and by the Resident, Colonel Morrison. The controversy on this subject lasted about six months, and in the interval the able Resident, Colonel Morrison, was removed, and Dewan Vencatta Row tendered his resignation. It is also said, that there had been a little misunderstanding between the Travancore court and the Resident, Colonel Morrison, in this matter and that colonel Morrisom had made some reports unfavourable to the state of things in Travancore, which circumstances induced Mr. Lushington, Governor of Madras to visit the country and ascertain the exact state of affairs by a personal inspection, while he was on tour to the Malabar Coast.

Lord Hay was the son of the Marquis of Tweedale, the Governor of Madras during 1840s. During 1843-44, Lord Hay came to Trivandrum. As was the custom, Swathi Thirunal was supposed to meet him. But due to interference from Resident Cullen, Swathi Thirunal did not wish to see or receive visits from any European gentlemen ( even the royal physician could not pay his visits to the ailing Maha Rajah, who totally refused to attend to any advice from the doctor or to allow himself to be treated by him). With the greatest difficulty and in deference to the entreaties of the Elia Rajah and his own father, Swathi Thirunal was persuaded to meet Lord hay. It was perhaps the last time he received a European visitor.

Colonel James Welsh of the British Army, published a book titled “MILITARY REMINISCENCES : A journal of nearly 40 years’ active service in East India”’ in 2 volumes. It was published in London by Smith, Elder and Co., in 1830 (MDCCCXXX). In this book he records his impressions of two visits, the first during 1819 and the second during 1825. This is perhaps the most authentic record of the personality of Swathi Thirunal that is available today. It may be noted that Col. Welsh, like many European officers of the time, held the customs, practices and most often all that is native not in high regard as is evident in his reference to Ramanaattam performance, maternal hierarachy etc. in the excerpts below. It is such a person who has gone on to lavish praises on Swathi Thirunal.

EXTRACT 1:1819

Pursuing our voyage, on the 8th of December, we encountered an adverse gale in the Straits, which we weathered with dufficulty, and reached Calicut, on the Malabar coast, on the 2nd of January, 1819.

I now pass over several months, spent in moving about to places already mentione, and request the reader to accompany me from Quilon; where it had proved to excessively hot and oppressive for some days, towards the capital of Travancore to which place I was proceeding to meet the kindest and best friend I ever had, Major Sutherland M’Dowall, just appointed to succeed Colonel Munro as Resident. I left Quilon on the 13th May; and on the morning of the 14th, at sunrise, whilst traveling in a aspecies of litter, callec Muncheel, my two dogs, which were running along side of it were suddenly attacked by a number of jungle-dogs, called Chene Nye, or Chain Nigh, an animal of which I had heard much, and read more; but which, extraordinary to relate, I had never before encountered, during a peregrination of eight-and –twenty years in the East. Those I saw on this occasion very much resembled wolves, only larger, being of a bright brown, with long bushy black tails. My constant companion, a double-barreled gun, was soon removed from its slings, attached to the muncheel pole, and I fired at the two foremost with small shot; the effect was instantaneous, for all scampered off with shrieks, and I saw no more of them. On this occasion, taken suddenly and unawares, I obeyed the first impulse, and fortunately succeeded. Most likely they had never before heard the sound of a gun, or felt the smart of shot rattling against their ribs, for all were exposed to it’s effects; but the experiment might not answer where they were more numerous; as it said that they always hunt in large packs, and never relinquish their game, be it an elephant, royal tiger, or buffalo; but coute qui coute, destroy it in end. The spot on which we encountered them was about sixteen miles from Quilon, the road passing through a deep through a deep jungle; and my dogs being saved, we resumed our journey.

TREVANDERAM

On the 17th of May I reached the cantonement near Trevaderum, and found a capital house, built on a delightful, elevated spot, for the Resident, and a couple of battalions of Nairs in the Ranee’s service, offered by Englishmen, together with half a battalion of our own, in the barracks; but my friend had not arrived, and I put up with Major McLeod, who commanded the Ranee’s brigade: Captain Gordon of Alepie, being acting Resident, and living in the cantonment.

On the 20th, still waiting for Major M’Dowall, we received an invitation from the Ranee, who had, in 1812, succeeded the Rajah, formerly mentioned, to be present at the celebration of her daughter’s marriage. We had a distance of about three miles to go, when alighting at the Palace-door, we were ushered into a temporary building, devoid of taste, splendour, or elegance; where, upon a silver throne, sat the Ranee of Travancore [Swathi’s aunt], who was really a very interesting young woman, and received us with much kindness; two couches were placed, one on each side of the throne, with chairs arranged beyond them for European visitors. After the etiquette of a regular introduction by Captain Gordon, we all took our seats, and were regaled by dancing girls foe about two hours, and then followed an abominable Malabar play. I observed near the throne several naked Brahmins, two of whom only, good-looking men, were clothed in chintz, and stood directly behind the Queen. These proved to be the husbands, one [Swathi’s father] of a former Taumbratee, the other of the present Ranee. In this family the boys of the elder women are always the heirs. There are two young Rajahs at present in the Palace; one, the rightful heir to the throne is now seven years old [Swathi] and a very fine boy. He is the son of an elder sister of Ranee, by the eldest of the Brahmin husbands I have mentioned. The other, the son of the Ranee and the other husband, is only three or four; these men, though fed and kindly treated in the palace, have no authority, nor are they permitted to sit in the Ranee’s presence in public. In addition to which, she may change them whenever she is tired of one, by sending him away, and selecting another, but only from amongst the Brahmins; which very clearly proves that the women bear the sway in Travancore and indeed generally all along the Malabar coast. The two young rajahs sat on my knee alternately during the whole evening without any restraint. The princes of this coast are all called Taumberaun, and the princesses Taumbratee. When the performers had wearied themselves as well as us, by an indecent Malabar Drama called Ramnatun, the Ranee said she would show us some fireworks, and we followed her out to an open pandal under which chairs were arranged for the whole party, who sat for an hour longer. The fireworks, from the state of weather were very poor but the affability and good sense of Her Highness made up in my mind, for all disappointment indeed , the spot in which they were exhibited was such as to make one rather rejoice at their failure and the rain which was then pouring as it was only broad street with thatched houses on both sides many of which might have been set on fire in an instant.

On taking our leave at eleven, P.M., the Ranee entreated us to return next day, but one of the ladies being unwell, the party was put of till the 22nd when we again assembled at eight, P.M. and now some excellent fireworks , the same monotonous dancing and a few more acts over it.

EXTRACT 2 :1825

Having mentioned Col. Munro again, as a former Resident, I must add that he appears to me to have been the kindest and most liberal friend the Christians ever had in Travancore. I do not pretend to enter into the policy of his measures but under him they held situations of trust and respectability which gave them some consequence amongst the natives of the country, and certainly the cause of religion was greatly forwarded. On this subject much difference of opinion has always prevailed in the East and in almost any other country than Travancore, I should hesitate to advocate its advancement, since, in the most other parts of India, the converts are from the basest of native population. But in the kingdoms of Travancore and Cochin, the Christians have been born and bred such and it is moreover a remarkably tolerant government. I must not get this delicate subject without declaring myself a friend to the advancement of the only true religion and my firm belief that the ice is already broken in the East and the true mode, under the blessings of a gracious Providence already adopted in the diffusion of knowledge amongst the rising generation by the establishment of schools: I trust, therefore , our countrymen will lend the aid of their example, which ought to go hand in hand with precept, to lure the ignorant and misguided natives into the oath which leads to eternal salvation. Since my departure from Quilon, I have understood that Mr. Fenn and family have left Cotyam, and returned to Europe; and that Mr. Doring, a young man of abilities and liberal education, now supplies his place in the College.

Being on a tour of inspection during the month of May and stopping to pass a few days at the Residency, with Colonel Newall, I had an opportunity of witnessing the studies of the young Rajahs in private, and forming an estimate of their progressive acquirements and abilities. On the morning of the 16th, at ten o’clock, I accompanied the Colonel in his gig, without attendants, to the fort, where we were immediately conducted to a room in the Palace, and found them, with their father, their sister, her husband, and their school-master ready to receive us. The elder boy, now thirteen [Swathi], seemed greatly improved in mind though rather diminutive in person. He read a chapter of Malcolm’s Central India; the Governor-general’s Persian Letter, on the capture of Rangoon; a passage in Sanskrit; another in Malayalam, and seemed equally clever at each. He then took up a book of Mathematics, and selecting the forty-seventh proposition of Euclid, sketched the figure on a country slate; what astonished me most, was his telling us in English that geometry was derived from the Sanskrit, which was ‘jaw meter’ to measure the earth, and that many of our mathematical terms were also derived from the same source, such as hexagon, heptagon, octagon, decagon, duodecagon etc. His remarks were generally apposite, but their language inelegant and ungrammatical. This is much to be lamented, because with so many studies on hand he can never read enough of English to correct his idiom; and the master, a very clever Tanjore Brahmin could not speak it much better himself. His Persian was pure and elegant; but of other languages I am too ignorant to offer an opinion. This promising boy is now, I conclude sovereign of the finest country in India; for he was to succeed to the Musnud the moment he had attained his sixteenth year. The younger brother gave us various specimens of his acquirements; somewhat inferior, of course to those of the rising sun of the country, but still very fair.

The princess at whose wedding I was present in 1819, was grown both fat and coarse [Swathi’s elder sister]. Their father, a very handsome man about the middle age is their joint guardian, with the Ranee and the Resident; but has no other power or authority whatever. The princesses husband looks very much like her younger brother: indeed apart, I should not know the one from the other. At noon we took our leave much gratified with this domestic scene.

I have not made any mention of the present Dewaun, an uncommonly handsome, fair and elegant Carnatic Brahmin. His name is Venkit Rao and he is one of the most intelligent, well educated men, I have met with in India, and writes an excellent letter. As far as I could learn he was most attentive and unremitting in his exertions for the improvement of the country and the good of the State. Such a man to educate the young princes would have been “worth his weight in gold”.

On the night of the 4th of October this year, I perceived a comet the nearest I have ever seen; which continued uncommonly distinct till the 12th of December when it appeared

Subba Rao was the personal tutor of Swathi Thirunal from his young age, having taught him English, Persian and Marathi. Soon after the installation as Maharaja, Swathi Thirunal’s attention was directed to the remodelling of the cabinet, and as he had a very high opinion of his tutor, Suba Row, and of his ability and knowledge, he wanted to appoint him Dewan, but the idea of dispensing with the services of the able and popular Dewan Vencatta Row, was not approved of by His Highness’ father, by Her Highness the Ranee, and by the Resident, Colonel Morrison. The controversy on this subject lasted about six months, and in the interval the able Resident, Colonel Morrison, was removed, and Dewan Vencatta Row tendered his resignation. Two months afterwards, i.e., in the middle of the year 1005 M.E. (early part of 1830) Suba Row was appointed to the vacant office of Dewan. As Suba Row wanted to to surpass his predecessor, he spared no pains to distinguish himself in his new sphere. He displayed all his experience and tact and commenced a career which fully justified His Highness’ selection of him for the high post of prime minister.The Dewan’s conduct was quite in accordance with His Highness’ urgent desire of bringing Travancore to such a state as to entile her to the appellation of “model State”. Suba Row had, at the very outset, established a reputation far superior to that of his predecessor.Every suggestion emanating from Dewan Suba Row received ready sanction from His Highness the Maharajah, and every subordinate from the Dewan Peishcar downwards, looked upon the Dewan with the greatest regard and respect.Later His Highness the Maha Rajah had reasons to be dissatisfied with Dewan Suba Row, and his assistant Cochu Sankara Pillay Peishcar. About this time some serious charges were preferred against these high officials by a number of petitioners. In 1012 M.E. (1837 A.D.), the Maha Rajah issued orders with the concurrence of the Resident, Colonel Fraser, for the suspension of the Dewan and the Peishcar. The first judge of the appeal court, Narayana Kasaven, was dismissed in 1010 M.E. (1835) on certain charges which were pending inquiry before the place. A commission was now appointed, consisting of two European officers and as many natives, presided over by the then Conservator of Forests, Mr. Munro, a son of the late Resident, Colonel Munro, to inquire into the charges against the accused. After a prolonged inquiry of about two months, the impeachment was found to be unsustainable, and the commission closed their sitting, but the Maha Rajah being dissatisfied thought it proper not to re-instate the Judge, the Dewan and the Peishcar in their respective offices. As the new Dewan, Venkata Rao was progressing in his brilliant career, he had the misfortune to fall out with Captain Douglas, the then Acting Resident. Finding that they could not agree, Vencatta Row tendered his resignation, though much against His Highness’ wish, in 1839 A.D., after a career of only twelve months. The Maha Rajah, in consultation with the Resident, Captain Douglas, called in the ex-Dewan Suba Row, to resume charge of the administration. His absence of a little more than two years from office, and even the inquiry before mentioned did not seem to weigh upon his mind in the least, and Dewan Suba Row resumed charge of the office in the gayest spirit as if he had been attending the cutcherry all the time.

Though the resignation of Vencatta Row was generally and deeply regretted by the people, yet Suba Row was also not wanting in popularity. Dewan Suba Row kept in his old groove. His administration was marked by great success, and the Maha Rajah considered the arrangements best suited to the times.In the early part of the year 1840 A.D, General (then Colonel) Cullen was appointed Resident of Travancore ; and a young Telugu Brahman by name Krishna Iyen, afterwards known as Krishna Row followed the Resident to Travancore. This Brahman appears to have been under general Cullen while he was in the Commissariat at Madras. Although he had only a limited knowledge of English, he wrote a good hand, and was a very fast writer and intelligent and active in his habits. Krishna Row, was a great favourite of General Cullen, and he now began to be ambitious, and desirous of getting into the Travancore service. Though there was no opening at the time, the Maha Rajah thought it wise to do something for the young Brahman with the view of pleasing the Resident, and accordingly, a new office was created for him in the Huzzoor cutcherry under the denomination of deputy Peishcar on a monthly salary of 300 rupees. His duty was to manage the Dewaswam, Ootupurah and Sawyer departments. Matters went on satisfactorily and harmoniously for some time, but Krishna Row aspiring to a higher position began slowly to work with the view of overthrowing Dewan Suba Row.

The Maha Rajah was naturally very sensitive, and therefore would not submit to the least contradiction, or slight thrown on his authority, from any quarter whatever.General Cullen, being a little defective in his sense of hearing, the Maha Rajah had to speak in a loud during his interview with him. This was not at all agreeable to His Highness. He was rather delicate in constitution, and the strain on His Highness lungs seemed to injure his health. His interviews with the Resident therefore were not very frequent and when a private meeting was sought, the Maha Rajah often tried to avoid seeming him under some excuse or other.The Deputy Peishcar, Krishna Row was the principal person who used to furnish information to the Resident on all matters connected with the Government, and he took this opportunity of prejudicing General Cullen’s mind against Dewan Subha Row, intimating that the excuse of the Maha Rajah and his unwillingness to receive visits from the Resident, proceeded from a personal disregard to the Resident; that the Dewan advised the Maha Rajah not to make himself too friendly with the Resident; and that His Highness was acting solely under the counsel of Suba Row. Thus the first seeds of misunderstanding were sown in General Cullen’s mind, and he being a proud man, and of a somewhat resentful disposition, though kind and affable, as a rule, began to view things in Travancore with a prejudiced eye, and to weigh matters with a biased mind. Decisions on public questions of importance were altered, and objections to every measure proposed and suggested by the Dewan under the authority of the Maha Rajah, became the order of the day. The Resident commenced receiving petitions form parties concerned in police, revenue, and civil cases pending before the respective officers and tribunals, called for reports and records from the Dewan and the appeal court, and gave final opinions and decision on all questions brought to his notice. This as a matter of course, attracted the attention of grievance-mongers, who used to resort to the residency with their complaints, and thus the Resident’s office became virtually a court for hearing, inquiring, and settling all questions brought before it, questions affecting the general internal administration of Travancore.The Resident assumed almost sovereign authority. Every appointment of importance, such as tahsildars, munsiffs, superintendents, &c., were ordered to be made after official communication with the Resident and after obtaining his special sanction. In short, the Dewan’s hands were tied up, and he was rendered incompetent to give even an increase of salary to the writers and others in his own office without the special sanction of the Resident.This extraordinary interference of the Resident irritated the Maha Rajah, and the misunderstanding between His Highness’ court and the residency became stronger and stronger. Meanwhile, General Cullen continued representing matters to the Madras Government so as to place the Maha Rajah’s administration of the country in an unfavourable light. The Government though reluctant to deal with such questions upon ex-parte statements, yet naturally placing confidence in the statement of their representative, viewed matters prejudicially to the Maha Rajah.

The Maha Rajah also represented the state of matters to the Madras Government. But it was too late, and the Government did not give to his representation that attention which it deserved.The Madras Government passed several Minutes wherein unfavourable opinions were recorded regarding Travancore affairs at this period, and these opinions were endorsed by even the Honorable Court of Directors.The Deputy Peishcar, Krishna Row, who was anxiously waiting to obtain the coveted office of Dewan ever since he set foot in Travancore, now thought that the time for accomplishing his object had arrived, and he began to use his influence with re-doubled vigour.The people of Travancore, both officials and non-officials who were quick in foreseeing things, anticipated the ultimate fate of Dewan Suba Row, and the advancement of the Deputy Peishcar Krishna Row. Krishna Row became the head of a strong party, and thus arose two factions in Travancore. Suba Row’s influence gradually weakened and he became simply the nominal Dewan. Matters continued thus for some time. The Dewan now found the necessity of withdrawing from the conflict, and the Maha Rajah was constrained to accept his resignation. He was allowed to retire on a monthly pension of 500 rupees.

Rev. Sperschneider ?

The Maha Rajah commissioned His Highness’ Astronomer, Mr. Caldecott to procure a small printing press, and employ the same in connection with the Observatory; but this gentleman at first introduced lithography, and subsequently, in consultation with the Resident, printing presses were ordered from England and a printing department established in 1838 under Samathanam Maistry who was one of the first batch of workmen trained in the Nagercoil Press. Rev. Mr. Sperschneider (the father of the present Dr. Sperschneider of the Nair brigade), was appointed superintendent of the printing department. In February 1838, communication from Col Fraser, Resident, is available, agreeing with “the temporary transfer of the Printing establishment and apparatus to Mr. Caldecott”. It seems, caldecott was in charge of the press, to begin with. In the year 1839 the first Anglo-Vernacular Calendar of Travancore (for the Malabar year 1015) was issued from this press.

Unsought patronage was extended to Sankaranatha Josyer and Swati Tirunal considered it an achievement to have been able to do so. Sankaranatha belonged to Malabar, but left the place early in his life and had his studies in astrology, law and philosophy under a great scholar named Varahacharya in Benares. His proficiency in astrology earned him name and brought him enormous money, the whole of which he was spending on charities including the construction of a free choultry at Joshighat in Benares. Ranjit Singh, the Lion of Punjab’ chanced to meet him, and amazed at the accuracy of his predictions, appointed him his adviser. It was then that Swati Tirunal came to know of him. He corresponded with Ranjit Singh through Lord William Bentinck, the then Governor-General, and got him down to Trivandrum. Impressed by his extraordinary legal erudition much more than by his other attainments, he appointed him as the First Judge of the Appeal Court.

Sankaranatha had brought with him manuscripts of certain works like Yogavasishtha, Gauritantra and Devibhagavata and he presented them to the Maharaja. He also translated the Devibhagavata into Malayalam as desired by him. The desire to have a collection of manuscripts was instilled in the Maharaja. He then acquired more and more of them and it was this collection which, as pointed out earlier, formed the nucleus of the Palace Manuscripts Library which now forms part of the Manuscripts Library of the University of Kerala. (www.keralauniversity.edu) .See also the link on Manuscripts Library in Related Institutions.