SWATHI THIRUNAL

The ruler of Thiruvithamkoor (AD1829- 46) attained fame as musician, composer of songs, singer and as a poet; he was also known as "garbha Sreeman" in Malayalam. The nickname was ascribed due to the fact that while he was in his mother’s womb, he was known to become the prince. While he was just two years of age his queen mother, Gauri Lakshmibai expired. From then on at a very early age itself his father, King Changanasseri Rajavarma put him under the tutelage of ‘Valiakoyi Thamburan. The prince acquired proficiency in many languages viz. English, Sanskrit, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi and Persian. Apart from these he gained scholastic prowess in other arts and sciences as well.

On attaining the age of sixteen, he took the reigns of the kingdom in his hands as the Crown Prince. He brought about various changes at local and federal level. Among them the important ones were teaching of English language in schools and translation of Tamil volumes of government document into Malayalam. Allopathic method of treatment was encouraged. Apart from founding government printing press, he encouraged classy and stylish star residences to be built in Thiruvananthapuram, improving the life-style of people in general and adding beauty to the surroundings. It is worth remembering that it was he, who brought art form of Maharashtra viz. "Harikatha" to Kerala.

Having acquired immense aptitude in Music, he accomplished unforgettable milestones for Kerala. He invited the famous nattuvaangam singers of those days - Vadivelu, Chinnayya, Ponnayya and Sivaraman from Thanjavoor to Thiruvananthapuram and arranged for their stay there. He encouraged musical compositions, Alapana and choreography of dance items. Many other exponents of harikatha drumbeaters and artists from other fields accepted his invitation and happily made this place their home, thus rekindling local life with various art forms. With Vadivelu’s assistance Bharatha Natyam was introduced to the art lovers in Kerala. He himself took initiative to boost Mohini Attam, (a traditional dance form of Kerala) to the level of a scientific art. It is a well known fact that he created his own compositions in the form of ‘Padams’, ‘Varnams’ and ‘Thillanas’ and introduced these, in dance forms. Apart from these he brought two Devadasis (female dancers in temples) from Tamilnadu and allocated residences for their stay to develop different styles of dances.

We cannot forget the fact that Swathi Thirunal was foremost in prose as well as poetical compositions during his time. He was honored for various works in different languages and till date, such poetic creations are considered as invaluable works of art and given due credit. More than 60 Padams (a style in Carnatic Songs), innumerable varnams, (usually songs in praise of God) about 200 devotional songs, few Thillanas, and Jathiswarams (variety of songs for Bharatha Natyam) as well as his poetic compositions in Hindustani style are remembered and sung even today. The literary creations by Swathi Thirunal viz. "UlsavaPrabhantham", "Ajamilo Paakhyanam", "KucheloPaakhyanam" and "Madymakaala Keerthanangal"are all assets to Malayalam language.

Every one feared him those days - even hearing his name, sent a chill through the veins of his opponents. Because of that he was also known as Narasimhaamsa sambhuthan’. No one dared to utter a word in front of him. There are quite a few mythological stories corroborating this fact. Let us go through one of the stories to this effect.

Once a representative from the British government had gone to meet the King. The messenger was sent to inform the King that as decided by the East India Company the king’s powers were to be curtailed and ‘the taxes’ payable to the Company was to be increased. When the English officer visited, he was given a warm reception. During the meeting the officer opened up the purpose of the visit. But the king could sense it at the introductory speech itself. When the officer addressed the king facing the king, he could sense that face changing its color, almost like a blaze, as if he had opened up his third eye! What to say! Not only did the officer forget the purpose of his visit; he is believed to have fainted on the floor. With no courage left in him to face the king again, he stepped backwards as he came.

The king was self confidence personified mingled with prophetic qualities. With a deep insight into all matters, he would take his own decisions. He would neither consult anyone nor would he like to go by others’ opinion. There is a myth proving this quality too. Once, the treasurer in his ministry applied for a month’s leave. Without any hesitation or uneasiness the king granted the required leave. But the treasurer advised the king before proceeding on leave, " till I come back you should be careful to appoint a very capable man. Otherwise there could be lot of losses in financial dealings".

The king agreed readily. After he left the place, the king ordered for a useless broom to be kept on the seat from where the treasurer discharged his duties. The servant obeyed the order. After a month when the treasurer returned from leave and saw his seat adorned with a useless broom he was furious. Immediately he went to the palace and complained his woe to the king! But the king was calm and said; " it was under my instruction that a broom was kept there. You go back and see if there is any damage to your seat. Incase you find anything amiss please come and report to me."

The treasurer went back to his seat but did return to the king at all! The treasurer realized the underlying meaning of what the King meant and uttered. Yes. The king gave him the message that matters relating to the kingdom would proceed smoothly whether the treasurer was there or not The post he was given was just ornamental.

The great soul adorned with qualities of efficacy and super human powers, left his kingdom and his body forever at a very young age of 34 in the Malayalam month of Dhanu, in the year 1022.

English translation by
Lakshmy. N

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