List of Marthandavarma characters

Main article: Marthandavarma (novel)

The following is a list of characters from Marthandavarma, the 1891 historical novel by C. V. Raman Pillai. It also includes references to personalities from legends, history, and real life.

Lead Characters

Marthanda Varma (Prince)

Marthanda Varma is also referred to as Yuvarajavu (Prince). He is depicted as a young man, aged between 20 and 25 years, with a heroic appearance. As the rightful heir to the throne following the reign of King Rama Varma, he is known for his generosity, even towards conspirators, and his reluctance to impose harsh punishments, as advised by Ramayyan. To escape his attackers, he often adopts disguises. He holds Subhadra's words in high regard, which leads him to release Kudamon Pillai from detention upon ascending the throne.

Ananthapadmanabhan

Ananthapadmanabhan adopts various disguises, including Shamsudeen, the Dweller of Kasi, Mad Channan, the Beggar, and the Diglot, to assist Marthanda Varma in evading his enemies. He is portrayed as a 22-year-old youth, skilled in disguise and adept in combat. He is the son of Thirumukhathu Pillai from a relationship following his father's marriage to Kudaman Pillai's maternal niece, making him the younger half-brother of Subhadra.

Ananthapadmanabhan is in love with Parukutty of Chembakassery. Although he is attacked and left for dead in the Panchavan forest, he is rescued by Pathan merchants. After his recovery, he disguises himself as Shamsudeen and later as a mad Channan to rescue Marthanda Varma from Mangoikkal and assists Hakkim in aiding the prince. Additionally, he introduces Mangoikkal Kuruppu to the Pathan merchants and helps him learn the Hindustani language.

Subhadra

Subhadra, also known as Chembakam Akka, is the daughter of Thirumukhathu Pillai and Kudamon Pillai's maternal niece. She is the half-sister of Ananthapadmanabhan.

Subhadra is portrayed as a 25-year-old woman, known for her fairy-like beauty. She was married to a relative of Kudamon Pillai, but their marriage ended after six months due to allegations of a relationship between her and Padmanabhan Thambi.

Fierce and determined, Subhadra seeks revenge against those who ruined her marital life. She plays a key role in helping Marthanda Varma escape from the conspirators' schemes. Ultimately, she is killed by Kudamon Pillai.

Padmanabhan Thambi

Padmanabhan Thambi, also referred to as Shri Rayi Padmanabhan Thambi, Pappu Thambi, or simply Thambi, is the elder son of King Rama Varma.

Thambi is portrayed as a well-built man with a fair complexion, known for his fondness for wearing ornaments. He has a strong desire for beautiful women and is involved in relationships with Sivakami and a paramour from Ezhamkudi (Seventh House).

Ambitious and power-hungry, Thambi aspires to ascend the throne after his father's reign. He also harbours desires for Subhadra and Parukutty.

Sundrayyan

Sundarayyan, also known as Pulamadan, is a 40-year-old man, born to a Brahmin from Madurai and a Marava woman. He is married to the niece of Kalakkutty.

Sundarayyan is portrayed as the chief conspirator, orchestrating plans to secure Thambi's succession to the throne. He also arranges a marriage proposal between Thambi and Parukutty. His schemes come to an end when he is killed by Beram Khan at Manakkadu.

Parukutty

Parukutty, also known as Parvathi Amma, Parvathi Pillai, or Thankam, is the daughter of Karthyayani Amma and Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai.

Parukutty is depicted as a 16-year-old girl, notable for her considerable height, slim figure, and fair complexion, resembling the Magnolia champaca flower. She is well-versed in Mathematics, Amarakosha, and Sidharoopa. Additionally, she possesses an exceptional talent for reciting the Ramayana in her melodious voice.

She is deeply in love with Ananthapadmanabhan. However, Padmanabhan Thambi also desires a relationship with her.

Beeram Khan

The maternal nephew of a householder, who is a relative of Kudamon Pillai, marries Subhadra. However, he separates from her after believing false rumours about her relationships with other men, particularly Padmanabhan Thambi.

Later, he converts to Islam, adopts the name Beeram Khan, and marries Fathima. When he discovers Ananthapadmanabhan in the Panchavan forest, he is moved by the latter's resemblance to his first wife, Subhadra, and arranges for his care.

He eventually kills Sundarayyan, holding him responsible for the schemes that led to his separation from Subhadra.

Velu Kurup

A skilled fighter, swordsman, and lancer, he is a devoted loyalist of Padmanabhan Thambi. He ambushes Ananthapadmanabhan in the Panchavan forest and makes multiple attempts to assassinate Marthanda Varma—at Charottu Palace, Mangoikkal House, and on the route to the prince's palace.

During a confrontation, Ananthapadmanabhan slices off one of his ears. Ultimately, he meets his end at the hands of Ananthapadmanabhan in the dungeon of Sree Pandarathu House.

Mangoikkal Kurup

Mangoikkal Kurup, also known as Iraviperuman Kandan Kumaran Kurup, is the head of the Mangoikkal family.

He provides shelter to Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai while they are escaping from Velu Kurup. Additionally, he arranges for reinforcements, deploying his nephews to support Marthanda Varma.

Major characters

Ettuveettil Pillai's

• Kudaman Pillai – One of the Ettuveettil Pillai's. He is the nephew of Subhadra's grandmother. He kills Subhadra and is later killed by Ananthapadmanabhan.
• Ramanamadathil Pillai – One of the Ettuveettil Pillais. He is depicted as someone who desires the company of Subhadra. He has a wife and a son, whom he visits only on the day of Thiruvonam.
• Kazhakkoottathu Pillai / Thevan Vikraman – One of the Ettuveettil Pillais. He intended to propose marriage to Parukutty, the daughter of Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai, who was his maternal uncle. He leads a force to defeat the fighters from Kilimanoor, who are under the command of Narayanayyan.
• Chembazhanthi Pillai / Thevan Nandi – One of Ettuveettil Pillai's.
• Marthandan Thirumadathil Pillai – One of Ettuveettil Pillai's.
• Venganoor Pillai – One of the Ettuveettil Pillais. He and his men defeat the forces from Mangoikkal, who are supporting Prince Marthanda Varma.
• Pallichal Pillai – One of Ettuveettil Pillai's.
• Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai (Deceased) – The late husband of Karthyayani Amma and father of Parukutty. He is the maternal uncle of Thevan Vikraman Kazhakkoottathu Pillai.

Parameswaran Pillai

Parameswaran Pillai is the attendant and a close companion of Prince Marthanda Varma. After Marthanda Varma ascends the throne, he is promoted to the position of the king's personal manager.

Raman Thambi

Shri Raman Thambi is the younger son of King Rama Varma. He commands the Marava forces from Nanjinadu.

Thirumukhathu Pillai

Thirumukhathu Pillai is a minister of the kingdom. He is the father of Subhadra and Ananthapadmanabhan.

Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai

Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai is a skilled archer who serves Thirumukhathu Pillai but aligns himself with the Ettuveettil Pillais.

Kizhakkeveedu

• Anantham – The maternal niece of Kalakkutty and the wife of Sundarayyan.
• Kodanki / Palavesam – The elder brother of Sundarayyan. He is killed by Ananthapadmanabhan.
• Kaalakutty Pillai – The maternal uncle of Anantham and a messenger of Prince Marthanda Varma.

Chembakasserry

• Karthyayani Amma / Karthyayani Pillai – The widowed wife of Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai. She is the mother of Parukutty and the younger sister of Chembakassery Mootha Pillai.
• Chembakasserry Mootha Pillai – The elder brother of Karthyayani Amma.
• Shanku Ashan – The caretaker of the armoury at Chembakassery. He was born to the previous armoury caretaker and a lady servant at Chembakassery.

Pathan camp

• Fathima – The elder daughter of Hakkim's younger brother and Ayisha. She is the sister of Zulaikha and Nuradeen. She marries Beeram Khan.
• Zulaikha – The younger daughter of Hakkim's younger brother and Ayisha. She is the sister of Fathima and Nuradeen. She cares for Ananthapadmanabhan, loving him in the guise of Shamsudeen.
• Nuradeen – The son of Hakkim's younger brother and Ayisha. He is the brother of Fathima and Zulaikha. He marries a beautiful woman.
• Azim Ud-Dowla Khan / Hakkim – A specialist in traditional medicine, he is the paternal uncle of Fathima, Nuradeen, and Zulaikha. His treatments cure Ananthapadmanabhan and he also provides medication for King Rama Varma and Parukutty.
• Usman Khan – The steward at Hakkim's camp, who raised him as a son from childhood.

Royal family

• Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma – The young prince. He is moved to Chembakassery along with his mother for protection.
• Unnamed Royal Mother – The mother of the young prince, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.
• Raja Rama Varma – The ailing king, father of Padmanabhan Thambi and Raman Thambi. Prince Marthanda Varma refers to him as his maternal uncle.

Royal officials

• Arumukham Pillai (Dalawa) – The prime minister of the kingdom. He travels to Boothapandi to make payment for the forces from Madurai. Unfortunately, he is forced to stay there as assurance for the balance payment.
• Ramayyan (Rayasakkaran) – A ministerial official who assists the prince during the search for Mangoikkal Kurup. He also manages to pacify the angry civilians who entered the palace grounds by presenting the ailing king in front of the crowd.
• Narayanayyan – A royal servant who leads the men sent from Kilimanoor in support of Marthanda Varma.

Supporters of royal family

• Kilimanoor Koithampuran (Deceased) – He is killed by the men of Ramanamadathil Pillai while defending against the conspiracy to kill the young prince, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.
• Kerala Varma Koithampuran – He arranges additional forces for Marthanda Varma under the leadership of Narayanayyan. He also guards the young prince, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, and his mother at Chembakassery.
• Aruveettukar – A powerful and wealthy family and their supporters who align with Thirumukhathu Pillai.

Mangoikkal family

• The maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup at Mangoikkal House are as follows:
  • Kochu Velu – The youngest of the maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup.
  • Krishna Kurup / Kittan – The eldest of the maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup.
  • Narayanan – One of the maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup.
  • Kumaran / Komaran – One of the maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup.
  • Kochu Kurup / Kochannan / Cheriya Kurup – One of the maternal nephews of Mangoikkal Kurup, who was sent to Padmanabhapuram. Upon his return, he becomes frantic after encountering men seemingly following Velu Kurup.
• Two of these nephews are instructed by Mangoikkal Kurup to make arrangements for the stay of Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai.
• Six of them, including Krishna Kurup and Narayanan, resist Velu Kurup and the attackers at Mangoikkal.
• Four of them, including Krishna Kurup, head to Thiruvananthapuram to lead the forces from Mangoikkal in support of Marthanda Varma.
• Kochakkachi – The maternal niece of Mangoikkal Kurup, who instructs Kochu Velu to arrange for the morning ablutions of Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai at Mangoikkal House.
• Unnamed Ladies – The other ladies of Mangoikkal House, besides Kochakkachi, who are sent away to avoid any nuisance while making arrangements to safeguard Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai.

Servants of Subhadra

• Unnamed Men – Five Nair servants who accompany Subhadra to Chembakassery.
• Unnamed Women – Four Nair servants who accompany Subhadra to Chembakassery.
• Shankarachar – The main Nair servant of Subhadra. He is killed while trying to save Marthanda Varma from Velu Kurup.
• Unnamed Servant – The Nair friend of Shankarachar, who brings twelve servants, as ordered by Subhadra, to the house of Shankarachar.
• Twelve Servants – The Nair servants brought by Shankarachar's friend.
  • Pappu – A servant of Subhadra. He is sent to Padmanabhan Thambi's house to convey the false news about her death. He is also sent to Sree Pandarathu House to inquire about Mad Channan from the guards there and to Subhadra's house to keep watch on her movements.
  • Ten Servants – Servants who steal particulars from the house of Anantham. Two of them search for Shankarachar on the night he is killed. One is stationed at Valiya Nalukettu, and another at Chembakassery to monitor the movements.
  • Unnamed Servant – The servant who brings medicine for Parukutty from the Pathan camp and reveals information about Beeram Khan.
• Five Servants – Servants who resemble porters and are brought by Subhadra to accompany Marthanda Varma, Parameswaran Pillai, and Ramayyan, disguised as menials.

Other characters

• Unnamed Eldest Lad – The person who brings Hakkim's message note to the palace and delivers it to Parameswaran Pillai.

Family of Thirumukhathu Pillai

• Unnamed Mother (Deceased) – The mother of Subhadra from her relationship with Thirumukhathu Pillai. She is the maternal niece of Kudamon Pillai.
• Unnamed Sister (Deceased) – The daughter of Thirumukhathu Pillai and the younger sister of Ananthapadmanabhan. Padmanabhan Thambi wanted to marry her, which Ananthapadmanabhan opposed, as he was against the proposal.
• Unnamed Mother / Thirumukhathe Akkan – The mother of Ananthapadmanabhan and the spouse of Thirumukhathu Pillai.

Channars

• Channars of Palm-plant – The Channar people at the palm-tree plantation, where Prince Marthanda Varma enquires about any nearby Nair households while escaping from Charottu Palace.
• Channars (50 men) – The group of 50 Channar people who are killed by Thambi's men, as per his order to capture the mad Channan.
• Channars – People from the Channar clan who assemble after the slaughter of 50 Channars by Thambi's men. Mad Channan persuades them to aid him in defending Mangoikkal House.
  • Ozhukkan – One of the Channars.
  • Koppilan – One of the Channars.
  • Podiyan – One of the Channars.
  • Nandan – One of the Channars.
  • Rakithan – One of the Channars.
  • Suppiramaniyan – One of the Channars.
  • Ponnan – One of the Channars.
  • Poothathan – One of the Channars.

Paramours of Padmanabhan Thambi

• Unnamed Female-Deposer – A prostitute who gives a false statement against Prince Marthanda Varma regarding the murder of Ananthapadmanabhan, as conspired by Sundarayyan and Padmanabhan Thambi, for whom she serves as a soubrette.
• Sivakami – Paramour of Padmanabhan Thambi.
• Woman of Ezhamkudi – Mistress of Padmanabhan Thambi.
• Kamalam – Paramour of Padmanabhan Thambi.

Aiders of Padmanabhan Thambi

• Lancers of Velu Kurup – A group of 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace. Two of them are killed by arrows shot by Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai.
  • Kutti Pillai – One of the 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace.
  • Pappanachar – One of the 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace.
  • Chatayan Pillai – One of the 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace.
  • Ooli Nair – One of the 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace.
  • Parappan Nair – One of the 14 lancers led by Velu Kurup to Charottu palace.
• Unnamed (Vicharippukaran) – The manager of Padmanabhan Thambi at Padmanabhapuram palace.
• Unnamed Servants – Servants of Padmanabhan Thambi at Padmanabhapuram palace.
• Unnamed Servant – The servant who informs about the theft that occurred at the house of Sundarayyan's wife, Anantham.
• Unnamed Fighters – The lancers who disguised themselves as Mangoikkal men and tried to attack Thirumukhathu Pillai.
• Unnamed Guards – Royal lancers supporting Padmanabhan Thambi, deployed at Chembakassery under Chembakassery Mootha Pillai. They are later recalled to Padmanabhan Thambi’s palace following an order from Valiya Sarwadhikaryakkar.
• Unnamed (Pattakkar) – The messengers in Pathan outfits who accompany Padmanabhan Thambi at Thiruvananthapuram.
• Unnamed Accomplices – The accomplices in domestic outfits who accompany Padmanabhan Thambi at Thiruvananthapuram.
• Unnamed Householders – The householders who convene at the house of Padmanabhan Thambi for the meeting on the night Shankarachar is killed.
• Unnamed Landlords – The landlords who convene at the house of Padmanabhan Thambi for the meeting on the night Shankarachar is killed.
• Unnamed (Pattakkaran) – The person who informs Padmanabhan Thambi about the arrival of Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai at Valiya Nalukettu.
• Unnamed (Pattakkaran) – The one who informs Padmanabhan Thambi about the demise of King Rama Varma.
• Unnamed Servants – The servants who provide foot massage and air wafting to Padmanabhan Thambi at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Unnamed Guards – The fighters who serve as guards at Padmanabhan Thambi’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Lancers and Nairs (200 men) – A group of 200 lancers and Nairs led by Velu Kurup in search of Marthanda Varma, who later attacks Mangoikkal house. This group includes the remaining 12 lancers of Velu Kurup.
  • A group of 150 men is deployed at nearby locations of Mangoikkal house by Velu Kurup and later led to Mangoikkal.
  • A group of 20 men is led along the main path to Mangoikkal.
• Lancers and Nairs (150 men) – A group of 150 lancers and Nairs sent by Padmanabhan Thambi to aid Velu Kurup in the attack on Mangoikkal.
  • One of the lancers returns to inform Padmanabhan Thambi about the defeat at Mangoikkal.
• Nanjinadu Fighters – A group of 500 fighters, including Marava people from Nanjinadu, led by Raman Thambi.

Aiders of Ettuveettil Pillais

• Servants of Ettuveettil Pillais – The servants of Ettuveettil Pillais who create a mutiny at the palace gate.
• Unnamed Servant of Kudamon Pillai – The servant who arranges the particulars for the oath-taking at the council by Ettuveettil Pillais.
• Unnamed Servants – The servants of Kazhakkoottathu Pillai who trick Mangoikkal Kurup and later detain him.
• Guards of Kazhakkoottathu Pillai – Guards at Sree Pandarathu house. Ananthapadmanabhan, disguised as mad Channan, drugs them to acquire the keys to the dungeon in order to rescue Mangoikkal Kurup.

Men of Mangoikkal

• Unnamed Parayan – A Parayan lad who gets caught by Velu Kurup, who realizes about Marthanda Varma at Mangoikkal from him.
• Servant of Mangoikkal Kurup – The one who rushes out to Mangoikkal martial arts school on the news about the march of attackers led by Velu Kurup.
• Servants of Mangoikkal – Four servants of Mangoikkal summoned on the arrival of disguised prince Marthanda Varma and Parameswaran Pillai.
• Nairs of Mangoikkal – Eight Nairs of Mangoikkal who aid in providing defence against the attack by Velu Kurup and his men at Mangoikkal.
• Parayar Guards – The guards of Parayar clan at Mangoikkal house.
• Men from Mangoikkal Kalari – The fighters of 200 numbers from the martial arts school of Mangoikkal. They defeat the men of Velu Kurup.
• Fighters of Mangoikkal – Fighters of 300 numbers led by nephews of Mangoikkal, but are defeated by Venganoor Pillai and his men.
  • More than 100 fighters from the above are escaped with nephews and re-enter the capital and camp at Manakkadu.
• Unnamed Servant – The servant who accompanies Mangoikkal Kurup to Thiruvananthapuram.

Pathan people

• Ayisha (Deceased) – Mother of Fathima, Nuradeen and Zulaikha.
• Unnamed Brother (Deceased) – Hakkim's younger brother and father of Fathima, Nuradeen and Zulaikha.
• The Pathan merchants and their team encamped at Thiruvananthapuram
  • Unnamed Pathan Merchants – The lead Pathan merchants, who earlier halted at Thiruvithamkodu and are now encamped at Manakkadu, other than the Hakkim and team.
  • Servants of Hakkim – The Pathan servants and fighters who serve under Hakkim
    • Two Servants – Two servants who carry away the wounded Ananthapadmanabhan from Panchavan forest as directed by Hakkim.
    • Pathan Fighters – The fighters who are deployed as guards to the stall of merchandise.
      • Twenty of them are led to defend Raman Thambi's men by Shansudeen and Beeram Khan.

Aiders at Chembakassery

• Unnamed (Pattakkar) – Messengers to whom Chembakassery Mootha Pillai entrusts duties on the day before the arrival of Padmanabhan Thambi.
• Servants at Chembakassery
  • Unnamed Servant of Parukutty – The lady attendant who provides the book and other particulars to Parukutty.
  • Unnamed (Adichuthelikkari) – The lady cleaner on whom Karthyayani Amma prevails persistently to make the surroundings clean.
  • Unnamed Lady Servant – The one who is entrusted to clean the lamps.
  • Tailors / Weavers – The skilled workers who arrange necessary bed sheets and curtains
  • Kitchen Staff – The cooks and assistants to whom Karthyayani Amma insists to cut more vegetables for the preparation of dishes.
• Unnamed (Vaidyanmar) – Traditional medicine practitioners who come to Chembakasery to provide medication to Parukutty's illness.

Members of Palace at Thiruvananthapuram

• Unnamed (Valiya Sawadhikaryakkar) – The chief minister of the kingdom who orders the recall of palace guards at Chembakassery.
• Unnamed Sarwadhi (Sawadhikaryakkar) – A district officer under Valiya Sawadhikaryakkar. He suspects about the actions of prince Marthanda Varma at the night in which Shankarachar and Velu Kurup are dead.
• Unnamed (Vaidyanmar) – Traditional medicine practitioners who provide medication for king Rama Varma's illness. One of them is arranged to go to Chemabakassery, as ordered by the prince, Marthanda Varma.
• Unnamed Scholars – The qualified people including priests, clergies, magicians who do their respective occult practices for extending the lifetime of king Rama Varma.
• Unnamed Cowards – The people who became courageous to talk about the pros and cons of rule of king Rama Varma
• Unnamed Special Servants – The special servants of king Rama Varma; they are honest in disclosing the pros and cons of rule of king Rama Varma.
• Unnamed Servants – King Rama Varma's servants, whose faces are languid due to the increasing illness of the king.
• Unnamed Disciples – The happy disciples of prince Marthanda Varma as the accession of their master is nearing.
• Unnamed Ministers – The ministers, who request monetary aid from the aristocratic residents.
• Unnamed Emissary – The emissary deputed by prince Marthanda Varma to Kilimanoor palace.
• Unnamed (Thirumulpadanmar) – The Thirumulpad Nair assistants who lead prince Marthanda Varma, while moving inside the palace.
• Unnamed Messengers – The messengers who are entrusted to inform the middle lords about the illness of king.
• Unnamed Accomplices – The accomplices of prince Marthanda Varma at Thekkekoyikkal. Two among them run to his aid during the final moments of Shankarachar.
• Unnamed Chamberlains – The chamberlains at palace, where they are found by Kudamon Pillai, Thambi duo and their men, while searching for Marthanda Varma.

Forces on the side of Marthanda Varma

• Unnamed Men (500 Nos) – The supporters of Thirumukhathu Pillai and Aruveettukar, whom they followed to provide support to the prince, Marthanda Varma.
• Fighters from Kilimanoor – The fighters led by Naranayyan and later defeated by Kazhakkoottathu Pillai and his men.
• Madura Forces – The mercenaries from Madurai camped at Boothapandi, where they detain Dalawa Arumukham Pillai, due to incomplete payment of their arrears.

General People

• Group of Civilians – The group of people who rush into the fort and are confronted by the king Rama Varma to disperse. Eight of them are dispersed only when king Rama Varma signaled them to do so.
• Unnamed Lords – The lords who visit Padmanabhan Thambi at his house in Thiruvananthapuram, to get favors from Thambi for their ventures.
• Unnamed Civilians – The people who secure their money and valuables in hidden places.
• Unnamed Residents – The residents who wish to see the end of fights and mutiny with the accession of Marthanda Varma to the throne.
• Unnamed People – The people who refrain from paying the taxes, as they believe that a change in the heir lineage is going to happen.
• Unnamed Residents – The aristocratic residents who are reluctant to provide monetary assistance to the ministers, due to the fear about the wrath of enemies of prince Marthanda Varma.
• Unnamed Women – The women who are at their respective houses and blame the prince, Marthanda Varma.
• People of Northern Provinces – The people, who aligns on the side of Ettuveettil Pillais at Chiriyankeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram, Neyyattinkara.
• People of Central Provinces – The people who are reluctant to support royal houses by providing in counter offence at Iraniyal, Kalkulam, Vilavancode.
• Unnamed Brahmins – Aged Brahmin people who are expecting favors from royal palace.
• Unnamed Nairs – Nair people who collect and store sandalwood pieces and clarified butter in stalls near to the palace.
• Unnamed Women – Matresfamilias who store enough vegetables.
• Unnamed Children – Children who are worried about losing Vishu and Onam for the next year.
• Unnamed People – The miserly people who are happy due to the probable savings going to happen with non-celebration of Vishu and Onam.
• Unnamed People – People who greet Padmanabhan Thambi, while passing by the Padmanabhapuram palace.
• Unnamed Lady – The lady, who passes by the Padmanabhapuram palace, from where Padmanabhan Thambi fantasizes that she peeks at him flirtatiously.
• Unnamed People – People who bring bunches of plantain banana to Chembakassery.

Others

• Unnamed (House-holder) – A Nair relative of Kudamon Pillai and maternal uncle of Beeram Khan.
• Unnamed (Kottaram Vicharippukaran) – The palace manager of Charottu Palace, he works from his home.
• Unnamed Lady – The beautiful lady who marries Nuradeen.
• Unnamed Mother (Deceased) – Mother of Padmanabhan Thambi and spouse of King Rama Varma.
• Unnamed (Anjanakkaran) – A clairvoyant who affirms to Thirumukhathu Pillai about the murder of Ananthapadmanabhan by the prince Marthanda Varma through paranormal retrocognition.
• Unnamed Beauties – The court-mistresses that Sundarayyan suggests bringing from Thanjavur for Padmanabhan Thambi.
• Unnamed Lords – The middle lords, who are related to royal family.
• Unnamed Wife – The wife of Ramanamadathil Pillai, who visits her on the day of Thiruvonam.
• Unnamed Son – The son of Ramanamadathil Pillai, who visits him on the day of Thiruvonam.
• Unnamed Accomplices – Accomplices of king Marthanda Varma at Nagercoil palace, where Padmanabhan Thambi gets killed by them in a precognitive narration.
• Unnamed Man – The fiancé of Anantham prior to her relation with Sundarayyan, who tricks the former to move away.
• Unnamed (Assan) – The master who taught Mathematics to Parukutty.
• Unnamed (Pisharody) – The one who taught lyrics to Parukutty.
• Unnamed (Shasthri) – A Brahmin from a village near Madurai who becomes the father of Sundarayyan and Kodanki from the relationship with a Marava lady.
• Unnamed Marava Lady – Mother of Sundarayyan and Kodanki in a relation with a Brahmin from a village near Madurai.
• Unnamed Wife – The wife of Valiya Sawadhikaryakkar, she is in bed rest post the parturition.
• Unnamed Niece – The niece of Valiya Sawadhikaryakkar, she is in a state of ill health.
• Unnamed Daughter – The daughter of Valiya Sawadhikaryakkar, she is pregnant.
• Unnamed Families – The families who were converted to Islam during the conquest of Mughols in Travancore.
• Unnamed Relatives – The relatives who visit Chembakassery on hearing about the illness of Parukkutty.
• Unnamed Friends – The family friends, who visit Chembakassery on hearing about the illness of Parukkutty.
• Unnamed Father (Deceased) – The former care taker of armory at Chembakassery and the late father of Shanku Assan. He wrote the astrological notes on Parukutty, after her birth.
• Unnamed Mother (Deceased) – The former servant at Chembakassery and the late mother of Shanku Assan.
• Unnamed (Ayanmar) – The masters to whom the horoscope of Parukutty was shown for the possibility of any alternative to the natal astrological note written by the father of Shanku Assan.
• Ahor Namboothirippadu – The Akavoor Namboothiri about whom Velu Kurup mentions as the one who evoked protection to his armor shield by chanting of seventy million Dhanwantharam.
• Unnamed Shasthris – The Shasthri Brahmins of Kancheepuram. Hakkim with his excellence in treatment is considered as an incarnation of Vagbhata by them.
• Arcot Nawab – The Nawab of Arcot who presents Hakkim with wealth and awards.

People of Nanjinadu

• Unnamed People of Nanjinadu – The residents of Nanjinadu; who follow the Mudaliyar lords.
• Mudaliyar Lords
  • Cherakonar – A Mudaliyar lord in Nanjinadu who sides with Padmanabhan Thambi.
  • Mailavanar – A Mudaliyar lord in Nanjinadu who sides with Padmanabhan Thambi.
  • Vanikaraman – A Mudaliyar lord in Nanjinadu who sides with Padmanabhan Thambi.

Character relations

Character relationships
Legend descent adoption spouse relation CA CB CA loves CB, Unrequited spouse relation, separated successful love UW Unnamed Woman UM Unnamed Man UHH Unnamed House-holder UL Unnamed Lady UN Unnamed Nair Family / Clan Name Matrilineal family Family / Clan Name Patrilineal family Family / Clan Name Family of lineage unknown Family / Clan Name Family of Collateral descent Character Character gets killed during the time-line of novel, Marthandavarma Character Active character during the timeline of novel, Marthandavarma Character Character obtains natural death during the time-line of novel, Marthandavarma       Paṭhān Nair Kudamon Thirumukham Unspecified Chembakassery Kazhakoottam UW UW Hakim UHH UW UW Kudamon Pilla UW Thirumukhathu Pilla UW UM Ayisha Chembakassery Mootha Pilla Karthyayani Amma Ugran Kazhakoottathu Pilla UN / Beeram Khan Subhadra UW Fathima UL Zulaikha Ananthapadmanabhan Parukutty Thevan Vikraman Kazhakoottathu Pilla Nuradeen UL Unspecified Kizhakkeveedu Shasthri Marava Kalakkutty Pilla UW Shasthri of Madurai UW UM Anantham Sundarayyan Kodanki Mangoikkal Unnamed Ladies Mangoikkal Kuruppu Krishna Kuruppu Narayanan Kochakkachi Kochannan Komaran Kochu Velu Ramana Madam Ramana Madathil Pilla UW Son Unspecified Unspecified UM UW Shanku Assan Kilimanoor royal house Kilimanoor Kerala Varma Udaya Varma Koyi Thampuran Kerala Varma Koyi Thampuran Venadu royal family UW UW Rama Varma UW Marthanda Varma Padmanabhan Thambi Raman Thambi Little prince
Lineage-graph-notes

Allusions to personalities in legends, history and real life

Marthanda Varma

Marthanda Varma

Further information: Marthanda Varma

Marthanda Varma, who is distinctively known as Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, ascended to the throne of Venad in 1729, and thereafter expanded the kingdom to form the state of Travancore. At the age of one, he lost his parents among whom, his father was a Kilimanoor Koithampuran who, died of severe fever and his mother was adapted to Venad royal family during the period of Umayamma Rani from Kolathunadu. The novel does not give any explicit references to the hereditary roots of Marthanda Varma. In the novel, he refers king Rama Varma as his maternal uncle and refers Kilimanoor Koithampuran, who sacrificed his life for saving the little prince Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma from the plans of Ramanamadathil Pillai, as elder brother.

Thambi Duo

Thambi duo or Thambimar or Thambi brothers refers to the two sons of king Rama Varma. In the royal edicts, Mathilakam Records, the sons of king Rama Varma are mentioned as Kunchu Thambi and Ilaya Thambi for elder and younger brothers respectively; also mentioned that, they had a paterfamilias named Kumara Pillai. P. Shangoony Menon stated their names as Papu Thambi and Raman Thambi in the History of Travancore from the Earliest Times, whereas in The Sketch of Progress of Travancore, Dewan Nanoo Pillai stated that they were commonly known as Coonju Thambimar and their names are Pulpu Thumbi and Raman Thambi. In the folk songs and ballads the elder one is mentioned as Valiya Thambi and younger one is Kunju Thambi, and also mentions that their mother's name as Abhirami or Kittanathalamma and they have a younger sister named Kochumani Thanka or Kochu Madamma. In the novel the elder brother is Pappu Thambi alias Padmanabhan Thambi, whereas the younger brother is Raman Thambi. In the biography of author, C. V. Raman Pillai, it is mentioned that the caretaker of the author in his childhood, Kesavan Thambi Karyakkar had two sons named Padmanabhan Thambi and Raman Thambi, with whom author had grown up. The novel mentions about Padmanabhan Thambi's mother as deceased during the timeline of the novel and did not link her to Raman Thambi, about whom Padmanabhan Thambi raises the concern of being upset, if he is to claim the throne through lineal descent system implying that Raman Thambi is equally eligible like him for the throne as possibly born to a different mother.

Ananthan / Ananthapadmanabhan

Ananthapadmanabhan

Ananthapadmanabhan was a warrior and expert in martial arts who played a pivotal role in defending the plans of conspirators against Marthanda Varma. According to Prof. N. Krishna Pillai and Prof. Anandakkuttan Nair, Ananthapadmanabhan served in the Travancore forces somewhere after Kollavarsham 904 (Gregorian Calendar: 1729) and he was awarded with royal properties in Kollavarsham 920 (1745), where as according to Dr. A. P. Ibrahim Kunju the award happened in 1748. He was born as Ananthan Perumal to Thanumalaya Perumal and Lakshmi Devi in Sanror clan, and was affectionately addressed as Padmanabhan by his maternal uncle. In the novel, the author did not affirm the caste of Ananthapadmanabhan, by not providing any details of his mother and he is not been referred as a Pillai or Nair throughout the novel, even though he is described as the son of Thirumukhathu Pillai. The name of character's love interest in the novel, Parukkutty alias Parvathi Amma is in reminiscence of the name of real life of spouse of Ananthan, Parvathi Ammal. The character is being referred as Ananthapadmanabha Pillai in the ballads about Thambi brothers and referred as Ananthan in other ballads such as Aṉantan Pāṭṭŭ and Ōṭṭan Katai. In the novel, alter ego of the character named Shamsudeen dwells with the Pathans at Manacaud. The author of the novel, C. V. Raman Pillai happened to go for an expedition to Hyderabad following a heatbreak due to unfulfilled love. In Hyderabad, the author was staying with some Muslim people and was suggested to marry a Muslim lady after getting converted to Islam. The characterization of Shamsudeen is in resemblance with the experiences of the author.

Rama Varma

Further information: Rama Varma

Rama Varma was the ruler of Venad during Kollavarsham 899-903. He is a descendant of Kolathunadu kingdom, from where he was adopted to Travancore royal family during the period of Umayamma Rani. He was adopted along with Unni Kerala Varma and other two ladies, among whom one became the mother of Marthanda Varma. P. Shangoony Menon and V. Nagam Aiya state that the four members were provided from Kolathunadu to Travancore family on the request of Umayamma Rani. T. K. Velu Pillai states that they were adopted by Ravi Varma in Kollavarsham 863. Rama Varma is the father of Thambimar and he succeeded his brother and ascend to the throne of Venad in Kollavarsham 899. According to T. K. Velu Pillai, Rama Varma was a weak ruler and his reign led to the disorganization of political life in Travancore. He died due to short illness in 1729. In the novel he is presented as bedridden due to illness and dies during the story.

Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma

Dharmaraja

Further information: Dharma Raja

Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma also known as Dharmaraja ascend to the throne of Travancore in Kollavarsham 933 succeeding Marthanda Varma. He was born in Kollavarsham 899 as the son of a Kilimanoor Thampuran and Attingal Queen, who was adopted as a princess to Travancore royal family from Kolathunadu during the period of Ravi Varma. The novel presents only in his childhood age.

Queen of Attingal

Senior Queen of Attingal, who was the mother of Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma. She was adopted to Travancore royal family from Kolathunadu kingdom in Kollavarsham 893 during the period of king Ravi Varma. She gave birth to Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma from the alliance with a lord of Kilmanoor in Kollavarsham 899. In the novel, she is being referred as an unnamed royal mother only along with her son, Rama Varma.

Kilimanoor Thampurans

Further information: Kilimanoor and Travancore royal houses

Kilimanoor Thampurans are the lords of Kilimanoor house, which is situated north to the Thriruvananthapuram. According to V. Nagam Aiya, the house of Kilimanoor has been loyally and honorably connected with Travancore royal family, as the male members of family are chosen for alliance with the queens of Travancore. In the novel two lords of Kilimanoor are mentioned; one referred as Kilimanoor Kerala Varma and another as Kilimanoor Koithampuran among whom, former is the one who sacrifices his life in defending against the plans to endanger the little prince Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma and the mother, whereas the latter one guards the little prince and mother during the attempt to coup d'état by Thambi brothers and Ettuveettil Pillai's at Thiruvananthapuram.

Relationships of royal personalities

Royal lineage
Legend descent adoption spouse relation UW Unnamed Woman UM Unnamed Man PM Unnamed Prince PW Unnamed Princess UL Unnamed Lord Family / clan Name Matrilineal family Family / clan Name Patrilineal family Family / clan Name Family of lineage unknown Family / clan Name Family of Collateral descent Person / Name Only mentioned in legends and ballads Person / Name Ascended to the throne Venadu-Travancore royal family UW Umayamma Rani Kingdom of Kottayam Ravi Varma (1678-1718) Kolathunadu royal house Kottayam Kerala Varma Aditya Varma Pillai Unni Kerala Varma (1718-1724) PW Kilimanoor royal house Kumara Pilla UW Rama Varma (1724-1729) Madathumkur royal house PW UL Rāman Aathichan Thanka PM Marthanda Varma Kilimanoor Kerala Varma PW Ravi Varma Rama Varma
Lineage-graph-notes:

Ettuveettil Pillais / Ettuveetil Pillamar

Further information: Ettuveetil Pillamar

Ettuveetil Pillais

Ettuveettil Pillais or Ettuveettil Pillamar refers to the chiefs of eight noble Nair families in the yesteryear Venad (Travancore). They were one of the main groups who conspired against the accession of Marthanda Varma. In the royal edicts, one of the Ettuveetiil Pillais mentioned in the novel, Kudamon Pillai is referred to in one of the groups of conspirators prevailed against Marthanda Varma. According to Dr. P. Venugopalan, Ettuveettil Pillais mentioned in the novel are based on the verses from Sree Veera Marthandavarmacharitham Aattakatha, which was published during 1883–1884 by P. Govinda Pillai. In the novel except for Thirumadathil Pillai, all other titles of Ettuveettil Pillais are in reminiscence of the references made in the verses, an extract from which is also given as an epigraph to the eleventh chapter of the novel. P. Shangoony Menon stated the eight titles of Ettuveettil Pillais. V. Nagam Aiya states that their titles are the names of the villages they headed and not their family names. According to P. Shangunny Menon, Madambies or Madampimar, the petty chiefs who were confederates of Ettuveettil Pillais, by whom the former group were influenced to become a powerful combination with the latter group. In the Malayalam translation of History of Travancore from the Earliest Times, C. K. Kareem claims that Ettuveettil Pillais were gradually grown as Madambies, even though it conflicts with the source material. Dewan Nanoo Pillai refers that Madampimars and Ettuveettil Pillais were the hereditary enemies of Marthanda Varma. T. K. Velu Pillai claims that Ettuveettil Pillais are mistaken for the Madathil Pillais, who were entrusted to manage the properties of six madams or areas; and that the chiefs or leaders were Ettuveettil Madambimar and not Ettuveettil Pillamar. He also claims that Kulathur Pillai and Kazhakkoottathu Pillai were mentioned as Pillais of six houses including the name of a Tamilian in the royal edicts, even though there are no such explicit informations in the referred royal edicts, Mathilakam Records – M. Doc. CXXX. Dr. Ibrahim Kunju cites the references of conspiracy by Pillais in Letters to Tellicherry, the British records. In the novel, Ettuveettil Pillais play as main supporters of Padmanabhan Thambi by framing and executing lethal plans against Marthanda Varma, and one of the Pillais, Kudamon Pillai is killed by Ananthapadmanabhan.

Arukkoottathil Pillais

Arukkoottathil Pillais or Arukoottathil Pillamar refer to members of wealthy noble Nair families prevailed in the yesteryear Travancore. In the royal edicts, it is mentioned that, a set of six members of them are found among the conspirators during the period of Marthanda Varma. In the novel, they are presented as a Thambi clan, Aruveettukar, who stood along with Thirumukhathu Pillai.

Ramayyan

Ramayyan

Further information: Ramayyan Dalawa

Ramayyan or Rama Iyen, better known as Ramayyan Dalawa was the prime minister of Travancore during Kollavarsham 912-931, the period in which the most successful conquests under Marthanda Varma were accomplished. He joined the Travancore ministerial service as a Kuṭṭi Paṭṭar (minor Brahmin assistant), later got promoted as under secretary (Rayasom) and then state secretary following the accession of Marthanda Varma, who made him Dalawa after the demise of Thanu Pillai. In the novel, he is presented as a supporter and adviser to Marthanda Varma, whom he accompanies during the final coup by Thambi brothers. It is also mentioned in the novel that Ramayyan was promoted for Rayasom work by king Rama Varma.

Narayanayyan

Narayanayyan or Naraayana Iyen was the assistant of Ramayyan, while the latter was state secretary. He assisted Ramanyyan in the deputation to explain and convince Azhagappa Mudaliyar regarding the accession tradition and respective stratum prevailed in Travancore. In the novel he is presented as a royal servant under whom, the forces from Kilimanooor are arranged in support to Marthanda Varma.

Arumukham Pillai

Arumukham Pillai was the acting Dalawa of Venad during Kollavarsham 901-903, and became Dalawa after the accession of Marthanda Varma, to continue in his post till 909. He was once detained by mercenary forces from Madurai due to incomplete payment of their arrears against their service as additional forces to Travancore. The novel presents only his detention by Madurai forces at Boothapandi.

Mangottu Assan

Mangottu Assan is the head of a family at Mancode and one of the masters of 108 Kalaries (martial arts schools) prevailed in Venad. In the ballad Ōṭṭan Katai, it is mentioned that his house was burned down by Kunchukkoottam (men of Kunchu Thambi). In the novel, he is presented as Mangoikkal Kuruppu whose house is burned down by the men of Padmanabhan Thambi, as Marthanda Varma took shelter there.

Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar and Sarwadhi Karyakkar

Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar is the title for administrative head of Travancore and Sarwadhi Karyakkar is the title for a district officer under Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar. During the period of king Rama Varma, Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar was under the direct orders of king. In the novel, Valiya Sarwadhi Karyakkar is mentioned to have a wife who is on rest, post the delivery of a newborn, a daughter who is pregnant for ten months, and a niece who is ill. Sarwadhi Karyakkar in the novel is one of those people, who suspects about the actions of Marthanda Varma during the night in which, Shankarachar is killed.

Chadachi Marthandan

According to Dr. P. Venugopalan, Chadachi Marthandan is mentioned in the legends as the one who becomes the supporter of Marthanda Varma, even though earlier he was with the conspirators. Dr. N. Ajithkumar notes the references in the legends that the house of Chadachi Marthandan was located at Chulliyur. In the novel he is presented as Chulliyil Chadachi Marthandan Pillai, who is a servant of Thirumukhathu Pillai and later take sides with the Ettuveettil Pillais.

Madurai Forces

Madurai forces are the mercenaries sent to Travancore as per the agreement of king Rama Varma and Madurai Nayaks of Thiruchirapalli in Kollavarsham 901. T. K. Velu Pillai argues that, there could not be any such agreement, but agrees with detention of Arumukham Pillai by the mercenaries. In the novel they are presented as camped at Boothapandi, where Dalawa Arumukham Pillai is kept under detention.

Subardra, one of the pivotal characters of the novel is based on the character of author's wife, Bhageerithi Amma. The character of Thirumukhathu Pillai is based on the caretaker and patron of the author, Nangoikkal Kesavan Thambi, who was a Karyakkar (Administrative head of a Taluk) in Travancore. In the novel, there is reference to an Arcot Nawab, who gifted Hakkim for the latter's medical excellence. There is also reference to a namboothiripad of Akavoor family, and presented as famous for sorcery meant for protective measures against bad luck and danger. There is also a reference to an unnamed Sultan of Turkey, with whom the character of Ugran Kazhakkoottathu Pillai is being compared with. There is a reference to the look of members of Tiruvallā Pōṯimār (Brahmins of ten houses at Thiruvalla); with which the attire of prince Marthanda Varma at Charottu palace is being compared with.

Characters recurring in sequels

The characters of Marthandavarma novel, Ananthapadmanabhan , Kochuvelu, Ilaya Tampuran, and Ramanamathil Pillai's unnamed son, continue to be characters in Dharmaraja novel as Valiyapadathalavan, Karthika Tirunnal Ramavarma or the title character, and Chanthrakaran respectively. In the sequel to the Dharmaraja novel, Ramarajabahadur, Chanthrakaran and Karthika Thirunnal Ramavarma continue as Manikyagaundan and the title character respectively.

Complex relationships of characters

Character relationships
Legend descent adoption spouse relation CA CB CA loves CB, Unrequited spouse relation, separated successful love UW Unnamed Woman UM Unnamed Man UHH Unnamed House-holder UL Unnamed Lady UN Unnamed Nair Family / Clan Name Matrilineal family Family / Clan Name Patrilineal family Family / Clan Name Family of lineage unknown Family / Clan Name Family of Collateral descent Character Character gets killed during the time-line of novel, Marthandavarma Character Character gets killed during the time-line of novel, Dharmaraja Character Active character during the timeline of novel, Marthandavarma Character Active character during the timeline of novel, Dharmaraja Character Character obtains natural death during the time-line of novel, Marthandavarma Character Character obtains natural death during the time-line of novel, Dharmaraja Character Character appears in novels, Marthandavarma, Dharmaraja, and Ramarajabahadur Character Character gets killed during the time-line of novel, Ramarajabahadur Character Character appears only in the novels, Marthandavarma, and Dharmaraja Character Active character during the timeline of novel, Ramarajabahadur Character Character appears only in the novels, Dharmaraja, and Ramarajabahadur Character Character obtains natural death during the time-line of novel, Ramarajabahadur Paṭhān Nair Kudamon Thirumukham Unspecified Chembakassery Kazhakoottam UW UW Hākiṁ UHH UW UW Kuṭamaṇ Piḷḷa UW Tirumukhattu Piḷḷa UW UM Āyiṣa Cempakaśśēri Mūtta Piḷḷa Kāṟttyāyani Amma Ugran Kaḻakūṭṭattu Piḷḷa UN / Bīṟāṁkhān Subhadra UW Fāttima UL Zulaikha Aṉantapadmanābhan Pāṟukkuṭṭi Tēvan Vikṟaman Nuṟaḍīn UL Tripura Sundari Kuññamma Kuṭṭikōntiśśan Unspecified Kiḻakkēvīdŭ Śāstri Maṟava Son Unspecified Unspecified Kālakkuṭṭi Piḷḷa UW Śāstri of Madurai UW Sāvitri Haripañcāṉan Śāntan UM UW UM Āṉantaṁ Sundrayyan Kōṭānki Chilambinazhiyam Ramanamadam Śanku Āśān Mangoikkal UW Rāmaṉāmaṭhattil Piḷḷa Unnamed Ladies Mānkoikkal Kuṟuppŭ Nanthiyam Pilla Kr̥ṣṇakuṟuppŭ Nārāyaṇan Koccakkacci Koccaṇṇan Komaran Koccuvēlu Koccammiṇi Rāghavan Uṇṇittān UW Devicode Mangavu Naganthali Ummiṇi Piḷḷa UW UM UW UW UW Cantṟakkāran UW Kuñcumāyiṯi Piḷḷā/ Paṟapāṇṭa/ Periñcakkōṭan Mādhavi Nārayaṇan Nampūtirippāṭŭ Lakṣmi Koccŭ Irayimman Tampi Mādhavanāykkan Naṅṅaya Antaṟjaṉaṁ / Lakṣmi Mīṉākṣi Kēśavan Kuññŭ Unspecified Unspecified Kumāran Tampi Kuppaśśāṟ UW Kēśava Piḷḷa Kallaṟaykkal Piḷḷa Dēvaki Trivikṟaman Sāvitri Son Bhairavan Kiḷimānoor family Venadu Royal Kiḷimānūṟ Keraḷa Vaṟma UW UW Rāma Vaṟmma Udayavaṟma Koyittampurān UW Maṟttāṇḍa Vaṟmma Padmaṉabhan Tampi Rāman Tampi Keraḷavaṟma Koyittampurān Kāṟttika Tirunāḷ Rāma Vaṟmma
Lineage-graph-notes

Bibliography

Further information: List of works related to Marthandavarma (novel)

• Aiya, V. Nagam (1999) [1906]. The Travancore State Manual. Vol. I. Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Gazetteers Department, Govt. of Kerala.
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• Pillai, C.V. Raman (1991) [1891]. Māṟttāṇḍavaṟmma മാർത്താണ്ഡവർമ്മ [Marthandavarma] (in Malayalam). Kottayam: Sahitya Pravarthaka Co-operative Society Ltd.
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• Pillai, C. V. Raman (2016) [1891]. Māṟttāṇḍavaṟmma മാർത്താണ്ഡവർമ്മ [Marthandavarma] (Kindle ed.).

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• Shobhanan, Dr. B. (2011). A Note on Ananthapadmanabhan.
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