Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman
| Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman | |
|---|---|
| Raja of Pudukkottai | |
Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman in 1921
|
|
| Reign | 15 April 1886 - 28 May 1928 |
| Predecessor | Ramachandra Tondaiman |
| Successor | Rajagopala Tondaiman |
| Diwans |
A. Seshayya Sastri, S. Venkataramadas Nayudu, Raghunatha Pallavarayar |
| Born |
November 26, 1875 Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai state |
| Died | May 28, 1928 (aged 52) Cannes, France |
| Burial | Golders Green Crematorium |
| Issue | Martanda Sydney Tondaiman |
| House | Pudukkottai |
Raja Sri Brahdamba Dasa Raja Sir Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman GCIE (26 November 1875 - 28 May 1928) was the ruler of the princely state of Pudukkottai from 15 April 1886 to 28 May 1928.
Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman was born on 26 November 1875 to Princess Brihadambal Rajammani Sahib of Pudukkottai and her husband M.R.Ry. Kolandaswami Pallavarayar Sahib Avargal. Princess Brihadambal was the eldest daughter of Ramachandra Tondaiman, the Raja of Pudukkottai. Martanda was Brihadambal's third son. At an early age, Martanda was adopted by Ramachandra Tondaiman as he did not have any male heirs of his own.
Martanda was educated in private by Fredric Feilden Crossley, a Cambridge alumnus. Martanda excelled in sports and developed a liking for European culture and manners.
Ramachandra Tondaiman, the Raja of Pudukkottai, died on 15 April 1886 after a reign of fifty years. Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman was, therefore, crowned king at the age of eleven with a regency headed by the Diwan, A. Seshayya Sastri governing the state in his minority.
Martanda assumed the reins of the government on 27 November 1894 when he attained majority and was invested with full powers by Lord Wenlock, the Governor of Madras, himself. Soon after obtaining the management of the state, Martanda petitioned for the restitution of the Manovarti jagir. The Manovarti jagir consisted of four villages which had been designated by Vijaya Raghunatha Tondaiman in the early 19th century as the private property of his three wives. Since Martanda was unmarried and did not have wives of his own at the time, he desired that the jagir be restored to him. However, the government rejected his request.
During his reign, Martanda attended the Coronation Durbar at Delhi in 1903 and the coronation of George V at Westminster Abbey in 1911. In 1902, Martanda set up a representative assembly of 30 members on the pattern of the Mysore Assembly. The members of the assembly were nominated by heads of government departments and public institutions. The office of Councillor was created to assist the Diwan and the Diwan acting with the assistance of the Councillor was known as "Diwan-in-Council".
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