Visakham Thirunal

Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma
Maharaja of Travancore
The Maharaja in 1868
Reign	30 May 1880 – 4 August 1885
Predecessor	Ayilyam Thirunal
Successor	Moolam Thirunal
Born	19 May 1837
Died	4 August 1885 (aged 48)
Consort	Arumana Ammachi Panapillai Amma Srimathi Lakshmi Pillai Kochamma
House	Venad Swaroopam
Dynasty	Kulasekhara
Father	Punartham Thirunal Rama Varma Koil Thampuran
Mother	Gowri Rukmini Bayi
Religion	Hinduism

Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma GCSI FRGS FRAS (19 May 1837 – 4 August 1885) was the Maharaja of the erstwhile Indian kingdom of Travancore from 1880–1885 AD. He succeeded his elder brother Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal to the throne of Travancore.

Vishakham Thirunal Rama varma was born on 19 May 1837 to Rani Gowri Rukmini Bayi and her husband Punartham Thirunal Rama Varma Koil Thampuran of the Royal Family of Thiruvalla. His mother died when he was barely two months of age leaving him and his elder siblings to the care of their father. His Highness was grandson to Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi and nephew of Maharajah Swathi Thirunal.

As a prince he received his early education from his father, Rama Varma. This was basic training in vernacular Malayalam language and Sanskrit which were essentials for members of the Royal family. At the age of nine he started his English education under Subba Row, who later became Dewan of Travancore. The prince took a keen interest in English composition and his first work, Horrors of war and benefits of peace, was well acknowledged. Some of his compositions were also published in "Madras Athenaeum". He also wrote in The Statesman and the Calcutta Review.

In 1861 the prince visited Madras and met with the Governor, Sir William Denison, upon whom he made such a favourable impression that the Governor remarked that "He is by far the most intelligent Native I have seen; and if his brother is like him, the prospects of Travancore are very favorable." The prince was soon appointed a Fellow of the University of Madras, a rare honour conferred on natives in those days. While he was still a prince he was also offered a seat in the Viceroy of India's Legislative Council which he, however, declined owing to ill health. He had a special aptitude for botany and agriculture.