God’s Own Empire: The Extraordinary Life of Marthanda Varma of Travancore
Kerala, is India’s most culturally rich state with deep
mythological roots. It also achieved 100% literacy in the 1990’s. It is known
as ‘God’s Own Country’ for various reasons.
One of them is linked to the Maharaja of Travancore,
Marthanda Varma, who in 1750, dedicated his kingdom to Lord Ananthapadmanabha,
and decreed that he and his heirs would rule over the Kingdom as the deity’s
servants. The book ‘God’s Own Empire’ deals with the life of the extraordinary
man who ascended the throne of Travancore as a young 23-year old. He inherited an
embattled kingdom, which was ensnared in financial bankruptcy and engulfed by
anarchy. During his reign, he consolidated the royal family’s hold and also
protected the kingdom from foreign powers.
God’s Own Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat presents the
extraordinary story of Marthanda Varma.
The Phoenix Rises: The Resurrection of Cochin
Rama Varma IX, better known as the legendary Shakthan
Thampuran, as the young Kunjipilla, inherited a fragmented kingdom of Cochin as
a young 18 year old.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the fragile state
transformed into a rich and prosperous kingdom under Kunjipilla’s able
leadership. He entered into alliances, built towns, advanced trade relations
and consolidated power, breaking forever the nexus between priests and the Nair
nobility.
Drawing on meticulous archival research and employing
gripping narrative flair, the Palats breathe life into a forgotten giant of
Indian history. This is more than a novelised biography – it is the
resurrection of a reign that shaped the soul of Kerala.
A banker by profession, Raghu Palat has been pursuing
his passion for writing since 1982. He has over 45 published books on banking,
finance and taxation to his credit and has penned innumerable articles for
newspapers and periodicals. Though remaining active in his professional
capacity as an independent director on the boards of Union Asset Management
Company Pvt Ltd and Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd and heading his own
financial consultancy firm, Raghu's fervour for writing continues unabated.
Pushpa Palat has been a writer for four decades having penned articles
for the Times of India, Economic Times, Destination Traveller, foreign
travel trade newspapers and several online and print periodicals and journals.
Her writing covers an eclectic and diverse range of subjects that vary from
luxury and lifestyle to self-help and textbooks. Her book on her pet cocker
spaniel, Champ: My Favourite Child, was a bestseller.
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