Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore

Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore (1912-1991) was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore. The period of HH Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma who took the reign of administration in 1931, witnessed many-sided progress. The promulgation of “Temple Entry Proclamation”(1936), was an act that underlined social emancipation. He was instrumental in establishing the University of Travancore (now the University of Kerala) in 1937. After India became independent in 1947, Sree Chithira Thirunal agreed to merge his state with India after some initial hesitation. Travancore was united with neighbouring Cochin state and Sree Chitira Tirunal served as Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from July 1, 1949 to October 31, 1956, which was the entire duration of the existence of that political entity. On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was created by uniting the Malayalam-speaking areas of the Travancore-Cochin Union with those of neighbouring Madras State, and Sree Chithira Thirunal demitted office. On December 28, 1971, Sree Chitira Thirunal lost his titles when the Indian government derecognized the rulers of the erstwhile princely states. Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma died at the Kowadiar Palace, Trivandrum in 1991, He had ruled Travancore for 67 years and at his death, Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, was one of the few surviving rulers of a first-class princely state in the old Indian Empire. He was also the last surviving Knight Grand Commander of both the Order of the Star of India and of the Order of the Indian Empire.

Honours:

* King George V Silver Jubilee Medal-1935
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE)-1935
* King George VI Coronation Medal-1937
* Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI)-1946
* Indian Independence Medal-1947