RAVI PARAMESWARA RAJA Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) To understand the unique facts and circumstances involved in this case, it is imperative to have a glance at the events which led to the formation of our noble State. Needless to say that the events are rooted to the enthralling and inspiring freedom struggle, which ended British paramountcy and gave birth to this great nation and presented us with the most valuable document, the Constitution of India. Historical Perspective:

(2.) In the early 18th century, a major part of Kerala, as we see it today, was under the rule of Venad, Kolathunadu, Cochin and Calicut Kingdoms and numerous other small principalities ruled by Nair and Namboodiri Chieftains, who were constantly at loggerheads with each other. With the advent of Marthanda Varma (1728-1758), Travancore emerged as a super power and many of the smaller principalities were forced to accept its suzerainty. The reign of Marthanda Varma was followed by that of Rama Varma Dharmaraja (1758-1798), who followed the footsteps of his illustrious predecessor and further expanded the reach of the Travancore Kingdom. Parur, also known as Pindinivattath Swaroopam, was ruled by a Namboothiri family by name Vadakkeppattil Madhom, of which the petitioner is presently the eldest member.

(3.) In 1764, the then ruler of Parur surrendered the sovereign rights of his family to Travancore for an annuity, payable in money and paddy. The payment of annuity was later converted to money entirely. The document of cession, available in the archives and extracted at page 169 of Appendix II to Volume II of the Travancore State Manual by Sri. T.K.Velu Pillai, reads as under;