Explanations:The question asks about the last Maharaja of Travancore, a historical state in present-day Kerala, India. To understand the answer, it is essential to know the timeline of the Travancore royal family and the significant rulers who contributed to the state's history.
Travancore was a princely state that existed from the 17th to the 20th century. The state was ruled by a series of Maharajas, each contributing to the development and modernization of the region. The last Maharaja of Travancore was Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, who ruled from 1931 to 1949. He was known for his progressive reforms and efforts to modernize the state, including the establishment of educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma ascended the throne in 1931 after the death of his uncle, Sree Moolam Thirunal. He was a visionary ruler who implemented several reforms to improve the lives of his subjects. He was also a patron of the arts and culture, supporting various cultural initiatives and institutions. His reign ended in 1949 when Travancore merged with the Indian Union, marking the end of the princely state system in India.
It is important to note that while other rulers such as Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma I, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma II, and Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi were significant figures in the history of Travancore, they were not the last Maharaja. Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma I ruled from 1729 to 1758, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma II from 1813 to 1846, and Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi was the regent from 1924 to 1931. Each of these rulers made significant contributions to the state, but Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma was the last to hold the title of Maharaja.
Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the Travancore royal family is crucial to answering questions about the last Maharaja. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC, where questions on Indian history and the history of princely states are common.