Dalawas and Diwans of Travancore (1729–1948)

The Diwans were the appointed prime ministers and chief executives of Travancore who administered the Kingdom of Travancore. It established under the King of Travancore, Maharaja Marthanda Varma in 1729, enduring until its merger with India in 1949.

■ Arumukham Pillai (1729–1736)

Arumukham Pillai served as the Dalawa (Prime Minister) of Travancore Kingdom from 1729 to 1736. He was a lead administrator under King Marthanda Varma during the early years of the king's efforts to expand and consolidate the Venad province into an independent princely state of Travancore. Pillai passed away in 1736. Following his death, he was briefly succeeded by his brother, Thanu Pillai.

■ Thanu Pillai (1736–1737)

Thanu Pillai took over the administration from his elder brother, Arumukham Pillai and he served as dalawa from 1736 to 1737 during the reign of Marthanda Varma. He served briefly under the travancore king helping to consolidate the early administrative and military expansions of the Kingdom of Travancore.

■ Ramayyan Dalawa (1737–1756)

Ramayyan was born in a Brahmin family in a village called Ervadi near Valliyur. When he was about six years old, Ramayyan's father moved to Travancore with his family. He lived in Thiruvattar for some time. After his father's death, Ramayyan spent some time in Thiruvananthapuram with Athiara Potti of Vanchiyoor as a dependent. One night, the Maharaja was taking Amrit at the Potti's house. Seeing that the lamp was slightly dimmed, the Maharaja looked at one of the lamps. Immediately, Ramayyan understood the matter and went near the lamp, took a wick that was not lit in it, lit it, placed it in his left hand, and with his right hand, he removed the coal from the wick and lit the lamp. After that, Ramayyan went back to his original position. The Maharaja felt that Ramayya was a clever man who, knowing his intentions from his gaze, had taken the necessary precautions and had not been harmed. 

From the next day, Ramayyan was given a small job in the king's palace. Ramayyan did not have much education. But due to his intelligence, punctuality, etc., he gradually got promotions in the job. When the Dalawa Thanu Pillai died, Ramayyan was made Dalawa. Later, he was Dalawa for about 20 years until his death. Ramayyan played a big role in all the wars during the reign of Maharaja Marthanda Varma - the wars with Kollam and Kayamkulam, the war of Colachel, the wars with the states of Chembakassery, Thekkumkur and Vadakkumkur. After the battle of Purakattu, Karapuram was captured. Ramayyan and his army rushed to Kochi. If the Maharaja did not call him back, he would have captured Kochi too. He knew when to fight and when not to. Sometimes he did not hesitate to bribe the enemies. Ramayyan was as skilled in administrative matters as in war. Ramayyan represented Travancore in the treaty signed with the Dutch at Mavelikkara. Ramayyan also played a role in implementing new methods (mulakumadishshila, kandezhuthu) to increase the exploitation of the country. In short, it should be remembered that Ramayyan faithfully served Maharaja Marthanda Varma in all aspects of expanding Travancore, establishing peace in the country, and implementing new reforms.

■ Martandan Bagavathi Pillai (1756–1763)

Following the Ramayyan's demise, Martandan Bagavathi Pillai (also called as Martanda Pillai) administered the position of dalawa of travancore from 1756 to 1763, aiding the transition to Marthanda Varma's nephew, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (Dharma Raja) and focused on internal stability, temple patronage, and defensive alliances.

■ Subbayyan Dalawa (1763–1768)

Also called Warkala Subbayyan Iyer managed the early challenges under Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma, including fiscal administration amid post-conquest integration.

■ Krishna Gopalayyan Iyyer (1768–1776)

Krishna Gopalayyan Iyyer served as the Dalawa of Travancore Kingdom from 1768 to 1776. He succeded Warkala Subbayyan during a crucial period of expansion and consolidation for the Travancore Kingdom. His term followed the aggressive military expansions of Marthanda Varma. Krishna Gopalayyan's administration focused on maintaining the stability and governance of the recently consolidated kingdom before the onset of the later Mysore invasions.

■ Vadiswaran Subbrahmanya Iyer (1776–1780)

Vadiswaran Subbrahmanya Iyer served as the Dalawa of Travancore Kingdom from 1776 to 1780. Vadiswaran Subbrahmanya Iyer succeeded Krishna Gopalayyan Iyyer. He focused on internal stability and military expansions.

■ Mullen Chempakaraman Pillai (1780–1782)

Mullen Chempakaraman Pillai served as the Dalawa (Prime Minister) of the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom  from 1780 to 1782. Chempakaraman was a prestigious title of honor and aristocratic distinction bestowed by the Travancore Kings. It was started by Marthanda Varma and given to the individuals and families for the great public, military, or administrative service to state.

■ Nagercoil Ramayyan (1782–1788)

Nagercoil Ramayyan served as the dalawa (prime minister) of the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom from 1780 to 1782. He served much later, holding the position for a brief six-year period after Mullen Chempakaraman Pillai.

■ Krishnan Thampi (1788–1789)

Krishnan Thampi served as the dalawa (prime minister) of Travancore Kingdom from 1788 to 1789. He served for two years after Nagercoil Ramayyan.

■ Raja Kesavadas (Kesava Pillai) (1789–1798)

Raja Kesava Dasan was an eminent minister of Karthika Thirunal Maharaja. He was the first minister to be given the title of "Diwan". The people called him "Valiyya Diwanji". Raja Kesava Dasan, who was the Diwan of Travancore, was given the title of Raja by Lord Mornington, the British Governor-General. His real name was Kesava Pillai. Kesava Pillai, who accepted the title of 'Raja', gave up his caste name in deference and loyalty to his king Dharmaraja. Instead, he added 'Dasan' to his name. Thus he became Raja Kesava Dasan. He developed 'Kottar' in Travancore into an important trading town. In 1773, a comprehensive revenue survey was conducted and the rights over the land were classified. 

He built the Alappuzha port, the Chala market and the Nedumkotta in Thrissur. Raja Kesavadas is considered the architect of the Alappuzha town. Raja Kesavadas established a timber depot in Alappuzha and gave a wealthy Christian merchant named Mathu Tharakan the monopoly to collect and sell timber from northern Travancore at that depot. It was Kesavadas who negotiated the treaty between Travancore and the English East India Company in 1795. However, during the reign of Dharmaraja's successor, Balarama Varma, he was placed under house arrest. Kesavadas died in prison in 1799.

■ Jayanthan Sankaran Nampoothiri (1798–1799)

Jayanthan Sankaran Nampoothiri was a migrant from Zamorin kingdom who settled in Travancore during Tipu Sultan's invasion. He briefly served as the Dalawa of Travancore Kingdom from 1798 to 1799. He is much remembered in travancore's history for his highly controversial tenure marked by the allegations of corruption, financial ruin and his undue influence over the adolescent King Bala Rama Varma.

■ Velu Thampi Dalawa (1799–1809)

Veluthampi Dalawa is a great man who declared a strike against the British almost half a century before the 1857 anti-British struggle, which historians call India's first freedom struggle. Veluthampi, who was the Dalawa of Travancore before the national freedom struggle even began in 1808, issued a strike against the British through the 'Kundara Vilambaram'. Born in 1765, Veluthampi became the Dalawa of Travancore at the age of 37. Veluthampi was able to implement many development projects and maintain law and order throughout the country. 

In 1805, when Veluthampi was the Travancore Dalawa, the British signed a treaty of amity with the Raja of Travancore. According to this, the Resident was given the power to interfere in the internal affairs of the country. With this, Travancore lost its political independence. Macaulay began to interfere unnecessarily in the affairs of the administration. He insisted that the tribute due to the Company be paid immediately, regardless of Travancore's financial difficulties. Macaulay also canceled Veluthampi Dalawa's order to confiscate the properties of Mathutharakan, who had incurred heavy tax arrears. These developments prompted Veluthampi to organize an armed rebellion against the Company.

Veluthampi Dalawa reached a secret understanding with Paliathachan, the Prime Minister of Cochin, who was hostile to Macaulay. They secretly contacted the French in Mauritius and the Zamorin of Calicut and sought support in the fight against the British. In 1808, an army led by both of them attacked Macaulay's residence in Cochin. The Resident escaped on a British ship. Veluthampi reached Kundara while the rebellion was going on. He issued a proclamation on 11 January 1809 calling on the people to join the fight against the British. This came to be known as the 'Kundara Proclamation' (the Kundara Proclamation is considered an epoch-making document in the anti-colonial struggle in South India).

The British retaliated strongly. They attacked Kochi. Paliathachan withdrew from the rebellion by making peace with the British. The Travancore king, who gave in to the British threat, deposed Veluthampi and appointed Umminithambi as the new Dalawa. The new Dalawa ordered Veluthampi to be captured. He also announced a reward for those who captured him. Veluthampi took refuge in a house in Mannadi. When the Travancore-British forces arrived there and surrounded the house, he committed suicide. He did not want to be captured alive and humiliated. This marked the end of the brave and adventurous resistance against the British in Travancore. Today, there is a Veluthampi memorial in Mannadi, Adoor. On May 6, 2010, India honored him by releasing a postage stamp of Veluthampi Dalawa.

■ Ummini Thampi (1809–1811)

Ummini Thampi was the Dalawa of Travancore from 1809 to 1811, serving immediately after Velu Thampi Dalawa. He was appointed by the Travancore King to mediate between Travancore and the British forces during the suppression of Velu Thampi's rebellion. He is credited with introducing the first organized police force in Travancore called "Kaval". He established four "Insaaf" (Justice) courts and police outposts called "Thanavus" (tadavumuri) by imitating British setups.

■ Col. John Munro (1811–1814)

Col. John Munro served as the Resident and Diwan of the princely states of Travancore between 1811 and 1814. He dismantled corrupt practices by establishing a modern system of courts like Zilla (district) courts and a Huzur Court (Supreme Court). He implemented reforms such as abolition of oppressive taxes,  promotion of English education, land tenure surveys and missionary activities. He enhanced state revenues through efficient administration.

■ Devan Padmanabhan Menon (1814–1814)

Devan Padmanabhan Menon was served as the Diwan of Travancore in 1814. He was elevated to the highest executive post from his previous position as a Judge of the Appeal Court. He was appointed by Regent Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi. His time in office was incredibly short, lasting only a few months in 1814.

■ Bappu Rao (acting; 1814–1815)

Bappu Rao served as the acting Diwan of the Kingdom of Travancore from 1814 to 1815. He was an interim administrator bridging British direct rule to native appointments. He also managed transitional revenue and judicial functions.

■ Sanku Annavi Pillai (1815–1815)

Sanku Annavi Pillai was a Brahmin who briefly served as the Diwan of Travancore Kingdom in 1815. He was appointed by the Rani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi but was dismissed after two months in 1815. He was deemed incapable of handling the demanding administrative responsibilities of the office. His short period occurred during a turbulent situation in the administration of the Kingdom of Travancore.

■ Raman Menon (1815–1817)

Raman Menon served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1815 to 1817 serving Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, and then Maharani Gowri Parvati Bayi during their successive regencies. Before becoming Diwan, he served as a Sheristadar (court official) and a justice of the Huzur Court of Travancore.

■ Reddy Row (1817–1821)

Reddy Row was appointed as Diwan in 1817 by Rani Gowri Parvati Bayi, following the tactical ousting of his predecessor, Raman Menon. He held office during two distinct tenures. The first term was from 1817 to 1821 and second term was from 1843 to 1845. He focused on fiscal recovery and infrastructure. He married Princess Rukmini Bayi. After that, Maharani gifted Reddy Row a jagir (gift of land revenue) comprising two villages in Shencottah. His political rivals used this acceptance to accuse him of corruption and financial impropriety.  As a result, british investigation forced Reddy Row to resign in 1821, allowing T.Venkata Rao to succeed him.

■ T. Venkata Rao (1821–1830)

Rai Raya Rai T. Venkata Rao was a Diwan of Travancore during two distinct tenures - 1821 to 1830 and 1838 to 1839. He belonged to a distinguished family of Thanjavur Marathi Deshastha Brahmins that dominated administrative duties in the princely states during the nineteenth century. He emphasized revenue reforms and debt reduction.

■ Thanjavur Subha Rao (1830–1837)

Thanjavur Subha Rao served as the Diwan of the Kingdom of Travancore from 1830 to 1837. He belonged to a distinguished family of Thanjavur Marathi Deshastha Brahmins. He played a vital role in the modernization and cultural development of Travancore. Before becoming Diwan, he was brought to Travancore around 1820 to serve as a tutor for english and administration to the young Maharaja Swathi Thirunal and his brother. During his terms as a Diwan from 1830 to 1837, he assisted the King in implementing early administrative and educational reforms. He advanced judicial and land revenue systems under British, contributing to administrative centralization.

■ T. Ranga Rao (acting; 1837–1838)

T. Ranga Rao served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1837 to 1838. He belonged to a distinguished family of Marathi Deshastha Brahmins from Kumbakonam that dominated administrative duties in the princely states of the Travancore and Baroda states. He was a short-term overseer of routine affairs during leadership transitions. He was the father of Sir T. Madhava Rao, who is widely known as the architect of modern Travancore. His brother, T.Venkata Rao and his nephew, T. Rama Rao, also served as Diwan of Travancore.

■ T. Venkata Rao (second time; 1838–1839)

He returned briefly (1838–1839) to address governance lapses for the second time after the tenure 1821–1830. 

■ Thanjavur Subha Rao (second time; 1839–1842)

Thanjavur Subha Rao was preceded by T. Venkata Rao. He was appointed as diwan for the second time in 1839 after the tenure 1830–1837  to address governance lapses. He was succeeded by Krishna Rao.

■ Krishna Rao (acting; 1842–1843)

Krishna Rao was initially appointed as acting Diwan by the British Resident, General Cullen, after his mentor and former Diwan, Subha Rao, resigned. His appointment was made largely against the wishes of the ruling monarch, Swathi Thirunal, who expressed his dissatisfaction directly to the Governor of Madras. Because of this, the Maharaja briefly had Reddy Row reinstated in 1843.

■ Reddy Row (second time; 1843–1845)

Reddy Row was appointed as Diwan for the second time in 1843. He was brought back by the Maha Raja to replace the interim administration after internal conflicts. He was instrumental in purifying the travancore administration of corruption.

■ Srinivasa Rao (acting; 1845–1846)

Srinivasa Rao served as the acting diwan of Travancore from 1845 to 1846. Beyond his short tenure as the acting diwan, he also served as the Commissioner of Devaswoms in Travancore for managing temple administrations. He was a prominent nineteenth century administrator belongs to the Dakshini Maharashtrian (Marathi Brahmin) community.

■ Vemuri Krishna Rao (1846–1857)

After Reddy Row was compelled to resign in 1845, Krishna Rao returned to the high office and served a successful, full-term as Diwan. He served under the reign of Maharaja Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma. He oversaw the extended tenure with emphasis on economic stabilization and compliance with British subsidiary terms.

■ T. Madhava Rao (1858–1872)

T. Madhava Rao served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1858 to 1872. Under T. Madhava Rao, Travancore saw substantial fiscal and administrative changes, which set the stage for modernization. By eliminating state monopolies on tobacco and pepper, he prioritized economic stability and increased agricultural output and private trade.  In 1865, Rao introduced the Pandarappattam proclamation, which improved peasant rights and revenue collection by regulating land tenures and reducing feudal lords' exploitative tactics. These measures transformed Travancore's economy, made it a model princely state through effective governance and infrastructure development.

In order to connect remote regions to the capital, Rao increased public works by creating a special department that was in charge of building roads, enhancing canals, and installing telegraphs. He advanced education by establishing schools, encouraging English-medium institutions, and funding scholarships for lower castes to overcome social barriers, an effort to create a merit-based bureaucracy. Widespread smallpox vaccination campaigns and the construction of medical facilities, which lowered mortality rates, were examples of healthcare improvements. While the Anchal postal system increased communication efficiency, judicial reforms simplified courts, codified laws, and decreased corruption. Succeeding Diwans built on these foundations amid challenges.

■ A. Seshayya Sastri (1872–1877)

Sir Amaravati Seshayya Sastri served as the Diwan of the princely state of Travancore from 1872 to 1877. He successfully expanded the irrigation systems across the princely state to support agricultural development. He started museums and other important public institutions. He mainly focused on consolidating the administrative efficiency but encountered some palace intrigues that curtailed his tenure. He retired in 1877 and was succeeded by Nanoo Pillai

■ Nanoo Pillai (1877–1880)

Nanoo Pillai served as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Travancore from 1877 to 1880. He worked as residency clerk for about 14 years under the British Resident's office and transitioned to Travancore State Civil Service as an Assistant Police Sheristadar. He was promoted to Diwan under the support of legendary Diwan, Sir T Madhava Rao. He served under the reign of Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma.

■ V. Ramiengar (1880–1887)

Vembaukum Ramiengar served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1880 to 1887. He emphasized demographic and economic data collection of travancore population, overseeing the 1881 census that informed policy on population, agriculture, and trade. His administration is famous for revamping the judicial system, enhancing the state revenues and expanding the general public education. He is credited with modernizing the travancore state through the important judicial, administrative and educational reforms.

■ T. Rama Rao (1887–1892)

T. Rama Rao served as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of the princely state of Travancore from 1887 to 1892. He was born in Trivandrum into a prominent Maharashtrian family. He began his career as a clerk in 1851 in Huzur English office.  Through his exceptional administrative skills, he became the Tahsildar of Kalkulam in 1857 and later the Diwan of Travancore in 1887. Under his administration, the first Legislative Council is formed in Travancore. This assembly laid the foundational for the formation of present-day Kerala State Assembly. He developed Kottayam as the headquarters of Travancore's Northern District. 

■ S. Shungrasoobyer (1892–1898)

S. Shungrasoobyer served as the Diwan of the princely state of Travancore from 1892 to 1898 under the reign of Sree Moolam Thirunal Maharaja. Shungrasoobyer began his career in the Travancore state service as a teacher and later rose to Diwan. He is remembered for his administrative reforms and establishing Sunday as a general holiday in travancore. 

■ K. Krishnaswamy Rao (1898–1904)

Kanchi Krishnaswamy Rao was an Indian civil servant and later served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1898 to 1904. Before becaming diwan, he served as the Chief Justice of Travancore from 1894 to 1898. His administration focused on organizing the government activities, improving the public welfare and expanding the reserved forests.

■ V. P. Madhava Rao (1904–1906)

Vishwanath Patankar Madhava Rao was an indian civil servant and served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1904 to 1906. Prior to his appointment as diwan of travancore, he served as the Inspector General of Police and Revenue Commissioner in Mysore Kingdom. After that he was appointed in the princely state of travancore during the reign of Moolam Thirunal Maharaja. He focused on modernizing the travancore administration and streamlining its finances. After leaving Travancore in 1906, he went on to become the seventeenth diwan of mysore (1906–1909) and later the diwan of baroda (1910–1913).

■ S. Gopalachari (1906–1907)

S Gopalachari served as the Diwan of the Kingdom of Travancore from 1906 to 1907. He is an eminent lawyer and was an administrator from the Madras Presidency. Gopalachari is remembered for his progressive tenure, particularly for his efforts to advance social reforms and eradicate untouchability alongside local reformers and community leaders. His administration was during the reign of Moolam Thirunal Maharaja.

■ P. Rajagopalachari (1907–1914)

Sir Perungavur Rajagopalachari was a prominent Indian administrator and served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1907 to 1914. His tenure is remembered for significant social and educational reforms. His administration also faced major political controversy involving freedom of the press. He emphasized judicial and revenue reforms to strengthen state finances.

■ M. Krishnan Nair (1914–1920)

Sir Mannath Krishnan Nair served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1914 to 1920. He was a prominent Indian politician and administrator who worked as the head of government of Travancore. Before his appointment as Diwan, he served as the Chief Justice of the Travancore High Court. He promoted the educational initiatives through the expansion of schools and colleges to boost literacy rates.

■ T. Raghavaiah (1920–1925)

Thodla Raghavaiah was an Indian administrator. He served as the diwan of princely state of Travancore from 1920 to 1925. T. Raghavaiah continued the infrastructure projects started by earlier diwans such as road networks and irrigation systems. He is credited with reforming and modernising the electoral system in the state. His tenure as diwan was a complex mix of systemic modern reforms and intense social unrest like College Fee Protests and Vaikom Temple Satyagraha.

■ M. E. Watts (1925–1929)

Maurice Emygdius Watts was an Indian lawyer and civil servant who served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1925 to 1929. His administration was during the progressive regency of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi. He implemented major social and infrastructural changes.

■ V. S. Subramanya Iyer (1929–1932)

V. S. Subramanya Iyer served as the diwan (administrative head) of the princely state of Travancore from 1929 to 1932. Before his appointment as diwan, he worked as an advocate and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Travancore.

■ Thomas Austin (1932–1934)

Sir Thomas Austin served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1932 to 1934. He was a british civil servant belonging to the Indian Civil Service (ICS) batch of 1910. His administration saw intense socio-political shifts, including early phases of the Nivarthana Movement (Abstention Movement). This movement led by minority communities of travancore demanded proportional representation in the state legislature.

■ Muhammad Habibullah (1934–1936)

Muhammad Habibullah served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1934 to 1936. He was appointed by the Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma Maharaja. He is the only Muslim Diwan in the history of the princely state of Travancore. As Diwan, he acted as the chief executive of the state. He managed administrative, legislative and judicial functions on behalf of the King. His administration was during a vital transitional period in modern Kerala's political history.

■ Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer (1936–1947)

Sir Chetput Pattabhiraman Ramaswami Iyer, popularly known as Sir C.P., was a prominent Diwan of Travancore. He excelled in various fields such as law, politics, state administration, education, philanthropy, literature and intellectualism. C.P. Ramaswami Iyer rendered great service in the positions of Advocate General of the Madras State from 1920 to 1923, Member of the Executive Council for Legal Affairs of the Governor of Madras from 1923 to 1928, Member of the Executive Council for Legal Affairs of the Viceroy from 1931 to 1936, and Diwan of Travancore from 1936 to 1947. The 'Temple Entry Proclamation', which allowed all Hindus, regardless of caste or religion, to enter government-owned temples, was issued by the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal, at the instigation of C.P. Ramaswami Iyer. His introduction of 'American model' administrative reforms in Travancore created controversies. In addition, Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer's proposal for an independent Travancore led to strong protests. In 1946, the order to shoot several people who were protesting in Vayalar and Punnapra also led to massive protests against the CP. When India gained independence, the British rule over Travancore ended. However, it was under the influence of the CP that Sree Chithira Thirunal decided to keep Travancore independent by not joining the Indian Union. When India became independent on August 15, the announcement that Travancore would also become an independent state paved the way for turbulent developments. There was also an attempt to assassinate Sir C.P. Finally, the Diwan had to leave the travancore.

■ P. G. N. Unnithan (1947–1948)

P. G. N. Unnithan was the last Diwan of the princely state of Travancore, serving from 1947 to 1948. He took office during a critical transitional period after the independence of india. Unnithan chaired the Travancore Constitutional Reforms Committee. He stepped down on 24 March 1948, when the office of the Diwan was abolished. After that, a representative government was elected and Pattom Thanu Pillai became the first Prime Minister of independent Travancore. His administration also witnessed the integration of the travancore state into the Indian Union and also the transition from an absolute monarchy to a democratic system.