Alternate history of Kerala (Travancore / Thiruvithamkoor)

A note to the readers,

This is an alternate history made with the help of artificial intelligence. It all started with a simple idea and I had to compromise my sleep just to make this in one go. I have tried to make all the parts quite interesting and engaging. Furthermore, you can also find the photographs attached to this letter towards the end as well. Consider this as an artwork and I confirm this has nothing to do with any of the real-time politics in the world. Hope you enjoy this piece of work.

Thank you

The Story starts from here.

In the year 1729, King Marthanda Varma of Venad abolished the Ettuveetil Pillamar, a group of feudal lords who had challenged his authority. He then established a new dominion and named it Travancore, meaning "the land of the three crowned kings". He embarked on a series of reforms and innovations, such as investing in education, research and development of weapons, and opening a port at Vizhinjam. He also expanded his territory by annexing several neighboring kingdoms and states.

In 1741, the Dutch East India Company attacked Travancore at the Battle of Colachel, hoping to gain control of the lucrative spice trade. However, they were decisively defeated by Marthanda Varma's army, which had superior firearms and tactics. The Dutch commander, Eustachius De Lannoy, was captured and later became a loyal general of Travancore. He helped modernize the Travancore army and navy, and introduced European techniques of fortification and administration.

The British East India Company, which had established its presence in India since the 17th century, became aware of Travancore's growing power and influence. While they were busy conquering the north of India, they also tried to attack Travancore by sea and land, but they failed miserably. The Travancore army, led by Marthanda Varma and De Lannoy, repelled the British invasions with their superior artillery and naval forces. The British suffered heavy losses and had to retreat from the south of India.

Marthanda Varma died in 1758, leaving behind a legacy of a strong and prosperous kingdom. He was succeeded by his niece, Lakshmi Varma, who became the first female ruler of Travancore. She continued her uncle's policies and reforms, and also maintained friendly relations with other Indian states, such as Mysore, Hyderabad, and the Maratha Empire. She was followed by her daughter, Usha Varma, who ruled from 1766 to 1798. She was a benevolent and popular ruler, who patronized arts, culture, and religion. She also defended Travancore from the attacks of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, who had allied with the French.

In 1789, Tipu Sultan invaded Malabar, a region under the Zamorin of Calicut, and tried to establish his authority over the local rulers and communities. He also planned to attack Travancore from the north, and breach the Nedumkotta fortifications, which had prevented his father Hyder Ali from annexing the kingdom. However, he was met with fierce resistance from the Travancore army, led by Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of Travancore. The Travancore army successfully repulsed the Mysore army at the Battle of Nedumkotta, and inflicted heavy casualties on them. Tipu Sultan was forced to retreat from Malabar, and abandon his ambitions of conquering Travancore. Usha Varma then took advantage of the situation, and annexed Malabar into the Travancore empire, with the consent of the Zamorin and the local rulers. She also established a strong administration and a fair taxation system in Malabar, and won the loyalty and gratitude of the people.

In 1798, Balarama Varma ascended the throne of Travancore. He was a young and ambitious ruler, who dreamed of expanding his kingdom beyond its borders. He launched his first campaign to conquer Cochin, a neighboring kingdom that had been a rival and an ally of Travancore. He defeated the Cochin army at the Battle of Aluva, and annexed Cochin into his empire. He also moved the capital from Travancore to Cochin, and built a new palace and a fort there. He also established a new port and a naval base at Cochin, and strengthened his maritime power.

In 1805, Balarama Varma launched his second campaign to conquer Goa, a Portuguese colony that had been a major trading center and a stronghold of Christianity in India. He defeated the Portuguese army and navy at the Battle of Mormugao, and captured Goa. He also expelled the Portuguese missionaries and officials, and converted the churches and convents into temples and schools. He also established a new port and a naval base at Goa, and increased his trade and commerce with other countries and regions.

In 1812, Balarama Varma launched his third campaign to conquer Tamil Nadu, a region that had been ruled by various kingdoms and states, such as the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Nayaks, the Carnatic, and the British. He defeated the British army at the Battle of Tirunelveli, and captured the southern part of Tamil Nadu. He also defeated the other rulers and states, and annexed the rest of Tamil Nadu into his empire. He also moved the capital from Cochin to Madurai, and built a magnificent temple and a palace there. He also established a new port and a naval base at Tuticorin, and enhanced his naval supremacy.

The British Empire, which had consolidated its power in the north of India, was alarmed by the rise of Travancore. They tried to undermine and destabilize the empire by waging guerrilla warfare and creating ruckus occasionally. This became a headache for Balarama Varma, who decided to directly attack the British Empire. Using his newly developed navy, he moved his soldiers to England. He landed at Portsmouth in 1815, and marched towards London. He met the British army at the Battle of Waterloo, where he outnumbered and outmatched them. He made them flee from their own land, and captured London. He then proclaimed himself as the King of England, and demanded the surrender of the Queen of England, who was observing these developments from Windsor Castle. She had no choice but to order the immediate transfer of power of the East India Company to the British monarchy, and to abdicate her throne in favor of Balarama Varma.

Balarama Varma then proceeded to conquer the rest of the United Kingdom, and then moved on to the north of the British Empire, such as Wales and Scotland and Ireland. He also annexed other British controlled territories, such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. He established a global empire, with Madurai as its capital. He ruled with an iron fist, and imposed his culture and religion on his subjects. He also suppressed any resistance or rebellion with brutal force.

In the 20th century, the world witnessed the rise and glory of the Travancore Empire. Balarama Varma died in 1845, and was succeeded by his son, Vishnu Varma, who was a wise and visionary ruler. He faced many challenges and opportunities from within and outside his empire. He was able to cope with the demands of his vast and diverse empire, and fostered peace and prosperity among his people. He also maintained friendly and diplomatic relations with other powers, such as the United States of America, Russia, and China, who respected his dominance and influence. He also avoided the outbreak of the First World War, which involved many of his allies and enemies, by mediating and negotiating between them.

Vishnu Varma also embarked on a series of reforms and innovations, such as developing the economy, infrastructure, and trade of his empire. He promoted industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, and built railways, roads, bridges, dams, and airports across his empire. He also encouraged education, science, and technology, and established universities, research institutes, and laboratories in his empire. He also supported arts, culture, and religion, and patronized artists, writers, and scholars in his empire. He also expanded his ports and naval fleets, and established trade and commerce with other countries and regions. He became known as the Emperor of the World, and his empire was the most powerful and prosperous in the world.

Vishnu Varma ruled until 1914, when he peacefully abdicated his throne in favor of his son, Rama Varma, who continued his father's policies and reforms. He also faced the emergence of new challenges and threats, such as the rise of nationalism, communism, and fascism in the world. He also faced the outbreak of the Second World War, which involved many of his former allies and enemies. He managed to maintain his empire's neutrality and security, and also provided humanitarian aid and assistance to the war-torn countries. He also initiated the process of decolonization and democratization, and granted independence and autonomy to many of his former colonies and states. He also formed a federation of nations, called the Travancore Commonwealth, which was based on the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and human rights.

Rama Varma ruled until 1947, when he decided to abdicate his throne to Marthanda Varma II to preserve his empire and its sovereignty, and rejected the idea of transforming it into a republic. He became the Emperor of Travancore, and oversaw the continuation of a monarchical and constitutional system of government. He also ensured the unity and diversity of his empire, and respected the rights and freedoms of its people. He also maintained the empire's status and role as a global leader and partner, and participated in the formation of the United Nations and other international organizations. He also promoted the values of peace, justice, and harmony in the world.

In the dawn of the 21st century, the Travancore Empire experienced a significant shift in leadership as Marthanda Varma II relinquished his throne to his successor, Aditya Varma. The Empire, under the new regime, continued to flourish as a robust and stable entity, with a rich and vibrant culture that celebrated its heritage and embraced modern influences. The economy of the Empire was dynamic and innovative, with a focus on sustainable development and growth. The society of the Empire was progressive and inclusive, with equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, caste, or religion.

The Empire also maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with its former British colonies, which had achieved independence and prosperity. The Empire continued to be a loyal friend to these nations, supporting them in their endeavors. Additionally, the Empire maintained a close and harmonious relationship with the princely states in the northern region of present-day India.

The legacy of Travancore continued to shape the world as it entered a new era of history, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape. The Empire's achievements in various fields, such as art, literature, science, and technology, were a testament to its enduring influence on the world.

The End