Sri Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma(April 16, 1813 - December 25, 1846) was a South Indian king of the state of Travancore, in India. His reign lasted from 1829 to 1846. He was born a king, and was in power even before birth. Therefore, he is called Garbha Sreeman.

Besides being an able ruler, he was a patron of music and a musician by himself. He encouraged both the broad systems of Indian music, Hindustani and Carnatic music. Though he was essentially a connoisseur of the carnatic music tradition.

He is said to have written and composed songs in different languages and ragas. Some of his favorite compositions are Padmanabha Pahi, Deva Deva, Sarasijanabha, etc. His compositions are sung during the Dusshera season, at Kuthiramalika in the Fort at Trivandrum near Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

External link

Swathi Thirunal Website