Rama Varma of Travancore

Rama Varma, known as Dharma Raja, signed a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company, agreeing to pay tribute and provide military support in exchange for British protection. This alliance helped Travancore resist invasions from Tipu Sultan of Mysore and ensured the kingdom's survival during the Anglo-Mysore Wars.

Tipu Sultan of Mysore invaded Travancore, but Rama Varma's forces, aided by the British, successfully defended the kingdom. The Travancore Lines, a defensive fortification, held against Tipu's army. This conflict escalated into the Third Anglo-Mysore War, which ended with Tipu's defeat and the Treaty of Seringapatam.

Rama Varma, known as Dharma Raja, implemented policies of religious tolerance, allowing Christians and Muslims to practice freely in Travancore. He granted land for churches and mosques and protected minority communities. This policy contrasted with the religious persecution in neighboring Mysore and earned him the title 'Dharma Raja' (Righteous King).

Rama Varma completed the construction of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex in Thiruvananthapuram, including the mandapam and other structures. The temple became the center of Travancore's religious and cultural life, and the king dedicated the kingdom to the deity Padmanabha, ruling as a servant of the god.