The Ivory Throne

The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore by Manu S. Pillai is a historical book that tells the story of the Travancore royal family, one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in south India. The book spans over 600 years, from the 14th century to the 20th century, and tells the story of the family’s rise to power, its struggles against foreign invaders, and its eventual decline.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part tells the story of the early Travancore kings, who were able to unite the region and establish a strong and prosperous kingdom. The second part tells the story of the Travancore kings’ struggle against the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, who all sought to control the region. The third part tells the story of the Travancore kings’ decline, as the British gradually took control of the region.

The book is written in a clear and engaging style, and it is full of fascinating details about the Travancore royal family and the history of south India. Pillai is a gifted storyteller, and he brings the characters and events of the book to life.

Some of the themes explored in the book include:

• The power of dynasty: The Travancore royal family was able to maintain its power for over 600 years, despite facing many challenges. This is a testament to the power of dynasty and the ability of families to pass on power and influence from one generation to the next.
• The struggle for independence: The Travancore kings were able to resist the Portuguese, Dutch, and British for many years. This is a testament to their strength and determination, as well as the support of the people of Travancore.
• The decline of empire: The Travancore kings eventually lost their power to the British. This is a reminder of the power of colonialism and the difficulty of resisting imperial forces.

The Ivory Throne is a valuable addition to the literature on Indian history. It is a well-written and informative book that tells the story of a fascinating dynasty and a critical period in Indian history.