Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma
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Shri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma (November 7, 1912 –July 19, 1991) was the last maharajah (ruler) of the Indian princely state of Travancore before India's independence.
Balarama Varma was the eldest son of Maharani Setu Parvati Bai and Ravi Varma Avargal. He was privately educated, and became the ruler of Travancore upon the death of his uncle, Uthradom Thirunal Rama Varma, on August 7, 1924. He reigned under the regency of his aunt until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers on November 6, 1931.
Upon India's independence from the British on August 15, 1947, Balarama Varma agreed to become officially a part of the nation of India. His state was merged with Cochin, and Balarama Varma served as Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from July 1, 1949 until October 31, 1956. On December 28, 1971, he lost his titles when the Indian government abolished privy purses, and derecognized the rulers of the former Indian princely states.
During his reign, Balarama Varma established the University of Travancore (now the University of Kerala) in 1937. He also had a beautiful palace built which is now a museum. The Shri Chitira Institute of Medical Sciences at Trivandrum was named after him. He died at the Royal Palace at Kowdiar, Trivandrum at 78 years of age. He is succeded by his brother, Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.