In 1498, when Vasco da Gama set foot in Kerala looking for Christians and spices, he unleashed a wave of political fury that would topple local powers like a house of cards. The cosmopolitan fabric of a vibrant trading society - with its Jewish and Arab merchants, Chinese pirate heroes and masterful Hindu Zamorins - was ripped apart, heralding an age of violence and bloodshed. One prince, however, emerged triumphant from this descent into chaos. Shrewdly marrying Western arms to Eastern strategy, Martanda Varma consecrated the dominion of Travancore, destined to become one of the most dutiful pillars of the British Raj. What followed was two centuries of internecine conflict in one of India's premier princely states, culminating in a dynastic feud between two sisters battling to steer the fortunes of their house on the eve of Independence. Manu S. Pillai's retelling of this sprawling saga focuses on the remarkable life and work of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last - and forgotten - queen of the House of Travancore. The supporting cast includes the flamboyant painter Raja Ravi Varma and his wrathful wife, scheming matriarchs of 'violent, profligate and sordid' character, wife-swapping court favourites, vigilant English agents, quarrelling consorts and lustful kings. Extensively researched and vividly rendered, The Ivory Throne conjures up a dramatic world of political intrigues and factions, black magic and conspiracies, crafty ceremonies and splendorous temple treasures, all harnessed in a tragic contest for power and authority in the age of empire.
© 2019 Storyside IN (Audiobook): 9789353377472
Release date
Audiobook: 2 January 2019
In 1498, when Vasco da Gama set foot in Kerala looking for Christians and spices, he unleashed a wave of political fury that would topple local powers like a house of cards. The cosmopolitan fabric of a vibrant trading society - with its Jewish and Arab merchants, Chinese pirate heroes and masterful Hindu Zamorins - was ripped apart, heralding an age of violence and bloodshed. One prince, however, emerged triumphant from this descent into chaos. Shrewdly marrying Western arms to Eastern strategy, Martanda Varma consecrated the dominion of Travancore, destined to become one of the most dutiful pillars of the British Raj. What followed was two centuries of internecine conflict in one of India's premier princely states, culminating in a dynastic feud between two sisters battling to steer the fortunes of their house on the eve of Independence. Manu S. Pillai's retelling of this sprawling saga focuses on the remarkable life and work of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the last - and forgotten - queen of the House of Travancore. The supporting cast includes the flamboyant painter Raja Ravi Varma and his wrathful wife, scheming matriarchs of 'violent, profligate and sordid' character, wife-swapping court favourites, vigilant English agents, quarrelling consorts and lustful kings. Extensively researched and vividly rendered, The Ivory Throne conjures up a dramatic world of political intrigues and factions, black magic and conspiracies, crafty ceremonies and splendorous temple treasures, all harnessed in a tragic contest for power and authority in the age of empire.
© 2019 Storyside IN (Audiobook): 9789353377472
Release date
Audiobook: 2 January 2019
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Overall rating based on 122 ratings
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vyas
27 Mar 2021
An amazing and thorughly engaging historical book which i believe all should read, for the key to the future lies in the past. I am so glad ive come accross this book. cheers!
Atul N
6 Mar 2020
Excellent book and an absolute must read. It’s the story about a former glorious princely state with a rich history and a regent queen who ruled it. Just when we thought that their stories were in the verge of extinction and moving into the unknown, Manu Pillai has come with this masterpiece. It will leave you with a series of emotions including happiness, sadness and fear for what beholds.
Benjamin
12 Oct 2020
It was a wonderful experience to know and understand stories and facts of the Travancore Royal House, especially that of Sethu Lakshmi Bai and her golden years as Regent.
Subarna
31 Mar 2020
Subscribed to storytel after hearing Amit Varma's podcast. Heard the discussion about this book between Manu Pillai and Varma which was marvellous. Unfortunately the narrator is very disappointing. The accent is ridiculously artificial. I do wish he spoke in his own accent rather than a put on fake one. Sad.
Sangam
6 Oct 2023
Nyc read
Unnikrishnan
23 Sept 2022
This book from a great writer is more valuable than the entire collection of gems in Padmanabha Temple. It exposes the real story behind the Travancore dynasty, piece by piece. At least 1% of Keralites should know this truth...about someone whom they should never have forgotten.
English
India