This new book dives into the history of Kochi through a unique king

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Town

Why is the triumphant story of Shakthan Thampuran relevant today?
The Phoenix Rises (Bloomsbury) and all our historical novels [this being our fourth] are born of a feeling of love and pride in our country. These stories have remained untold for far too long because though Indian history has familiarised us with our conquerors, they have left our legends in the shadows. We tell the stories of Indian legends who ruled, built and won. Shakthan (1751-1805) is one such legend, a king who inherited a bankrupt, disintegrating and lawless kingdom, and transformed it into the prosperous cohesive Cochin [now Kochi].

Shakthan Thampuran

Every year, Thrissur celebrates the Thrissur Pooram, a secular temple festival. The rites are performed by Hindus; the pandals are created by Muslims and the decorations are gifted by Christians. It's the largest and longest temple festival in the world, bringing in over two million tourists to Kerala each year and yet the people of Kerala have forgotten about the Raja who instituted this festival.

Raghu and Pushpa Palat at Kallikotta Palace, Thripunithura, built by Shakthan Thampuran. Pics Courtesy/The authors; Wikimedia Commons

What were some of Shakthan's qualities that helped him resurrect Cochin to its erstwhile glory?
Shakthan was an astute strategist. He knew Cochin lacked the resources to battle enemies or conquer neighbouring kingdoms, so he relied on diplomacy. Through skilful alliances, he shielded the kingdom from its powerful neighbours - Travancore to the south, and Calicut to the north.

He had a strong instinct for commerce, and was keen to boost trade. Since the Nairs showed little interest in it, he encouraged Syrian Christian traders to settle in Cochin, and supported their business. The taxes they generated brought invaluable revenue to the kingdom's coffers. He used the army he had built to enforce strict order and ensure the safety of his subjects. His punishments were swift and decisive, creating an immediate impact.

How did his governance impact the latter-day development of Cochin?
Shakthan divided the kingdom into three provinces, which were further split into taluks made up of villages. He appointed trusted officials at every level, each reporting to a Karyakar, who reported to the Prime Minister, who in turn reported to him. This structure allowed Shakthan to maintain direct control over all affairs of the kingdom. It is telling of his administrative skills that Kerala continues to maintain the divisions that Shakthan introduced in the 18th Century.

The Cochin Royal Family's crest was created by Shakthan

He created detailed guidelines in writing for the officers across grades. Captains were appointed to report on the conduct of officers. Corruption was not tolerated, where offenders were imprisoned and all their property was confiscated. He developed infrastructure by building roads, water ways, markets, rest-houses and store-houses.

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Did you know?

Shakthan realised that prosperity of the Europeans was due to maritime trade, and purchased eight ships. His ships, manned by Muslims, carried goods up and down the coast. He also had a fleet of coasting vessels commanded by European captains that traded from Karachi to Calcutta

He shifted his capital to Thrissur and planned it according to the principles of Kautilya's Arthashastra. Centred around the Vadakkunnathan Temple, Shakthan laid out four roads from its four gateways, dividing Thrissur into four quarters - each designated for a different community.