Rainilaiarivony
 |
Rainilaiarivony | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Prime Minister of Madagascar | |
| In office 1864–1895 | |
| Preceded by | Rainivoninahitriniony |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 January 1828 |
| Died | 17 July 1896 |
Rainilaiarivony (30 January 1828 - 17 July 1896) was the Prime Minister of Madagascar from 1864 to 1895. As the head of the army at the time Radama II was overthrown by the Merina oligarchy in 1863, Rainilaiarivony became Prime Minister in 1864 and remained in power by marrying three queens in succession: Rasoherina, Ranavalona II and Ranavalona III[1].
One historian of Madagascar has noted that "Rainilaiarivony — 'the Father of the One Who Has the Flower' — was, indeed, a queen-maker; he selected, elevated, and married the last three, beginning with Rasoherina, whom he married in open secret."[2]
Sources
- Columbia-Lippincott Gazeteer, p. 1111.
- ^ http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/355562/Madagascar/23450/Outside-influences-1861-95#ref=ref386696
- ^ Arthur Stratton, The Great Red Island (1964), p. 204