Treaty of Mannar

Mannar-Harmony deed(Mannar Treaty)

About Mannar

Mannar is famous for Bronze industry.Located in Chengannur Taluk in Alappuzha District of Kerala state, India, on State highway 6.

Historical Importance of Mannar(Mannar Treaty)

Dispute between King of Kayamkulam and Maharaja of Travancore

Dispute was started from an adoption , the king of Kollam(Desiganad Dynasty) adopted one prince from Kayamkulam Royal Family.Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore disliked this adoption because he wanted to merge Kollam with Travancore after the Raja as he don't have male successors.Maharaja sent his army to Kollam and defeated the Raja. After the war he agreed the conditions of Maharaja of Travancore. He annexed Kollam to Travancore. Maharaja brought Kollam Raja to Travancore and Built a palace for him(Valiya Koyikkal Palace),and treated him with all royal dignity.It was happened in the year 1731(Malayalam 906)

In 1734 he escaped from Travancore with the help of Kayamkulam King. Kayamkulam Raja helped to set him back to throne and strengthened his army with the help of Cochi.Kollam became more powerful.

Travancore sent Army to Kayamkulam and Kollam under the leadership of Ramayyan Dalawa.Kayamkulam king was shot dead and finally Kayamkulam surrendered and appealed for peace. After the death of Kollam Raja again disputes started. Kayamkulam encroached Kollam because of the adoption rule. But Travancore denied this saying adoption was cancelled in 1731. Again war brock out.

Kayamkulam seeked the help of Dutch.In 1741 Maharaja defeated Rani of Kollam and she fled to Cochi.In 1742 the Armies of the Dutch and Kayamkulam attacked Travancore and seized Kilimanoor Fort.For recapturing the fort Maharaja fought for continues 68 days and defeated the enemies.

Maharaja forced the Kayamkulam King to sign a treaty.Treaty was signed at Mannar in 1742.

Conditions of Mannar Treaty

Raja agreed to merge a major portion of Kayamkulam with Travancore and also pay rupeese 1000 every year.

After effect of Mannar Treaty

Kayamkulam Raja never agreed the treaty and considered it as an insult. But Maharaja forced him to pay the money. at last by deposting all his wealth in Astamudi Lake he fled to northern Region. The messengers of Maharaja couldn't find anything but an empty palace.