Rama Varma XV

Sir Sri Rama Varma XV GCSI GCIE (1852–1932) popularly known as The Rajarshi Of Cochin and as Abdicated Highness, was the ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin from 1895 to 1914.

Statue of Rama Varma XV at Subhash Park Ernakulam

An erudite scholar in Sanskrit and English, he earned high repute inside and outside the State and no less person than Lokamanya Tilak described him during World Sanskrit meeting in 1919, where Rajarshi was the Chief Guest. Lord Curzon once remarked that among the native Indian States, nowhere had he seen a more progressive administration than in Cochin. He had high praise for the Maharaja. Rajarshi will be remembered for all time to come as the Father of Modern City of Cochin. He brought permanent reforms to the department of Revenue and Accounts. He introduces Railways in the State. The Village Panchayath Bill was a valiant attempt to get the people at the grassroots involved in administration. The Tenance Act was a personal triumph of Rajarshi.

It was during his reign that the railway line from Shornur was extended to Cochin. Rama Varma abruptly abdicated the throne in 1914. While some believe that he had differences with British over his pro-German politics, others opine that he abdicated due to ill-health.

Rama Varma died in January 1932 at Thrissur.