Travancore led by Chithira Thirunal is a custom civilization by Explosive Watermelon.
This mod requires Brave New World.
Overview[]
Travancore[]
The Kingdom of Travancore was established in 1729 under Marthanda Varma, who inherited the feudal state of Venad in 1723. The state emerged as a regional military power upon defeating the Dutch at the battle of Colachel in 1741, thus allowing the Travancore army to adopt European weaponry. The Travancore-Dutch war is considered one of the earliest victories of an Asian force defeating a Colonial European army. Later, Travancore allied with the British East India Company to resist the invasion of Mysore. During the reign of Dharma Raja, the state of Travancore established a large border wall known as the Nedumkotta to fend off against the invading forces under Tipu Sultan, where the famous battle of the Nedumkotta would be fought and where the Mysore army were defeated. After Dharma Raja's death, the state entered a period of governance defined by extensive power in the hands of prime ministers known as Dalawas or Dewans. Under the leadership of Velu Thampi Dalawa, the state of Travancore attempted to resist British colonialism in India, but ultimately to no avail. After numerous defeats at the hands of the East India Company, the Travancore rebellion was eventually quelled.
During the 19th and 20th centuries of Travancore, Travancore established a new identity for itself as a cultural power. Although the Caste system was more rigorously enforced than in other areas of India, the state was considered prosperous, having reached its political height under the reign of patron king Swathi Thirunal. By the time of the last ruling king, Chithira Thirunal, Travancore had become a powerhouse in industry, culture, and education. Chithira Thirunal's most famous action may have been the Temple Entry Proclamation, lifting the ban on Temple Entry for the untouchable caste. Eventually, after the Independence of India was earned, the Kingdom of Travancore opted to join the Union of India in 1949.
Chithira Thirunal[]
Chithira Thirunal was born into the royal family of Travancore, and received an extensive education. It was only at the age of 16 that he began his administrative training in order to become the Maharajah of Travancore, a role he took over when he turned 18. Chithira Thirunal is unique amongst Travancore monarchs, as he was the only to not conduct Hiranyagarbham ceremony, with him having considered them extremely costly
As Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal oversaw cultural, educational, legal and industrial reforms in Travancore. He established the University of Travancore (now the University of Kerala), created several state-run industries, patronized various musicians, dancers, artists, and scholars, and formed the first bicameral legislature- a move which ultimately limited his political powers. However, perhaps the greatest accomplishment of Chithira Thirunal was his issuing of the Temple Entry Proclamation.
Travancore, as a state, was considered to be highly caste stratified. From an early age, Chithira Thirunal was asked whether he'd support the Temple Entry movement, thereby lifting the ban on Dalits entering temples. Chithira responded affirmatively, but had to negotiate significant political troubles in order to issue the famous Temple Entry Proclamation. However, in 1936, Chithira Thirunal was successful in abolishing the ban on marginalized communities in Hindu Temples. This move earned him significant praise, even from the influential Mahatma Gandhi, who referred to Chithira Thirunal as having 'Mahatma' (Great Soul) of his own. Despite the popularity of this decision, it brought about some political turmoil within the state of Travancore.
Travancore, under Chithira Thirunal, remained independent after India's independence for another two years, before ultimately deciding during his reign to join the Union of India in 1949. From that point on, Chithira Thirunal ruled for another 7 years as the Rajpramukh of Travancore-Cochin, before ultimately the creation of the state of Kerala ended his reign. He was officially stripped of all political powers under Indira Gandhi's government in 1971, and died of a stroke at the age of 78 on July 20th, 1991. Much of modern Kerala owes its boons to Chithira Thirunal and his governance.
Dawn of Man[]
Art by ExplosiveWatermelon.
May Padmanabha bless you, great king Sree Chithira Thirunal! You led the state of Travancore through hardships to prosperity. Although threatened by political enemies during your reign, you led significant reforms and patronized the arts and sciences. Amongst your greatest achievements was the historic Temple Entry Proclamation, in which you permitted Dalits entry into the Hindu Temples in your kingdom, receiving significant praise from the resistance leader Mahatma Gandhi. However, all was not perfect, and once the Union of India was formed, Travancore's independence was questioned. Your kingdom, of course, eventually joined the Union of India.
However, Sree Chithira Thirunal, all is not yet lost. You have been given another chance at glory and prosperity for your kindred peoples! Can you establish your sovereignty once more? Can you guide your nation through hardships once again? Can you build a Civilization that can stand the test of time?
Introduction: Greetings, I am Sree Chithira Thirunal of the Kingdom of Travancore. May this enlightened state guide you on your path.
Defeat: May history condemn you for the stain you've left on Padmanabha's Kingdom.
Unique Attributes[]
Travancore (Chithira Thirunal)
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 Art by ExplosiveWatermelon |
Temple Entry Proclamation
Cities you control enter a We Love the King Day upon constructing a Religious Building*. Cities generate Points towards the closest Great Person to completion equal to 25% of their Faith output. |
 Art by ExplosiveWatermelon |
Nair Battalion (Rifleman)
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  Art by ExplosiveWatermelon |
Nalukettu (Castle)
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City List
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Spy List
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Music[]
| Peace Theme | War Theme |
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Mod Support[]
| Mod Support | |
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Additional Achievements
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No |
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| Yes | |
| No | |
Ethnic Units/R.E.D.
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No |
| No | |
| Yes | |
Map Labels
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No |
| Yes | |
Unique Cultural Influence
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No |
YnAEMP
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Yes |
Full Credits List[]
| Steam Workshop | |
| Latest Version: | v 1 |
| Last Updated: | 12 September 2025 |
- ExplosiveWatermelon: Author
- Bernie14: Models
| ExplosiveWatermelon's Civilizations [edit] | |
|---|---|
General
|
America • Arborea • Britons • Gajapati • Hadza • Hudson's Bay Company • Karelia • Khanty • Kuwait • Makhnovia • Métis • Murrinh-Patha • New France • Nepal • Norway • Numidia • Paris • Pechenegs • Priamurye • Russia • Shuar • Sparta • Tay Son • Tonga • Travancore • Yukaghir |
Collaborations
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Almoravids • Japan • Kokang • New England • Nivkh • Oeselians • Saba-Da'amat • Yenisei Kyrgyz • Zheng |
Fictional
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Loegria |