Head of Travancore Royal family dead

HIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Utharadom Tirunal Marthanda Varma, head of Travancore Royal family, died here this morning following a cardiac arrest, a palace spokesperson said.

91-year-old Marthanda Varma was admitted in a private hospital here few days ago.

He was successor of the last Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore Chithira Tirumal Balarama Varma.

Marthanda Varma was patron of several religious and cultural institutions, including the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, whose fame soared in recent times following the inventory of the priceless treasures locked up in its vaults.

A Sanskrit scholar, England educated Marthanda Varma was a photography enthusiast and his memoir has a chapter entirely dedicated to royals from different parts of the world he had photographed.

People from different walks of life turned up to pay last respects to he departed royal family head at the Levi Hall in the city where the body has been kept.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and leaders of various political parties and socio cultural organisations condoled the death of Marthanda Varma.