Travancore, a kingdom in present-day Kerala, remained unconquered by Islamic invaders. The rulers of Venad fiercely defended their sovereignty, ensuring their land never fell. Yet, Bollywood conveniently ignores these stories, choosing instead to depict repeated losses.
Even more shockingly, Bollywood ignores India’s first victory against a European superpower—the Battle of Colachel (1741). Travancore under Marthanda Varma crushed the Dutch East India Company, marking the first time a European colonial power was defeated by an Asian kingdom. While battles lost to the British are widely discussed, why is this monumental victory forgotten?
Why Doesn’t Travancore Celebrate Its Own History?
One of the biggest reasons is that history, as taught in India, is heavily North India-centric. School curriculums focus on Mughal history, the Delhi Sultanate, and Maratha struggles, often sidelining South Indian kingdoms. As a result, significant victories like those of Travancore are barely mentioned, leaving even people from the region unaware of their own rich heritage.
One reason is centuries of narrative control that has overshadowed regional histories:
- British Historical Influence – Colonial rule promoted an all-India narrative centered on North India, diminishing the significance of regional histories.
- Post-Independence Reorganization – Travancore was merged into Kerala, where historical focus remained on Malabar and Cochin.
- Cultural & Political Marginalization – Kerala’s historical discourse prioritizes the Zamorin, Tipu Sultan’s invasions, and Malabar’s struggles, sidelining Travancore’s contributions.
- Different Historical Experiences – While North and Central Kerala faced repeated conquests, Travancore’s resilience created a disconnect in narratives.
- Lack of Representation in Popular Culture – Kerala’s mainstream media and literature rarely highlight Travancore’s achievements, leaving even locals unaware of their glorious past.
Time to Celebrate Victories, Not Just Defeats
Why does Indian cinema romanticize losses while ignoring triumphant moments like Colachel? Isn’t it time we demanded movies that showcase real victories and inspire pride in our history?
Travancore’s story is one of resilience, strategy, and ultimate triumph. But perhaps its greatest mistake was that it was never defeated. In a culture that glorifies suffering and victimhood, an undefeated kingdom does not fit the narrative. Moreover, being part of South India, away from the so-called “mainland,”
Moreover, being part of South India, away from the so-called “mainland,” Travancore’s victories were conveniently overlooked in favor of histories centered around North India. Let’s break free from this narrative and bring these glorious battles to light—through films, books, and public discourse. The legacy of Marthanda Varma and his undefeated kingdom deserves to be celebrated, not forgotten.
neilandan
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