Rama Raja Bhadur

This book, one of a trilogy of historical novels of the author , is considered CV’s magnum opus, and is a kind of historical romance.  The story of the novel revolves round the state of Travancore, well-governed by its great ruler Rama Varma Raja, ably assisted by his Diwan. It is under threat of an invasion by Tipu sultan and by the treacherous activities of its own subjects. The story could be that of any historical novel, but it is in the creation of life-like and sometimes, larger-than-life characters that the book stands above the ordinary historical novels. Diwan Kesava Pillai, Kesavan Unnithan, his wife Meenakshi Amma, their daughter Savitri who combines womanly grace with the valor of her illustrious ancestors, Kunchaikutti Pillai Karakkar and on the other side, the dominating figure of Kali Udayan Chandrakkaran who comes variously clad as Kaliprabhava Bhattan and Manicka Goundan. There is also the large figure of Perinchakodan with his shadowy alter ego Parapanda. Along with the oils of war and state craft, there is also the adventurous love story of Trivikraman and Savitri. Yet another love story, that of Devaki, tragic this time, occurs in the latter part of the novel.