Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma also known as Bala Ram Varma II had ruled the princely state Travancore from 1912 CE to 1991 CE. He was the last ruling Maharaja of Princely State Travancore. He became the Maharaja of Travancore at the age of 12, after the death of his uncle. The reign of Balaram Varma II had witnessed much progress in Travancore. During his reign, he had passed the famous Temple Entry Proclamation in the year 1936 CE. He had also established the University of Travancore (now the University of Kerala) in 1937 CE. According to the one of the journal ‘Samyukta’ it had recorded that during this reign 40% of the revenue was set apart for education.

After Independence of India in 1947 CE, Bala Ram Varma II chose his domain as an independent country. As this was unacceptable to the Government of India, so some negotiation was held between Indian representative and Maharaja Bala Ram Varma II. In the year 1949, a final agreement was made where Bala Ram Varma agreed to merge Travancore as a part of Union of India.

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