{"product_id":"on-that-note-memories-of-a-life-in-music","title":"Marthandavarma: A Novel","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 900px; margin: auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"background: #6A1B9A; color: #ffffff; padding: 15px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eMarthandavarma: A Novel\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarthandavarma\u003c\/strong\u003e by \u003cstrong\u003eC.V. Raman Pillai\u003c\/strong\u003e is a landmark Malayalam historical novel that masterfully blends fact and fiction. Set in eighteenth century Travancore, this classic work brings alive a world of royal intrigue, political struggles, personal rivalries and the making of a powerful kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #2E7D32; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📖 About the Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cstrong\u003e1741\u003c\/strong\u003e, King \u003cstrong\u003eMarthandavarma\u003c\/strong\u003e would go on to make history by defeating the Dutch colonial forces in the decisive Battle of Colachel. However, this novel introduces him earlier—as a young prince fighting for survival and struggling to secure his rightful claim to the throne of Travancore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurrounded by court conspiracies, political rivalries and personal vendettas, Marthandavarma faces opposition from his cousin \u003cstrong\u003ePadmanabhan Thambi\u003c\/strong\u003e and the powerful \u003cstrong\u003ePillais of the Eight Houses\u003c\/strong\u003e. Amid these challenges, he receives support from remarkable figures including the mysterious Channan, the brave Subhadra and the loyal Mankoyikkal Kurup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccused of murdering his close friend \u003cstrong\u003eAnanthapadmanabhan\u003c\/strong\u003e, Marthandavarma must prove his innocence while demonstrating his ability to lead a kingdom threatened by internal conflicts and foreign imperial ambitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the earliest novels in Malayalam and possibly the first political novel in India, \u003cstrong\u003eMarthandavarma\u003c\/strong\u003e is celebrated for its portrayal of social movements, political transformation and historical change. C.V. Raman Pillai’s brilliant use of contemporary language, complex characters and insightful observations on society established this work as a milestone in Indian literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new English translation by \u003cstrong\u003eG.S. Iyer\u003c\/strong\u003e preserves the spirit of the original while introducing this remarkable classic to readers across the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #1565C0; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✨ Key Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new English translation of a legendary Malayalam classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of the earliest historical and political novels in Indian literature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSet against the royal struggles of eighteenth-century Travancore.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores power, loyalty, betrayal and political transformation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures unforgettable characters and gripping historical drama.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA significant work for readers interested in Indian history and literature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #8E24AA; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✍️ About the Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC.V. Raman Pillai (1858–1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e, popularly known as \u003cstrong\u003eC.V.\u003c\/strong\u003e, was a pioneering Indian writer, journalist and politician. Born in the princely state of Travancore (present-day Kerala), he played a crucial role in shaping Malayalam fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis celebrated works include \u003cstrong\u003eMarthandavarma\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eDharmaraja\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRamaraja Bahadur\u003c\/strong\u003e, which continue to receive widespread appreciation and scholarly attention for their literary brilliance and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #8E24AA; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e🌐 About the Translator\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG.S. Iyer\u003c\/strong\u003e is a career diplomat and scholar of Malayalam and Tamil literature. He has translated several classics from these languages into English, making regional literary treasures accessible to global readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring his diplomatic career, he served in countries including China, Japan, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and the United States, and was India’s ambassador to Morocco, Mexico and several Central American nations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe was honoured with the \u003cstrong\u003eGrand Cordon of the Wissam Alaoui\u003c\/strong\u003e, Morocco’s highest civilian honour, by His Majesty King Hassan II. He is also the author of \u003cstrong\u003eA China Primer on China’s History\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eFour Crises\u003c\/strong\u003e, a reflection on his diplomatic experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #F57C00; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📚 Why Read This Book?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarthandavarma\u003c\/strong\u003e is a captivating journey into Kerala’s royal past, combining historical events with powerful storytelling. With its themes of leadership, political strategy, loyalty and resistance, this timeless classic remains an essential read for anyone interested in Indian history, Malayalam literature and historical fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Westland Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45498975780973,"sku":null,"price":599.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/0445\/7069\/files\/81UOkTVWJjL._SL1500_ddab6bd3-e034-45d3-9858-803d059e8b13.jpg?v=1784913318","url":"https:\/\/the99books.in\/products\/on-that-note-memories-of-a-life-in-music","provider":"The 99 Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}