Kilimanoor royal family head dies

Thiruvananthapuram: Kilimanoor palace head Uthruttathi Thirunal R Keralvarma Valya Koil Thampuran has died aged 104. He died at his residence in Richmond Road, Bengaluru, at 8:50am on Friday.
Born as the son of the Vedic scholar Pulyadu Manackal Vasudevan Nampoothirippadu and Makayiram Thirunal Cherutti Thampuratti of Kilimanoor Palace, he had his early education at Kilimanoor and Thiruvananthapuram.He graduated from H.H. Maharaja’s College (University College, Thiruvananthapuram). He married Princess Uthram Thirunal Lalithambika Thampuratti, the eldest daughter of Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, the Regent Maharani (Painter Prince Raja Ravi Varma’s grand daughter) who ruled Travancore for seven years.
He was an artist himself and a scholar. He had a passionate interest in music. He was also active in the social and cultural realms.
The family members and the members of Palace Trust of Kilimanoor said they were deeply saddened by his demise. “We will be eternally indebted to our Valya Thampuran for everything he has done for the welfare of the palace, keeping its tradition and reputation alive all these years with his strong leadership. We bow before his revered memory and pay respectful homage to the departed soul,” the family said in their condolence message.
He is survived by his son and five daughters, including renowned artist Rukmini Varma. Other children are Uma Varma, Lekshmi Varma, Ambika Varma, Balagopala Varma, Devika Varma and late Parvathy Varma. The cremation was held in Bengaluru on Friday.