Swathi Thirunal was the king of Travancore from 1829 to 1848. He was heir to the throne even in his mother’s womb. So he was known as ‘Garbasreeman’. His mother ruled the country till he attained majority. He learned many languages and become a scholar. He learned music and was a good musician. He was also a great composer of music. He was a great lover of arts and patronized artists. He was also a great administrator. It was he who began English Education in Travancore. It was during his time that law courts were first established in Travancore. The reign of Swathi Thirunal is often called the ‘Golden age of Kerala Music’.