HH Maharaja Kerala Varma (Kochunni Thampuran) Midukkan Thampuran, Cochin (1941 - 1943)

Maharaja Kerala Varma Kochunni Thampuran

, a.k.a Midukan Thampuran, was the Maharaja of Cochin (Kochi), a princely state in pre-independent India. Midukkan Thampuran ruled during 1941 and 1943. Midukkan Thampuran was born as the second son to Kavu Thampuran of Cochin Royal Family and Pana Namboothirippad in Tripunithura. He was born in Padinjaare Kovilakam Thavazhi of Cochin Royal Family. His elder brother Maharaja Rama Varma Kunjikkidavu Thampuran(Madarashiyil Theepetta Valiya Thampuran) ruled Cochin from 1914 till 1932. Midukkan Thampuran was a great Ayurvedic Physician with in depth knowledge in Sanskrit and "Vishavaidyam" (Poison treatment).

Midukkan Thampuran succeeded Maharaja Rama Varma Kunjunni Thampuran (Chowarayil Theepetta Valiya Thampuran) in 1941 during troubled times of World War II and the great famine in Cochin.

During Midukkan Thampuran's tenure, R. K. Shanmukham Chetty resigned as Dewan in 1941 and was succeeded by A.F.W. Dickinson. The food rationing system was introduced during his period. Midukkan Thampuran died while he was in Thripunithura in October 1943 (1119 Kanni 27th M.E). He was cremated with full state honours in the Royal Cemetery. Midukkan Thampuran was succeeded by his younger brother Maharaja Ravi Varma Kunjappan Thampuran.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midukkan_Thampuran