Between 1677 and 1698, Asvathi Tirunal was rani of Attingal. This is a small region in Kerala, India. In historical research, the importance of the political role of the rani in this area is often...Show moreBetween 1677 and 1698, Asvathi Tirunal was rani of Attingal. This is a small region in Kerala, India. In historical research, the importance of the political role of the rani in this area is often neglected. That is why in this thesis, the following question is answered: ‘To what extent did Asvathi Tirunal (r.1677-1698) exercise political power in South Kerala and where was this power derived from?’ By using the source material of the Dutch East India Company, the political influence of the rani was analyzed. We can conclude carefully that the rani of Attingal was able to exercise political influence in the area, mostly because of the cultivation of pepper on her lands and her role as mother of surrounding kingdoms. In this period, there was not one independent ruler in Kerala, and political power was divided between the rani, the king of Travancore and the pillamar. More research (including Indian source material) is necessary to reach a better understanding of the political power of the ranis of Attingal.Show less
