Rama Varma of Travancore vs William III of Orange

Rama Varma, known as Dharma Raja, signed a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company, agreeing to pay tribute and provide military support in exchange for British protection. This alliance helped Travancore resist invasions from Tipu Sultan of Mysore and ensured the kingdom's survival during the Anglo-Mysore Wars.

Tipu Sultan of Mysore invaded Travancore, but Rama Varma's forces, aided by the British, successfully defended the kingdom. The Travancore Lines, a defensive fortification, held against Tipu's army. This conflict escalated into the Third Anglo-Mysore War, which ended with Tipu's defeat and the Treaty of Seringapatam.

Rama Varma, known as Dharma Raja, implemented policies of religious tolerance, allowing Christians and Muslims to practice freely in Travancore. He granted land for churches and mosques and protected minority communities. This policy contrasted with the religious persecution in neighboring Mysore and earned him the title 'Dharma Raja' (Righteous King).

Rama Varma completed the construction of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple complex in Thiruvananthapuram, including the mandapam and other structures. The temple became the center of Travancore's religious and cultural life, and the king dedicated the kingdom to the deity Padmanabha, ruling as a servant of the god.

William landed at Torbay with a Dutch fleet and army, invited by English nobles to overthrow King James II. James fled, and William and his wife Mary were declared joint monarchs. This event established Protestant succession and parliamentary supremacy in England.

William accepted the Bill of Rights, which limited royal powers and affirmed parliamentary authority. It prohibited the monarch from suspending laws, levying taxes without Parliament's consent, or maintaining a standing army in peacetime. This became a cornerstone of British constitutional law.

William organized the Grand Alliance (England, Dutch Republic, Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Savoy) to oppose Louis XIV's expansion. This coalition fought the Nine Years' War, aiming to contain French power. The alliance system became a model for European coalitions.

William personally led his army to victory over the Jacobite forces of James II in Ireland. The battle secured Protestant control of Ireland and confirmed William's throne. It remains a symbol of Protestant-Orange identity in Northern Ireland.

William negotiated the end of the Nine Years' War with France. The treaty recognized William as king of England and restored most territories conquered during the war. It temporarily stabilized European borders but did not resolve the underlying conflict over Spanish succession.

William died at Kensington Palace after his horse stumbled on a molehill, breaking his collarbone. His death without heirs led to the end of the Stuart line and the accession of Queen Anne. Jacobites toasted 'the little gentleman in black velvet' (the mole).