The Indian Biographical Dictionary (1915)/Cochin, Raja of; H.H. Raja Sir Sri Rama Varma
Cochin, Raja of; H.H. Raja Sir Sri Rama Varma, K.C.S.I. (1897). G.C.S.I. (1903); b. 1852; succeeded, 1895 in the 43rd year of his age; formally installed, 23rd October 1895: paid his first visit to Madras, 1896; received visits from the Governors of Madras, once in 1902 and again in 1907; received Lord Curzon at Cochin, 1900, proceeded on an entensive Indian tour, 1902; At Delhi Durbar, 1903; tour through Southern India, 1903; visited H.H. the Maharaja of Travancore at Trivandram, 1904; paid his respects to Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and princes of Wales in Madras, 1906. Area of the state, 1417¾ Sq. miles; population, 812,025 (1901 census); His Highness is an enlightened and wise Ruler and is greatly loved by his subjects of all classes. He has greatly improved the administration of the State. The following is an outline of the more important administrative measures undertaken during his reign: the complete reorganisation of the account system on modern lines, the extension of the railway line to the capital entirely at the cost of the State, the Commencement and completion of the Cadastral Survey, the scientific working of the State forests, the construction and completion of a forest steam tramway as a means of providing an outlet for the produce of forests that were till recently inaccessible, the initiation and settlement of revenue on a systematic and equitable basis, the separation of revenue and Magisterial functions, the complete re-organisation and practical disestablishment, of the Devastanam department, the inauguration of Public Health, and Agricultural departments, the improvement of State fisheries, the carrying out of an industrial survey of the State, the provision for industrial and technical education of his subjects, the introduction of municipal administration in some of the more important towns of the State, etc. The Rajas of Cochin are usually entitled to a salute of 17 guns, but in the case of the present Raja, it has been increased to 19 guns. The State is under the political supervision of a British Resident. Address: Tiruppanthurai, Ernakulam, Cochin, South India.