The Travancore Kingdom, founded in 1663, was a major princely state in southwest India. Its capital was Thiruvananthapuram, and it played a key role in trade, social reforms, and culture until its merger with India in 1949.

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• Founded in 1663, located in present-day Kerala
• Maritime state, strong in trade and natural resources
• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram, also Padmanabhapuram earlier
• Royal flag: red with silver conch shell at center
• Rulers honored with 19-gun salute by British Empire
• Known for reforms in education, society, and public works
• Key kings: Marthanda Varma (1729–1758), Dharma Raja (1758–1798), Swathi Thirunal (1829–1846)
• Last ruler: Chithira Thirunal, reigned till 1949 merger with India
• Supreme Court in 2020 restored temple governance to royal family
• Legacy continues through Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple custodianship