Gauri Parvati Bai
Gauri Parvati Bai, 1802, queen of Kerala 1814-29. She was called upon to assume the ruler ship of Travancore when she was only 13. She proved to be a capable ruler and borders of Travancore were further extended during her reign. Revenue settlement and abolition of export duties on grain, and poll-tax were also carried out which gave much relief to the farmers. She also introduced many administrative reforms and did much to encourage literacy. She was tolerant towards Christian missions, and though she gave them land for schools and churches, she saw to it the laws were duly obeyed. In 1829, her nephew, Rama Varma was invested by her with ruling powers and she retired into private life.
