Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma was the Travancore state's Maharajah in the south of India, succeeding his elder brother Maharajah Swathi Thirunal in 1846 until his death in 1860. He was known for his progressive rule, and abolished kingdom slavery. His nephew Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal succeeded Him in 1860. His mother, Maharani Gowri Lakshmi Bayi was Her Highness. He was married to the Nagercoil Ammaveedu Thiruvattar Ammachi Panapillai Amma Srimathi Madhavi Pillai Kochamma, who died in 1860, a few months before the death of the Maharajah. His nephew and heir Maharajah Ayilyam Thirunal marr
ied the daughter of The Maharajah.After his niece's death in 1857 the Maharajah also adopted Bharani Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi and Bharani Thirunal Parvathi Bayi from the related Kolathiri royal house to perpetuate the royal line.