Which of the following characteristics about the state of Travancore in 18th century Kerala is/are correct ? 1. Travancore was ruled by Marthanda Varma from 1729 to 1758. 2. Travancore built a strong army and defeated the Dutch in 174 1. 3. Travancore was an important centre of learning. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Travancore's rise in the 18th century was spearheaded by King Marthanda Varma, who reigned from 1729 to 1758 [2]. He is credited with transforming the state by subduing local feudal chiefs and organizing a powerful standing army modeled on Western military standards with the help of European officers [3]. A pivotal moment in his reign was the Battle of Colachel in 1741, where Travancore forces decisively defeated the Dutch East India Company, effectively ending Dutch political ambitions in the region [3]. Beyond military and administrative prowess, Travancore emerged as a significant center of learning and culture during this period. Marthanda Varma and his successor, Rama Varma (Dharma Raja), were great patrons of literature and the arts, attracting scholars and poets to the court, which solidified Travancore's reputation as a hub of intellectual activity in Kerala.

Sources

1. [1] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 2: Indian States and Society in the 18th Century > Kerala > p. 25
2. [2] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science, Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: The Colonial Era in India > The Dutch: commerce and competition > p. 90
3. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 4: India on the Eve of British Conquest > Kerala > p. 71