King of Cochin On Royal Elephant With The Nair Warriors, 1747 Print
This rare 1747 engraved print captures the King of Cochin, the ruler of the historic Kingdom of Cochin in present-day Kerala, seated on a royal elephant. The text in this antique 1747 print is in French, the image was engraved by the famous French engraver Benard Direxit. The picture shows the king surrounded by his army of Nairs, the traditional warrior class and attendants who served the royal kingdom.
The Cochin Kingdom, also known as Perumpadappu Swaroopam, was among the most prominent princely states of southern India. The Cochin royal family had a long and influential history, known for its maritime connections, alliances with the Portuguese and Dutch, and cultural patronage of the arts and temples.
The Nairs played a crucial role in Kerala’s social and military structure. Traditionally serving as warriors and nobles, they formed the backbone of royal processions, temple ceremonies, and administrative duties. This engraving stands as a remarkable visual record of Kerala’s regal traditions, royal pageantry, and the heritage of the Cochin dynasty. The Travancore Nairs had bravely resisted to some extent the invasion of Tipu Sultan along the borders of Cochin and Travancore. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – Maharaja Rama Varma supported Sir Robert Bristow, a British engineer, in turning this natural harbor into a modern port, defying British skepticism that it was impossible.
Past posts – Painting of Fort St George Colonial Madras By British Soldier, 1851., Glimpse Of Domestic Life During British Era India, 1885 Photo., Fort William British Era Calcutta, 1900 Postcard., Bombay To Mahabaleshwar Motor Car Rally In 1906.
