President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday condoled the death of the titular Maharaja of Travancore Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.Describing him as an erudite scholar and a man of varied interests, Mukherjee said: "He was immensely popular and always concerned about the upliftment and well being of the poor and disadvantaged sections of society.""His contribution towards the welfare of the people of Travancore as patron of numerous hospitals and charities shall always be remembered."
Varma, aged 91, died Monday due to age related complications at a private hospital in Kerala. He was the younger brother of the last ruling monarch of the Travancore Kingdom, Maharaja Chitra Thirunal Rama Varma. Though having no real administrative power he held the prestigious post of the custodian of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, billed as the richest temple in the country.
He is survived by a son and a daughter.