Sree Padmanbhadasa Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma,
GCSI,
GCIE (November 7, 1912–July 20, 1991), popularly known as Sree Chithira Thirunal, was the last ruling
Maharaja of the
Princely State of
Travancore, in southern India till 1949 and later the
Titular Maharajah of Travancore till 1991. Sree Chithira Thirunal was the eldest son of Junior
Maharani of
Travancore, H.H. Sree Padmanabhasevini Vanchipala Dyumani Rajarajeshwari Maharani Moolam Thirunal
Sethu Parvathi Bayi, and Sri Pooram Nal Ravi Varma Koyi Thampuran of the
Royal House of Kilimanoor. He was privately educated, and became the
Maharajah of Travancore, at the age of 12, upon the death of his maternal great uncle, the then
Maharajah of Travancore Sree
Moolam Thirunal, on August 7, 1924. He reigned under the
regency of his maternal aunt,
Sethu Lakshmi Bayi (1924-1931), until he came of age and was invested with full ruling powers on November 6, 1931.