Rama Varma, popularly known as Shakthan Thampuran, was the ruler of erstwhile
Cochin State about 200 years ago (from 1751 to 1805.) King Rama Varma used to treat criminals and miscreants mercilessly.That is why people called him Shakthan Thampuran, meaning 'powerful lord.' Rama Varma was crowned king when he was very young.
Thrissur Pooram is a brainchild of Shakthan Thampuran. He brought Pandi Brahmins to Cochin from
Madurai to do cloth business.
