Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma (91), the last ruling monarch of the Kingdom of Travancore passed away today early morning at 2.20am.
Paying a tribute to
His Highness by playing the national anthem of His once kingdom.
Travancore National Anthem: (Malayalam; Columbia Gramophone Co, 1938)
Vanji Bhumi (alternatively Vanchi Bhumi, Vanchi Bhumi) was the national anthem of the Kingdom of Travancore. It was formally known as the "Vanchisamangalam" or the "Prayer for the Lord of Vanchi".
Vanchi Bhumi, meaning the "Land of Vanchi", is a reference to the city of Thiruvanchikkulam, the capital of the Later Cheras, and the "lord of Vanchi", the Later Chera's tutelary deity, Vanchi Nathan, a name for Hindu god Siva.
Written in Malayalam language, it was sung in honour of the Kingdom of Travancore and its ruler, until 1947, and the merger of Kingdom of Travancore with India.
Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanji_bhoomi