History
The king of Kollam (Desiganad Dynasty) adopted a prince from Kayamkulam Royal Family. Marthanda Varma, the Maharaja of Travancore, disliked this adoption because he wanted to merge Kollam with Travancore after the Raja as he had no male descendants. Maharaja sent his army to Kollam and defeated the Raja. After the war he annexed Kollam to Travancore. Maharaja brought Kollam Raja to Travancore and built a palace for him (Valiya Koyikkal Kottaram (Palace)), and treated him with royal dignity.
In 1734 Raja escaped from Travancore with the help of Kayamkulam King. Kayamkulam Raja helped to return him to the throne and strengthened his army with the help of Cochi. Kollam became more powerful.
Maharaja sent his Army to Kayamkulam and Kollam under Ramayyan Dalawa. Kayamkulam king was shot and Kayamkulam surrendered and appealed for peace. After the death of Kollam Raja disputes resumed. Kayamkulam encroached Kollam because of the adoption rule. But Travancore denied this saying the adoption was cancelled in 1731. Again war broke out.
Kayamkulam sought the help of the Dutch. In 1741 Maharaja defeated Rani of Kollam and she fled to Cochi. In 1742 the Armies of the Dutch and Kayamkulam attacked Travancore and seized Kilimanoor Fort. To recapture the fort, Maharaja fought for 68 days and defeated the enemies.