Swathi Thirunal was the most celebrated ruler of Travancore. Hailed as a child prodigy, he was a patron of all arts. He was known for his compositions. He was a master of 13 languages. He started composing songs at a very young age of 16. 

He has composed Varnams, Javalis & Kritis. His mudra was Padmanabha, Jalajanabha. He has composed 400 kritis. He has also provided valuable information in his book on theory of music "Muhuna Prasanthya Prasa Vyavastha".