Kerala PSC - Rani Gouri Lekshmi Bayi (1810-1815)

• She was assisted by Col. Munroe as the Resident Diwan.


• The secretariat system was introduced by him and all correspondence at the State level was to be carried on with his knowledge and under his signature.


• He took all possible steps to achieve economy in public expenditure. Each landholder was given a 'Pattayam', in which the extent of the land held by him, the nature of the tenure, government demand etc. were noted.


• The designation of  'Karyakar' was changed to 'Tahsildar' as in British India.


• 'Chowkies' or customs houses were established in suitable places with a view to prevent smuggling.


• Slavery was abolished in Travancore by a Royal Proclamation issued in 1812.


• The scheme of judicial administration was reformed by Col. Munroe. Zilla courts were established at five selected centres in the State-Padmanabhapuram, Trivandrum, Mavelikkara, Vaikam and Alwaye.


• A court of Appeal was set up at Trivandrum with five judges including the Diwan himself.


• Munroe drafted a set of rules called 'Chattavariolas' based on the 'Dharma Sastras'.


• The Police Department was enlarged and brought under the direct personal supervision of the Diwan.


• Another reform introduced by Munroe was the assumption of the direct management of the Devaswams by the government in order to prevent their mismanagement.


• The reforms of Munroe modernised the administration of Travancore to a very great extent.


• Anchal Aappees (Post Office) : Colonel John Monroe introduced the Anchal (Postal) system in Travancore in 1811. The Post Master was known as "Anchal Pillai".

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