Travancore: The Footprints of Destiny is an unusual work among the chronicles of the amazing history of Travancore. It is literally a work from within. That is, a fine blend of historiography and autobiography. The author, the present Maharaja of Travancore, renders his life story from the larger perspective of the historical forces that have shaped the life and times of Travancore during the past millennia. The grand sweep of history reaches its spectacular culmination, as it were, in the historic rites of passage --- the accession of Travancore to the Indian Union after Independence. The Maharaja has had the rare privilege of witnessing history from close quarters, especially during the time his elder Brother His Highness Sri Chithira Tirunal was the King of Travancore. His story evocatively traces the evolution of Travancore into one of pre-Independent India's most progressive princely states. Amidst the larger warp and weft of history, is his own story deftly woven in. Central to the universe of Travancore and therefore to its rulers has been the Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple. The rulers of Travancore have regarded themselves as Padmanabha Dasas, or the vassals of the deity. His Highness has been no exception. Throughout the rendition of the exceptional history of Travancore and his own story, the benign presence of Sree Padmanabhaswami reinforces the narrative. Therefore, more than dispassionate history, the book is an exceptionally intimate evocation of history. The book will add considerable value to Travancore's historiography through an unusual autobiography as told to Uma Maheswari who helped the Maharaja to record history seen live. In fact, it is also the first of its kind during the past 300 years of Travancore's history.

The Footprints of the Jesuits by Richard W. Thompson is a revealing history of the order of Jesuits from its beginnings to the times of the author. In this book, Thomson unearths the true purpose and methods of the Jesuit society, that is, to obtain power over ordinary people and influential political leaders by using their Christian beliefs. According to Thompson, in the Jesuit organization, the central figure is the General, to whom the wills of all the monks are subordinated. The General's orders are free of sin, according to Jesuit Constitution, even if they are cruel or criminal by nature. Further, the author goes into how the Jesuit organization sprawled worldwide and how it exerted influence on the world's leaders.

The Footprints of the Jesuits by Richard Wigginton Thompson, first published in 1894, is a rare manuscript, the original residing in one of the great libraries of the world. This book is a reproduction of that original, which has been scanned and cleaned by state-of-the-art publishing tools for better readability and enhanced appreciation. Restoration Editors' mission is to bring long out of print manuscripts back to life. Some smudges, annotations or unclear text may still exist, due to permanent damage to the original work. We believe the literary significance of the text justifies offering this reproduction, allowing a new generation to appreciate it.

Autobiographical reminiscences of the author and the historical significance of Travancore princely state.

The Kingdom of Travancore in the Southern part of India was a native state in British India which was well known for its progressive outlook. Its enlightened royalty ruled the country as Sree Padmanabha Dasa. They had in place a well oiled administrative mechanism that implemented various programs and reforms, resulting in an overall development of Travancore. Though Travancore was under the colonial rulers, there was a well-orchestrated administrative machinery for coinage. Coins were minted as per the specifications ordered by the periodically issued Royal Proclamations. It is creditable that Travancore retained its independence in its functioning to a large extent. This book is an insight into the coins of Modern Travancore (from 1729 AD) which not only reflects the religious beliefs of the rulers, but also sketches the socio-political atmosphere of the period.