Radama I (1793-1828) was King of Madagascar's Merina Kingdom from 1810 to 1828, and the first Merina ruler to bring the majority of the island under a single central authority through a combination of military campaigns and diplomacy. He pursued closer relations with Britain, which recognized him as King of Madagascar, and welcomed British missionaries and advisors who helped introduce a Latin-based written script for the Malagasy language and establish schools that significantly expanded literacy. His reign marked a period of relative openness to foreign influence and modernization that contrasted sharply with the more isolationist and repressive rule of his widow and successor, Ranavalona I, who reversed much of this openness after his death.
Facts
Birth YearCirca date per the article infobox parenthetical; exact birth date not recorded. RoleFirst Malagasy sovereign recognized as King of Madagascar (1810-1828) by a European state; king of Imerina. 1 Death PlaceTranovola, Rova of Antananarivo 1 Role
Role (category) Connections
In Era
Source Wikipedia: Radama I
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Madagascar, originated there.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Radama I
WikipediaLead section, sentence 1
also known as Radama the Great
Lead section, parenthetical dates
Radama I (c. 1793-1828)
Death and succession section, sentence 1
Radama died prematurely on 27 July 1828, at his residence (the Tranovola).
Radama I: Gender
He pursued closer relations with Britain, which recognized him as King of Madagascar, and welcomed British missionaries and advisors who helped introduce a Latin-based written script for the Malagasy language and establish schools that significantly expanded literacy.
In Era: The Late Modern Period, lead paragraph, lifespan
Infobox: born c. 1793; died 27 July 1828 (age 35)
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