Lord Hay

Lord Hay was the son of the Marquis of Tweedale, the Governor of Madras during 1840s. During 1843-44, Lord Hay came to Trivandrum. As was the custom, Swathi Thirunal was supposed to meet him. But due to interference from Resident Cullen, Swathi Thirunal did not wish to see or receive visits from any European gentlemen ( even the royal physician could not pay his visits to the ailing Maha Rajah, who totally refused to attend to any advice from the doctor or to allow himself to be treated by him). With the greatest difficulty and in deference to the entreaties of the Elia Rajah and his own father, Swathi Thirunal was persuaded to meet Lord hay. It was perhaps the last time he received a European visitor.