S4E4: Andriamanelo - King of Alasora

Fortified gate at Ambohimanga, likely similar to those which defended the settlement from Andriamanelo and his army

While there are earlier named monarchs in the history of Imerina, the rule of Andriamanelo, which took place in some era of the mid-to-late 16th century, is generally considered the gateway between mythology and history in the kingdom's history. While segments of his reign are clearly mythological, he is the first ruler of the Malagasy highlands whose biography generally reflects historical reality.

Note: In the episode, I translate "tsodrano" to "circumcision." This is not accurate. "Tsodrano" is Malagasy for "blessing." The Merina circumcision ritual is referred to as tsodrano because of the blessing applied to the water used to cleanse the wound.

19th century photograph of the Malagasy circumcision ritual, including blessed water to cleanse the wound

Andriamanelo is credited with numerous achievements. He expanded the nascent kingdom of Imerimanjaka by marrying the princess of Ambohitrabyby, a nearby city-state. The king is credited with numerous technological and cultural innovations, such as the introduction ironworking technology, the invention or introduction (traditions vary) of Sikidy divination, and the creation of several unique Malagasy wedding traditions.

Sikidy is a form of divination which relies on the use of complex boolean algebra equations. Check out our premium episode about it on our Patreon page.

Andriamanelo's rule is a difficult period to analyze. While the wide variety of fairly reliable oral histories of his reign generally mark it as "true history" rather than mere legend, the exact achievements and developments of his rule are questionable. Even questions as simple as when Andriamanelo ruled are unknown, while some common elements of his story, like the introduction of ironworking, are outright contradicted by archaeological evidence. Regardless, he is a watershed figure in Merina history.  

Andriamanelo's tomb in Alasora