Merina Kingdom

The Merina Kingdom was a Malagasy state centered in Imerina that expanded to govern much of Madagascar during the nineteenth century.

Imerina: The central highland region of Madagascar historically inhabited by the Merina people. The kingdom’s political heartland and the source of its name.
Hova: A historically free commoner status group in the Merina social order. Hova officers and officials helped staff the kingdom’s army and administration.
Ranavalona I: Queen of Madagascar from 1828 to 1861, known for resisting European political and religious influence. Her rule defended royal independence while restricting foreign missions and trade.
Franco-Hova Wars: Two conflicts between France and the Merina state, fought in 1883–1885 and 1894–1895. The wars ended with French conquest and the loss of Merina sovereignty.
Andrianampoinimerina: A Merina king who reunited Imerina and laid foundations for territorial expansion around 1800. His reunification transformed Imerina into an expansionist kingdom.
Andevo: A status category for enslaved people in historical Malagasy societies. Enslavement and slave trading shaped labor relations and royal power.
Radama II: King of Madagascar from 1861 to 1863, whose reforms and foreign concessions provoked opposition. His short reign exposed conflict over the direction of the monarchy.
French Madagascar: The French colonial possession established after France conquered Madagascar in 1895. Colonial rule replaced the kingdom’s authority and dismantled its monarchy.
Radama I: King of Madagascar from 1810 to 1828, who expanded Merina rule and built ties with Britain. He extended the kingdom beyond its highland base and adopted new institutions.
Merina military: The armed forces used by Merina rulers to defend Imerina and expand their authority. Military campaigns carried royal authority beyond the central highlands.

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