Ranavalona I

Ranavalona I was queen of the Kingdom of Madagascar from 1828 to 1861. Her rule sought to preserve Malagasy sovereignty, restricted European influence, and persecuted Malagasy Christians.

Tangena ordeal: A Malagasy judicial ordeal in which accused people faced a test involving the poisonous tangena nut. The ordeal became a lethal instrument of state justice under her rule.
Radama I: King of Madagascar from 1810 to 1828, who expanded the Merina kingdom and allied with Britain. His death made Ranavalona queen, while his reforms and foreign alliances became contested legacies.
Rainiharo: A Merina military commander and statesman who served as prime minister during much of Ranavalona I's reign. He helped enforce royal policy and wielded major influence at court.
Radama II: King of Madagascar from 1861 to 1863, whose reign reopened the country to foreign influence and Christian missions. His reversal of policies marked a sharp turn after his mother's death.
Malagasy Christianity: Christian belief and practice among the people of Madagascar. Her government outlawed Christian practice and punished converts, especially after 1835.
Merina Kingdom: A kingdom centered on the central highlands of Madagascar that expanded to rule much of the island. Ranavalona governed this state as it consolidated control over Madagascar.
Rainilaiarivony: A Malagasy statesman who became prime minister in 1864 and dominated government under three queens. He emerged from the political order built during Ranavalona's reign and later changed its foreign policy.
French invasion of Madagascar: The French military campaigns of 1883–1896 that culminated in the conquest of Madagascar. The monarchy's later confrontation with France grew from a longer struggle over foreign influence.
James Cameron (missionary): A London Missionary Society missionary who worked in Madagascar and helped develop Malagasy printing and education. His mission's schools and publications helped spread Christianity before the expulsion of missionaries.
Andrianampoinimerina: A Merina ruler who unified much of the central Madagascar highlands in the late eighteenth century. His state-building created the royal power inherited by Radama I and Ranavalona I.

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