Ranavalona III was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar. She ruled from 30 July 1883 to 28 February 1897 in a reign marked by ultimately futile efforts to resist the colonial designs of the government of France. As a young woman, she was selected from among several Andriana qualified to succeed Queen Ranavalona II upon her death. Like both preceding queens, Ranavalona entered a political marriage with a member of the Hova elite named Rainilaiarivony, who largely oversaw the day-to-day governance of the kingdom and managed its foreign affairs in his role as prime minister. Ranavalona tried to stave off colonization by strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with foreign powers throughout her reign, but French attacks on coastal port towns and an assault on the capital city of Antananarivo led to the capture of the royal palace in 1895, ending the sovereignty and political autonomy of the centuries-old kingdom.
Ranavalona III
Birthplace of Princess Razafindrahety in Manjakazafy.
The queen standing next to the Royal crown and sceptre
Pith helmet in the Second French Empire style, worn by soldiers in the army of Ranavalona III The inscription reads "Ranavalona III, [is the] Ruler of Madagascar"(displayed at the Musée de l'Armée)
The Kingdom of Merina, or Kingdom of Madagascar, officially the Kingdom of Imerina, was a pre-colonial state off the coast of Southeast Africa that, by the 18th century, dominated most of what is now Madagascar. It spread outward from Imerina, the Central Highlands region primarily inhabited by the Merina ethnic group with a spiritual capital at Ambohimanga and a political capital 24 km (15 mi) west at Antananarivo, currently the seat of government for the modern state of Madagascar. The Merina kings and queens who ruled over greater Madagascar in the 19th century were the descendants of a long line of hereditary Merina royalty originating with Andriamanelo, who is traditionally credited with founding Imerina in 1540.
Andriamanelo waged war against the Vazimba in an effort to expel them from the highlands.
King Andrianampoinimerina (ca. 1787–1810)
Ranavalona III was the last monarch of Madagascar.
Landing of the 40th Battaillon de Chasseur à Pieds in Majunga, between 5 and 24 May 1895.