Radama I "the Great" (1793–1828) was the first Malagasy sovereign to be recognized as King of Madagascar (1810–1828) by a European state, Great Britain. He came to power at the age of 17 following the death of his father, King Andrianampoinimerina.
Radama I
French language workbook of Radama I
Illustration of Radama reviewing his troops (1825)
Tomb of King Radama I (right), 1885
The Malagasy are a group of Austronesian-speaking ethnic groups indigenous to the island country of Madagascar. Traditionally, the population have been divided into ethnic groups. Examples include "Highlander" groups such as the Merina and Betsileo of the central highlands around Antananarivo, Alaotra (Ambatondrazaka) and Fianarantsoa, and the "coastal dwellers" such as the Sakalava, Bara, Vezo, Betsimisaraka, Mahafaly, etc.
Top: A Malagasy street vendor; Bottom: A traditional Malagasy Valiha orchestra
Image: Kakapizon and chips food vendor in Antananarivo Madagascar
Merina children
Sakalava children