Sabudana, or tapioca pearl, is believed to have been popularised by Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma, ruler of the kingdom of Travancore (which later became Kerala), in 1800s to save people from famine. He did so with the help of his successor and brother Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma, who was apparently a botanist. Sabudana is commonly eaten while fasting during Navratri.