Ranavalona

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Ranavalona is the name of three 19th century queens of the Merina Kingdom in Madagascar:

  • Ranavalona I (ruled 1828–1861) notable for attempting to preserve traditional ways against the growing European influence and for major persecution of Christians.
  • Ranavalona II (ruled 1868–1883) notable for adopting Christianity as state religion
  • Ranavalona III (ruled 1883–1897) the last monarch of the Merina, deposed during French colonial conquest