The Maharajahs neither partook any food cooked by their consorts nor the consorts were allowed to take food alongside royal members. As times changed, the restrictions also got reduced. Rev. Samuel Mateer in 19th Century observed the following about the position of Ammachis of Travancore: Despite all these limitations, historians point out that the Ammachis were compensated with material benefits like tax exemption to land and other properties, comfortable living provisions as well as other honours. References Travancore State Manual by V.Nagam Aiya Indian court titles Noble titles Titles in India People from Thiruvananthapuram Travancore royal family Nair Women of the Kingdom of Travancore People of the Kingdom of Travancore