He was the grandson of King Andriamasinavalona of Imerina on his mother 's side .
Was therefore a prince of Imerinatsimo , one of several independent principalities within the borders of the formerly united Merina kingdom .
He was the grandson of King Andriamasinavalona of Imerina on his mother 's side and was therefore a prince of Imerinatsimo , one of several independent principalities within the borders of the formerly united Merina kingdom .