Andrianampoinimerina and Radama I unified highland kingdoms, adopting literacy and European alliances. It modernized administration and resisted full colonization initially. French conquest ended sovereignty. The kingdom preserved Malagasy culture.

The unification of the Merina Kingdom in Madagascar around 1810 was reflected in Malagasy hainteny proverbs and poetry that celebrated themes of unity and cultural identity. This oral tradition enriched island literary practices, preserving heritage through poetic expression.