Tambu-chettiyar-charitram (Life of Raja Dharma Pravina T. R. A. Thumboo Chetty, C. I. E.). Madras, 1908. Dhana-Sami Chetti, 1908.

Life of Raja-dharma-pravina T . R . A . Tambu Chetti, C.I.E." by T. R . Dhanasami Chetti.

A rather novel departure in Tamil biographical writing has recently been inaugurated by the appearance of the " Life of Raja-dharma-pravina T . R . A . Tambu Chetti, C.I.E." by T. R . Dhanasami Chetti, formerly Assistant Registrar of the Mysore Chief Court. The book is elegantly printed by Messrs. Hoe & Co., Madras, and the Tamil in which it is written, is simple, straightforward and sober. The subject of the biography filled the high position of the Acting Dewan of Mysore, a few years before his lamented decease in June 1907, and was a Christian gentleman of Roman Catholic pursuasion, who rose, by dint of his talents and accomplishments, to the high place he came to occupy at last.

The biographer is the younger brother of the late Mr. Tambu Chetti, and states in the fore-word that he writes the present work as a grateful tribute to the memory of the person to whom he was indebted for many good and gracious acts of heart-felt value, and that he regards the biography as a final act of public duty which he owed to his worthy and saintly brother. The book is conceived on the lines of modern European biographies, and contains a connected narrative of Mr. Chetti's life and doings, interspersed with a number of interesting letters written by or to him, extracts from his public utterances and private conversations, the whole method of piecing together the chronicler's account and the subject's words, strongly reminding us of such books as " T h e Life and Letters of T . H. Huxley " The Life and Letters of Lord Tennyson ", and the like. In a word, the book has a complete Boswellian ring about it, with every virtue that should accompany such an aim. As most of the letters reproduced in the book are necessarily translations from English originals, and as the bulk of the subjects dealt with, is of a character that is thoroughly Western in flavour and thought, it must have cost the translator a great deal of patience and zeal, to make the Indo-European culture and atmosphere by which Mr. Chetti's public and private life was surrounded, a picture of reality to the average Tamil reader. W e have, however, grave misgivings whether the biographer has scored a victory in this portion of his task. English- knowing students of Tamil will, for a certainty, have no difficulty in reading and following the biography with pleasure and profit to themselves, but to those for whom it is, apparently, mainly intended, it is seven to one uncertain that it is adapted in any real sense. The scene of Mr. Chetti's last moments pictured on pp. 130 et seq., is pathetically tender, and reveals in a telling manner the deep trait of godliness that must have always underlain a disposition, already humane if austere, compassionate if just.

Read : https://archive.org/details/BookTambuChettiyarCharitramDhanaSamiChetti1908

Trisirapuram Rayalu Arogya Sami Dhana Sami Pamanjari. Miscellaneous Christian Poems Religious And Secular by T. R. A. Dhana-Sami Chetti

Thanasawmy Pamanchary Published by P. A. Gnaniah Chetty.

A collection of the stanzas and songs composed by the late Dhanasami Cetti of Mysore.

DHANA-SAMI CHETTI, Trisirapuram Rayalu Arogya-sami. [Dhana-sami pamanjari. Miscellaneous Christian poems, religious and secular. Edited by P. A. Nanayya Chetti.] (Thanassamy Pamanchary) Madras 1911.

Read : https://archive.org/details/BookTrisirapuramRayaluArogyaSamiDhanaSamiPamanjari.MiscellaneousChristianPoemsRe

God be with us

Thanasawmy Pamanchary

Rayalou Chettiar’s younger son

T. R. A. Thanasamy Chettiar’s composition

Published by P.A. Gnaniah Chettiar

Son of Pudhuvai Sanjivy Chettiar.

Printed by Mercury Press Chennai – 1911

____

Madras 1911

[A collection of the stanzas and songs composed by the late Dhanasami Cetti of Mysore. Dhana-Sami Chetti, Trisirapuram Rayalu Arogya-sami. [Dhana-sami pamanjari. Miscellaneous Christian poems, religious and secular. Edited by P. A. Nanayya Chetti. (Thanassamy Pamanchary) Madras 1911.]

Book found in the British Library by Mark Teilhard Rajarathnam.

Translated to English by Rene de Condappa.

2019.

Notes of Rene de Condappa : « I have translated this document ie. Only the passages that are of interest to us. The rest of it is pure poesy and very difficult to translate. Even in the bits that I have translated there are some words that I need to find the exact equivalent in English but this will not alter the meaning drastically and can wait ».

T. R. A. Dhanasami Chetti (Brother of T. R. A. Thumboo Chetty)

Foreword

The author of this book the late T. R. A. Thanasamy Chettiar even though not as famous as his brother T. R. A. Thumboo Chettiar C.I.E. was well respected by the elders in the society. Being well instructed he held a high position in his job. On many occasions he turned down the opportunities to move up in his career and held the position of assistant registrar in the Mysore court until his demise.

During his working career in Chennai and in Bangalore he was highly regarded for his sound knowledge in Tamil literature.

Apart from being well versed in the use of the Tamil language he also turned his interest in the Carnatic music. His ardent effort in singing the Carnatic music despite the limited knowledge in the field was very much appreciated by those who listened to his performance.

His love in Tamil literature and in Carnatic music is colossal. He read a vast number of Krithanangal to attain scholarly status. Even though I am not a Vidwan : “I consider the contents of this book, to earn in many instances a divine message and praises from the elders”. The songs exhibits family and touches upon the various attributes of poesy, wisdom, imagination all put together in a simple and easily understandable manner that benefits parents and all others. It is for these reasons and also for the unfathomable love and numerous benefits showered upon me by this honourable Vidwan that I take upon my duty to collect as much as possible all of these wonderful songs and publish them, thereby ensuring his name remains an indelible mark known for ever.

Lastly, I am indebted to my dear friend and laurel poet P. L. Gajaraja Mudaliar, who, heeding to my request, has written the songs of praise.

Yours,

P. A. Gnaniah Chetty

Bangalore Sector

September 1911

P. A. Gnania Chettiar and Jaykarajamma

[Ti. Rā. Taṉacāmi Ceṭṭiyār’s daughter is Jaykarajamma married to P. A. Gnania Chettiar, is known also as Ayyadi Mama.

P. A. Gnania Chettiar is one of the sons of the younger Sister of T. R. A. Thumboo Chetty called Sinna Ammahy / Arokiassamy Chetty]

Bangalore Cantonement Tamil Pandit Sriman P.L. Gajaraja Mudaliar’s note of appreciation

Not a lot to say.

The song describes the vast Cauvery River irrigating the fields, filling its path with flowers. It is from this land that Rayalou Chetty came from the nearby Tirisirapuram. From him came his son Thumboo. This catholic son Thanasamy, an exponent in both English and Tamil, worked as an Assistant Registrar in the Mysore dynasty. As a mark of friendship and in appreciation to the love rendered to him by this great man that Gnaniah Chetty has undertaken this publication. A commendable true gesture of love.

God be with us

Songs composed by T. R. A. Thanasami Chettiar the younger brother of the honourable

T. R. A. Thumboo Chettiar C.I.E.

Now follows a series of songs or Keerthanais consisting of the various building blocks of Carnatic music such as Pallavi, Anupallavi, Charanam, Ragam etc. etc. At the end of each song Thanasawmy is quoted in a one liner format as an appreciator.

Page 2 and 3 - talks about events in the old Testament such as in Exodus and also about Daniel and his companions walking through the fire.

Page 4 - talks about the coming of Christ to remove the curse bestowed, about the visit of the three kings at Christs birth which has been presented in poetic form by Thanasawmy.

Pages 5 to 8

Page 9 - talks about the visit by the three kings.

Page 11 - talks about Jesus son of Mary. Again the last verse 4 talks about Thanasawmy imploring Jesus for light to be shown on to him.

Page 12 - When Jesus is there why are you perturbed?

Page 13 - Have mercy on me, relieve my sorrow

Page 14 - Lord you are my only destiny. Talks about Jonah staying in the belly of the fish for 3 days. Also about the miracle of feeding the crowd of five thousand.

Pages 15 to 17 - In praise of Jesus and imploring his blessings, guidance, help etc.

Note:

Thanasamy Chettiar the younger son of Rayalou Chettiar donated the statue of the Sacred Heart to the Bangalore Diocese of St. Xaviers Church which was installed on 2/12/1888. Thanasamy Chettiar commissioned the services of sculptor Thommai Yuvan Themel for the installation of the statue of the Sacred Heart.

Pages 17 to 20 - songs dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus.

Pages 20 to 22 - songs dedicated to the Holy of Jesus

Pages 23 to 34 - songs dedicated to the God Mother Mary.

The Keerhanai on Page 24 was sung on the 4^th April 1877 at the Villianoor festival. A place attached to Pudhuvai.

The Keerthanai sung on the 8^th December 1904 to mark the 50^th anniversary (jubilee commemoration) of the proclamation of the Immaculate Conception of the God Mother Mary.

Pages 35 to 40 - songs dedicated to St. Joseph.

Pages 40 to 41- song dedicated to St. Xavier.

Pages 41 to 42 - song dedicated to St. Lazarus

Page 43 to 44 - song dedicated to St. Arokianather.

Page 44 to 45 - song dedicated to St. Theresa.

Pages 46 to 50 - sung on the occasion of the marriage of Sathyaraj Chettiar son of Thumboo Chettiar. Songs on pages 46 to 49 were sung during the Nalangu for the groom while the song on Page 50 was for the bride’s Nalungu. Date of occasion 22^nd. May 1901.

Pages 51 to 53 - 30^th April 1902 Marriage of Thumboo Chettiar’s grandson Amirtharaj Chettiar with grand daughter Rathinavathi Ammal. Nalangu songs.

Pages 54 to 64 - Marriage of T.R.A. Thumboo Chettiar’s 4^th son Chinna Durai Thumboo Chetty on 10^th of May 1907 in Bangalore. Pages 54 to 60 cover groom’s Nalungu. Pages 60 to 61 dedicated to the bride’s Nalungu. Pages 61 to 63 are Marriage songs. Pages 63 to 64 covers the concluding ceremony song “ Mangalam“.

Pages 64 to 67 - Pudhuvai 9^th January 1907 marriage of Dharmaraj Chetty son of Condappa Thumboo Chetty with Tanjore Paapu Naidu daughter Ponnam Mani Ammal. On this occasion Tirisirapuram T.R.A. Thanasamy Chettiar blessed the couple with these songs.

Page 67 to 72 –In the name of Siresterammal of Bangalore St. Joseph’s women’s convent, Sri Thanasamy Chettiar sings the songs of praise for the youngsters of Rajammal Thumboo Chetty girls school.

Pages 72 to 73 On the occasion of Sriman V. P. Madhava Rao C.I.E. appointment to the post of Divan Keerthanam sung by the Bangalore Association of Catholic Christians.

Pages 73 to 75 On the above same occasion the girls of Thumboo Chetty Rajammal Girl’s School sung the Subha Mangalam to honour the presence the Indian Chakravarthy, Mysore Maharaja and the Divan. Songs prepared by Mysore Chief Court Assistant Registrar Trisirapuram Rayalou Thanasamy Chettiar . Bangalore 26^th June 1906.

Pages 76 to 77 – Jubilee celebration Constance Thesan Father held in Bangalore 25^th July 1906 Sung by Tirisirapuram Rayalou Thanasamy Chettiar.

Pages 77 to 78 – dedicated to Sri Vittal Rao

Page 78 to 79 – Dedicated to Daniel Jesudas Pillai B.A.

Page 79 - Dedicated to Daniel Jesudas Pillai, New Year 1908 songs of praise.

Pages 80 to 85– Tirisirapuram Rayalou Arokiasamy Thumboo Chettiar C.I.E. life memento song by T. R. Thanasawmy Chettiar dated 1/7/1907.

Pages 85 to 86 – 1908 New year remembrance of T. R. A. Thumboo Chettiar by T.R. Thanasawmy Chettiar.

Pages 86 to 87 – Karaikal St. Therese convent’s mother Ponnachi Ammal dedication to Pragasa Marie Ammal - Sept 1907

Page 87—Dedication to Sr. Nicholas Marie the mother of Nelli Kuppam’s Immaculate God mother Sacred Heart Convent – March 1908

Page 87 – dedication to Bangalore Vidwan P. L. Gajaraja Mudaliar.

Page 87 – Venba dedication to Jawouli V. Rangasami Mudaliar.

Pages 88 - 89 – First Holy Communion of Miss Sundravathiammal the granddaughter of T. R. A. Thumboo Chetty and daughter of Dorai Rayalou Chettiar.Songs of praise. Bangalore 1^st January.

Pages 89 - 90 – First Holy communion of Miss Jayavathiammal the granddaughter of T.R.A. Thumboo Chetty and second daughter of Dharmaraj Chettiar.Songs of praise, 3^rd March 1908.

Pages 90 - 91 – First Holy communion of Master Kanagarathinaraj the grandson of T.R.A. Thumboo Chetty and son of Sami Chettiar. Songs of praise.

Pages 91-92 - Song by T.R. Dhanasawmy Chettiar on the occasion of the demise of his granddaughter Irudayabooshanam. on 19/01/1889.

Pages 93-94 - Song by T. R. Dhanasawmy Chettiar on the occasion of the demise of his 3 ^rd granddaughter Mariabooshanam on Monday 03/08/1891.

Pages 94-95 - Mangalam ending song.

Page 96 – Blank.

Page 97 – Poems by other Vidwans.

Pondicherry Savarayalou song dedicated to : - Mysore Chief Court Assistant Registrar.

T.R. Thanasamy Chettiar / dedicated to Mrs. Thayammal.

Page 98.- Chennai Vidwan Kannusamy Mudaliar dedication of cross word diagram Chennai 15/05/1894.

Pages 99 to 101.-.On the occasion of the demise (28/06/1902 ) of Mrs. Thayammal, wife of Mysore Chief Court Assistant Registrar T. R. Thanasawmy Chettiar, the obseques poems offered by his friend and Tamil Pandit Thiru T.K. Narayanasamy Pillai of The Bangalore Central College . Bangalore 17/07/1902.

Pages 102 – 105 Piralaba maalai to Thayammal wife of Trichirapalli Rayalou Thanasawmy Chettiar.

Pages 105 – 107 Piralaba Maalai delivered by Mariagnanapragasammal the elder sister of Thayammal and hailing from Karaikal’s Carmelite sisters convent. Bangalore 17/07/1902.

Page 108 On the occasion of the demise T. R. A. Thumboo Chettiar’s younger brother T.R. Thanasamy Chettiar obsequies poems offered by Pondicherry’s Savarayalou Naikar dated 15/04/1909.

Pages 109 – 112 Mysore Chief Court Assistant Registrar T. R. Thanasawmy Chettiar, the obseques poems offered by his friend and Tamil Pandit Thiru T.K. Narayanasamy Pillai of The Bangalore Central College, dated Bangalore 22^nd. April.

Pages 112 – 114 obseques poem offered to Sri Thanasamy Chettiar son of Rayalou Chettiar prepared by Royapuram Vidwan A.S. Jagarao Mudaliar, dated Bangalore 22/04/1909.

Pages 114 – 115 The Venba obsequies poems offered by Tamil Pandit Thiru T.K. Narayanasamy Pillai of The Bangalore Central College and by Sriman P.L. Gajaraja Mudaliar Tamil Pandit of The Association of Vidya Sabha on the occasion of the demise of T.R. Thanasamy Chettiar Dated Bangalore 22^nd. April 1909.