SENJI FORT FROM THE DAYS OF JAIN SAINTS TO FALL TO FOREIGNERS BY TREASON

THE GINGEE FORT OF VALOUR

N.Nandhivarman

The silent revolution by French institutions in Pondicherry is not being noticed with requisite interest. Professor M.Bourdat of Lycee Francaise in his book 18 th Century Pondicherry published in 1992 writes about Inland Forts, but fortunately the task to write about Senji (Gingee) falls on the shoulders of Jean Deloche of the Ecole Francaise D’Extreme-Orient and he had produced a monumental work in his mother tongue French entitled “ Senji (Gingi) Ville fortifie’e du pays Tamoul”. By next year English version of this book is going to appear. Then it will take decades to see it in Tamil. To know about the history of a Fort situated in Tamil Nadu, more than the Universities and Research Institutions here the, French institute called Ecole Francaise D’Extreme Orient had been rendering valuable services, which must be lauded with deep sense of gratitude. The archeological excavations of Arikamedu brought out in a book by Vimala Begley and titled “ The Ancient Port of Arikamedu Vol I” is yet to be translated into Tamil. Now the French book on Senji by this institute must awaken Indian Research institutions to keep pace and bring both books in Tamil for the benefit of Tamil speaking people.

Far away from Pondicherry the entrance of the Gingee Fort has got a Pondicherry Gate. Similarly Pondicherry has a Gingee Salai, road that leads to Gingee. Why So? It denotes the inseparable historical connectivity between these two places. French captured Gingee and it remained with the French for almost a decade. The battle for Gingee is vividly portrayed in volume XV of the “ Lettres edifiantes et curieuses “ written by a Jesuit priest Father Lavaur. “ On September 11, 1750 Bussy and d’Auteuil arrived at the scene of battle towards 7 o’clock in the evening. While the besieged opened fire in un-coordinated fashion French artillery contained them within their cover. When the moon had set, a detachment under the command of three officers scaled the hill of Rajagiri. It is not known how these men were able to clear the deep breach with its drawbridge, which defended the topmost boulder, an enormous natural donjon. Then towards 4 o’ clock in the morning, a loud cry was heard coming from the top of one of the mountains. “ Vive Le Roll”. It was Mm de Saint Georges, Veri and Le Normand who, followed by their troops had carried out the order they had been given. The attack then became general. M d’ Fauteuil had the gate of the citadel blown up. Terror spread amongst the defending Moors who fired weekly several times and then fled. In less than an hour one had become master of all.” This how French conquest of Gingee is recorded.

Many have conquered and many have ruled   Gingee but a young man known for his bravery is still the hero of Gingee, that too after getting killed in a war. Yes, this brave man Desingh at the age of 22 with just 500 troopers and 350 horses faced an army of 8000 horsemen and 10,000 soldiers. The result he lost his life, his wife got immolated in his funeral pyre. But he lives in history and peoples memory. Raja Desingh, the film where MGRamachandiran played Raja Desingh was not well received by the audience because the fans of MGR did not relish the thought of hero dying in a war. But the real hero Raja Desingh is a hero living in folklore, ballads and peoples memory. The difference in these battles is while French recorded the history of the battle, Tamils wrote folk songs adding their imaginative skills, and that is why historians dismiss these literary evidences unless corroborated with archaeological and other findings. A question arises to every ones mind. How could a fort that produced the heroic Desingh in later days fall so easily to French?  The answer is found in a book of a French scholar who is true to his quest towards truth.

This impregnable fortress had fallen in alien hands and such defeats are made a post mortem by a French scholar Bourdot in his book “18 th Century Pondicherry.” “It was a revolt amongst the besieged that opened the gates to Bijapur’s army. It was an act of treason that enabled the Maharatta Shivaji to take possession of it in 1677. Without the help of corruption the place would never had fallen to the Moghul power twenty years later. Lastly it is doubtful whether Bussy with his 200 men would have been able to succeed in just few hours, with a raid that resulted in the surrender of the garrison, had it not been the panic and terror that could overcome the most courageous of the defenders during a night attack contrary to all rules especially that night was without moon or starts and when the assailants are yelling demoniacally in an unknown tongue”. M.Bourdat deserves due applauds for placing these truths in the pages of history to set the record straight.

 Jain Saints had dwelled in the hills of Gingee from 2-nd century to 6 th centuries, as evident by many stone carvings and other evidences of Gingee being citadel of Jainism. Gingee was under Pallava Emperors between 600 to 900 AD. Chozha Emperors ruled Gingee between 900 to 1103 AD. In the stone epigraphs at Aanangur of Athitya Chozhan (871-907) and of Athiya Chozhan II (985-1013) it becomes crystal clear that Chozha Emperors ruled Gingee. Pandya Emperors, Chozha Rulers and Hoysala Kings ruled between 1014 to 1190 AD. Yadhava kings ruled Gingee between 1190 to 1330 AD. It came under Vijayanagar rule from the fag end of 14 th century and for 150 years it was under Vijayanagar rule. It came under the rule of Bijapur Sultans between 1649-1677 AD. Maharastrians ruled from 1677-1697. Moghuls ruled from 1700-1750 AD. It slipped between British and French rule .from 1750. This is in nutshell the historical imprints left on Gingee, and for such a Fort which has a history dating back to 1800 years if proper publicity is made in abroad it will definitely attract world tourists. It also needs the help of world agencies that protect heritage to improve its infrastructure and other amenities. As an authority on Gingee Professor Jean Deloche describes with passion “ the technological skills shown in water management and also in the art of war after the invention of gunpowder.”

Professor Jean Deloche elaborates the military architecture angle too with vivid details. According to him, during the rule of Vijayanagar Governors “the construction was based on quadrangular works. Curtain walls were made of segments forming salient angles, flanqued by square or rectangular towers. Stonewalls were made of earth and rubble filling, with wedge shaped stone blocks and no mortar in joints except in battlement of stone or brick. Gateways consisted of two rectangular platforms separated by a central passageway. This is the old system of fortification.”

Talking to us enthusiastically the Professor is at his best spirit while he narrates about the profound changes brought by Nayaks in their almost 100 year rule “ in the art of defense, a consequence of the introduction of gun powder into warfare and the development of powerful artillery. It is based on circular and semi circular works, which by establishing a flanking fire, remedied the defects of former constructions. It started with the reshaping of some of the old walls and battlements. Embankments of earth were given a facing of masonry and towers were rounded in the lower fort, almond shaped merlons replaced the older ones”

“The big innovation of the period is the construction of the first enclosure, with semi circular towers, surrounding Krishnagiri and extending to the eastern cliff of Chandrayandurgam, linking the three hills, in the form of a triangle. With extensive use of explosive projectiles and the development of siege artillery, the other mountains Kurangudurgam and Kusumalai were also fortified in the same way, as well as the south west spur of Chandrayanmdurgam, since then called Sakkilidurgam”.

“A new defensive system was adopted to protect the gateways. Moreover cavaliers or round structures were raised behind the towers to lend support and provide firing platforms for artillery” This architectural marvel from military point of view and from the general view found expression in the best water management plan of a fort blended together had created a uniqueness and hence Jean Deloche describes that it

The Fort at Gingee declared as National Monument from 1921 is under the Archeological Department. Its history and the archeological finds in its vicinity must be publicized to promote archeological and historical tourism. French scholar Jean Deloche and his publications though are known to scholars must be taken to the common man and Government of India must suitably honour him. But no steps are afoot in governmental promotion of archeological and historical tourism. An Engineer by profession R.Mani had been tirelessly giving a helping hand in preparation of maps and repairs of forts including Gingee fort. He has also penned a book in Tamil “ Varalatril Gingee. This is just a candle while we have to illuminate Gingee’s history with 1000 lights.

Courtesy : NEW INDIAN EXPRESS 25.09.2004 

ROLE OF TAMILS IN THE HISTORY OF SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE SURGES AHEAD

N.Nandhi Varman

Role of Tamils in history of Singapore

 “The second successful six year term of unanimous choice for President Sellappan Ramanathan of Singapore is a silent revolution. It denotes recognition could be earned by constitutional means by peace loving Tamils anywhere in the world” said Director of Pondicherry Institute of Linguistics and Culture Dr.Marudhanayagam. Pondicherry has many a contact with Singapore. The handloom weavers of Muthialpet for long had been exporting to Singapore. Pe.Tha.Rasan of Tirumalairayanpattinam of Karaikal region went to Singapore made a fortune and participated in that country’s politics. He wrote a monumental book Singaporin Varalatril Vazhukinra Thamizhargal. Pondicherry Chief Minister N.Rangasamy had lauded this book as “a fruit of many years toil and hard research “

  

Chinese named Singapore as Pu-luo-chung, which meant "island at the end of a peninsula" in third century. Javanese language book Nagarakretagama' of 1365 calls as Temasek, or Sea town. Vietnamese source for that name is there. But from 14th century Singapuram which means Lion City is commonly used indicating the predominance of Tamil settlers.

On 29 January 1819 Sir Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen landed in the island to establish a trading station at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula after having surveyed other nearby islands. Along with him came Narayana Pillai and Pe.Tha.Rasan records the contribution of Narayana Pillai in building of Singapore. Singapore proved to be a prized settlement. 

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 made Singapore a major port of call for ships navigating between Europe and East Asia. Rubber planting, especially after the 1870s made Singapore the main exporter for rubber in the world. At the end of the 19th century Singapore experienced unprecedented prosperity with eightfold trade expansion between 1873 and 1913. This prosperity attracted immigrants from countries around. The population grew to 80,792 by 1860 with Chinese 61.9 per cent the Malays and Indians 13.5 and 16.05 per cent respectively; and others, including the Europeans, 8.5 per cent.

Dravidian Movements impact on Singapore

 In that island nation the unity of the multi ethnic society did not come over night. It had been a long and strenuous period with visionaries shaping the destiny of that nation. Its Union with Malaya, subsequent independent nationhood, all was passing phases. In that phase the political movements of Tamil Nadu played an important role. Periyar visited Malaya in 1929 to inaugurate Malaya Tamil Congress. In later years after he parted company with Congress, Singapore Dravida Kazhagam and subsequently Singapore Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam came up as independent outfits. They were not extensions of the Tamil Nadu based political outfits. They were independent parties dedicated to the country and they never had extra territorial ambitions. Leaders like Anna advised Tamils to be loyal to the country of settlement. This mature guidance led to amalgamation of Tamils in that country’s national mainstream. Pe.Tha.Rasan was the General Secretary of Singapore Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. In his time even in Ceylon there was a separate Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam unit with A.S Manavaithambi as General Secretary, so was the case of Malaysia Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. They waning of the influence of Indian nationalists, communists and Dravidian movement in the South East Asian countries where Tamils went as settlers created a vacuum which was occupied by militancy in Srilanka, but in Malaya and Singapore though these parties lost relevance, the ground they prepared helped Tamils gaining national identity, Tamil language getting official language status, and now Tamil heading a multi ethnic country like Singapore.

As settlers from Europe amalgamated into American society Tamils and Indians became Singaporeans and Malaysians. Peace prevails in a multi linguistic and ethnic country unlike other places of turmoil. Immediately after independence doubts over its very survival were raised in international media. The pressing issues were unemployment, housing, education, lack of natural resources and lack of land.

Singapore lacked national unity among most of the population, with people still attached to their countries of origin. Chinese identifying as being from China, Indians from India and so on rather that were being citizens of Singapore. Singapore dealt with each of these problems separately.

 Its leaders decided that the population would need to be fluent in English and English was made the medium of education for all schools. Education, at least for primary schooling was made compulsory. The education system was designed to be rigorous and intensive, with emphasis on immediately practical, rather than intellectual, applications, such as on the technical sciences as opposed to political discussion or philosophy. A large portion, around one-fifth of Singapore's budget was devoted to education to facilitate a large and competent work force upon graduation.

 Language Policy Evolution in Tamil Nadu and Singapore

 It is pertinent to note that DMK founder C.N.Annadurai’s visit to Singapore and Malaysia in 1965 was an eye opener to the leader who later introduced the two language formula without diluting the importance of English. His visit and meeting with Lee Kuan Yew played an influential role in his later day policy perceptions on language as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

 The leadership of Lee Kuan Yew achieved a miracle. After dominating political scene for longest period in office now Lee is looking back at his past policies in a mode of introspection. 

In spite of all that Lee still has soft corner for his mother tongue. Lee expressed concern about the declining proficiency of Mandarin among younger Singaporeans. In one of his parliamentary speeches, he said: "Singaporeans must learn to juggle English and Mandarin". Subsequently, he launched a television program in January 2005, in an attempt to attract young viewers to learn Mandarin. In June 2005, Lee published a book, Keeping My Mandarin Alive, documenting his decades of effort to master Mandarin, a language which he said he had to re-learn due to disuse. The racial unity was fostered well during Lee Kuan Yew’s regime.

TAMIL PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE

S.R.Nathan

Now an ethnic Tamil had been chosen for a second term. Mr. Sellapan Rama Nathan received a walkover on nomination Day i.e. 18 August 1999 for his first Presidential election. The Presidential Elections Committee said in the second Presidential election in August 18 2005 that Mr. Nathan has all the credentials for the office. “Not only is Mr. Nathan well regarded and respected for his public service, he is also a man of integrity, good character and reputation”.

The Tamil becoming unopposed again as President of Singapore has generated lot of interest in Pondicherry and  The students of Dr.Ambedkar Law college launched a signature campaign in various colleges to urge Pondicherry University to confer Honorary doctorate on S.R.Nathan citing the precedent of Maldives President getting doctorate from Pondicherry University at an earlier period. The author of the book that records all the services of Tamils in nation building of Singapore Pe.Tha.Rasan after 45 years in Singapore is back to Karaikal and presides over Kamban Kazhagam of Karaikal. It is irony of fate.

Courtesy: New Indian Express 17.09.2005

BRIDGE TO PARIS and PONDICHERRY CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

A SLICE OF PARIS IN PONDICHERRY  

N.Nandhivarman

People of Indian origin who have become French nationals by option- it will be interesting to know about these people. When the French bid adieu to their former colony, Pondicherry, they were keen to protect the interests of their citizens. Hence they incorporated Article 8 in the Treaty of Cession of the French Establishments of Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yenam signed on May 28, 1956.

Within six months of signing of this treaty one could choose Indian nationality. If so, they forfeited their French nationality. If the parents had accepted Indian nationality and son wants to revoke French nationality, he can opt for it. Husband and wife have freedom of choice individually in nationality matters. This article in the treaty had created a special category called French nationals of Indian origin. There is no difference in their day-to-day lives and cultural preferences but the nationalities tear them apart. Pondicherry has thus become a haven of French nationals in spite of having Indian citizens all around.

In Paris, the capital of France, there is a House for Tamils known as Paris Tamizhar Illam. ALL Tamils who live in France cannot forget their past overnight, so they celebrate Mahakavi Bharathiar’s anniversaries on alien soil, Pongal, the festival of harvest, is celebrated every year.

Keeping the cultural aspirations intact, Paris Tamizar Illam has set up a branch in Pondicherry. M.Karunanithi and his wife Rajam Karunanithi always play host to dignitaries from India while in France. In the few months they spend every year in Pondicherry this couple try to-do their best to mitigate the sufferings of their fellow kinsmen of Indian nationality.

 Speaking about their aims in France, this couple says, “we intend to raise a public auditorium in France for promoting Tamil Arts and Tamil Language and thereby serve the cause of developing Tamil society. “

 ”Every art needs encouragement and cultural preservation.  Therefore it is but natural for Paris Tamils to aspire to set up an auditorium for these purposes.

They also list out what Paris Tamilzhar Illam, the society headed by M. Karunanithi, has achieved all these years. In 1979 the Tamil Audio Visual society was started.

 For the first time in 1979 at Nander (France) Thiruvalluvar Tamil School, the first of its kind was started. After the French government gave permission to the French Brevet Examinations to study Tamil as an optional subject students could benefit out of such an exercise. The Paris Tamilzahar Illam has trained and sent 375 students for these exams.

Apart from these achievements, the conduct of functions and festivals to unite Paris Tamils had been a regular exercise for the Paris Tamizhar Illam.     

The founder of Paris Tamilzhar Illlam is a Periyarite, devout disciple of Periyar E.V.Ramaswamy, yet he celebrated the Mahakavi Bharathar Centenary with fanfare in 1981.

The then Chief Minister of Pondicherry, D.Ramachandiran, Education Minister Renuka Appadurai and PWD Minister Perumal Rasa had graced the functions by their presence.Not forgetting his mentor, M Karunanithi celebrated Periyar E.V.Ramasamy’s anniversary too.

Dravida Kazhagam General Secretary K Veeramani was the Chief Guest. Also K Kuppusamy, P Devasagayam and photographer Suba Sundaram accompanied K Veeramani on the tour to Paris.

While continuing with their hospitality, receiving every Tamil leader and artists in France, in Pondicherry too they have set up a branch of Paris Tamizhar Illam. This branch runs a Periyar EVR centre for Training Destitute women and has so for trained 38 women for government examinations.

Courtesy: New Indian Express: October 2 of 2004

VIETNAMESE CONNECTIONS OF PONDICHERRY AND NETHAJI

NETHAJI’S VIETNAMESE CONNECTIONS

 N.Nandhivarman General Secretary Dravida Peravai

 The French connection to Puducherry is well known and wherever French flag went along with it the Pudicherry connectivity became a regular feature. Saigon became second home to many Puducherrians following that rule. “In August 1858, a French squadron, which included a few Spanish warships attacked the fortress of Danang that covered the road to Hue, the imperial capital. A year later, the squadron captured Saigon. Though their military superiority was undisputable the invaders failed to force Vietnamese to its knees. Vietnamese historians compare the French colonialists to silkworms who consumed the mulberry leaf little by little. Not until 1883, all of 25 years later did the imperial court of Saigon sign an unequal treaty acknowledging French supremacy “ writes Yevgeny Kobelev in a book on Ho Chi Minh.

  While French armies, which includes Puducherrians, struggled to gain foothold in Vietnam the Nattukottai Chettiars from Tamil Nadu went there in search of business opportunities and Puducherrians went to take care of state administration. Dharmanathan Purushanthi of Puducherry went in 1870 and his urge to stand on his own made him bid adieu to administrative jobs. He ventured into business on the lines of Chettiars. He established a soda factory and owned a liquor shop near harbour. His success there reached Puducherry and his brother Kannusamy Purushanthi sent his son Savarikannu Purushanthi to Saigon. Savarikkannu Purushanthi became a moneychanger and real estate owner, minted money and came back to Puducherry as the most prosperous citizen. At that time prime property close to RajNiwas came in for auction and all the rich had an eye on that but Savarikkannu Purushanthi won the auction. Thus a job seeker made money in Indo China and brought properties in his native soil.

Savarikannu Purushanthi 1910

 The Bank of Indo China too functioned in Puducherry in the place of current United Commercial Bank till Puducherry's independence. Thus Puducherry and Indo China connections led to cross country marriages. This resulted in the growth of Vietnamese restaurants even now we see in Puducherry. Puducherrians owned properties here as well as there. Savarikannu Purushanthi indulged in breeding race horses, which earned him fame in Vietnam. While the earlier Purushanthi’s were not highly educated in spite of their monetary success they did not have any political vision. But Savarikannu Purushanthi’s brother son Leon Purushanthi was a French graduate and he meticulously built his reputation as banker and at same time started airing his views for public consumption. It was a time when Mahatma Gandhi had launched his civil disobedience movement in India. Most of the job seekers from Puducherry have accepted French colonialism with reverence, but Gandhiji’s movement made Purushanthi sit up and watch colonial interests and intrigues. He resigned from government service and started fully concentrating on business. His writings started appearing in French magazines and newspapers of Indo China. He was distressed to note at the inequality shown towards Indians because of their dress. He strongly felt that modern dress is not harmful and advocated all should change from dhotis to pants which is convenient to wear and even wrote letters to Mahatma Gandhi on the subject.

Leon Purushanthi in Saigon 1930

 Leon Purushanthi was against caste system and from Indo China he could appreciate the self-respect movement of Periyar E.V.Ramasamy, which made him, write 5 articles in French magazines yet to become known here. Though he was in Christianity, all through his life in Saigon he had closely associated with Tamil Muslims association of Saigon. He frequented Hindu temples more than the church. Leon Purushanthi is a French citizen and most of the French citizens till date have never participated in Indian or French Indian freedom struggle. They were satisfied with Liberty-Equality-Fraternity under the French flag. In Saigon though most were of this line of thinking Leon Purushathi stands apart showing keen interest and involvement in India’s freedom struggle. The rise of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose and his Indian National army attracted the freedom loving Purushanthi. 

While Nethaji was taken in streets of Saigon during Japanese occupation Leon Purushanthi greeted him by presenting gold kasumaalai, which adored his wife’s neck till that time. Indian Independence League of Nethaji was looking for an office space and Leon Purushanthi willingly offered his palatial house in Saigon for that purpose. His house 76 Rue Paul Blanchy at Saigon became the Secretariat of Nethaji’s Indian Independence League, a news about this appeared in Azad Hind magazine too. His support to Indian independence particularly for Nethaji was not to the liking of the French; mostly the supporters of Marshal Pertain who were ruling the French controlled Saigon at that time. They were furious with Purushanthi and waiting for time to teach him a lesson. Unfortunately the World War II ended in victory to the opposite side. Japan lost and along with it Nethaji too lost. Nethaji recruited lot of Puducherrians in his Indian National army. These aspects and the support given by freedom lovers like Leon Purushanthi have become forgotten facts with the failures that embraced their struggles.

 When French regained power in Saigon they picked up Leon Purushanthi from his house and imprisoned him. They tortured him like anything else and he became mentally retarded due to the cruelty inflicted upon him. Leon Purushanthi born on May 1 of 1901 within 45 years reached his glory and thereafter till he breathed last in 1968 he lived having lost his mental equilibrium. Life in Saigon became miserable with his properties being confiscated. Leon Purushanthi returned to Puducherry and lived in his house next to Raj Niwas. He used to visit Manakula Vinayagar temple and go around the park not conscious that India and Puducherry had gained independence. His sacrifices for the cause of the country still had not won any recognition. “ It is high time a postal stamp be brought out on Leon Purushanthi in remembrance of him and many Puducherrians who perished in the Indian National Army of Nethaji” said A.Ramasamy former Vice Chancellor of Alagappa University who had written the “History of Pondicherry”. Purushanthi’s descendent J.B.P.More himself a historian and let us hope he writes about Vietnam connections to Puducherry.

 

Courtesy : NEW INDIAN EXPRESS ; 6.8.2005

PARIS ARCHIVES IN PONDICHERRY LOST ITS PUBLIC UTILITY DUE TO NEGLECT OF RULERS

ROMAIN ROLLAND LIBRARY:

177-OLD TREASURE TROVE

Nandhivarman

Professor of literature at the French Lyce’e of Pondicherry M. Bourdat, while writing on reconstruction of history, is candid in admitting that “it would be tedious to revel exclusively in stones and inscriptions. There remain texts, not only livelier than stones but often valuable monuments themselves.” To look into these texts there cannot be a better place than the Library named after French Scholar Roman Rolland, a close friend of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Romaine Rolland Library, next to Pondicherry News, is a treasure trove of knowledge, with 3, 38,304 books in its possession this heritage of Pondicherry that enables “a stimulating contact with manuscripts” and its possessions must be preserved. The care that is taken towards buildings and the money that flows towards architecture related projects must be diverted to knowledge –based projects and preserving of the rare manuscripts. But fortunately, it is the French Institutions that are still working in the right directions, whereas government Institutions have wakeup to the demands of times only recently.

National Mission for Manuscript has launched a week –long campaign beginning November 2004 digitalizing history. 5000 surveyors at the rate of 50 per districts will be combing 100 districts spread across various states to search for manuscripts. Susdha Gopalakrishnan, Director of the Mission, says, “At the end of their efforts, there will be no manuscript that the mission would not have digitalization.c “All districts of Karnataka and Orissa are lucky to be included in the mission. The other states have missed the bus in the South.

After the private imitative of Tamizh Thatha UVe Swaminathan Iyer, there have been no governmental efforts to collect rare manuscripts in Tamil. Now that UDA Government had declared Tamil as classical language efforts to add Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry into this 100 district’s list must be taken up.

Many century old palm-leaf manuscripts still remain in certain homes, before all could be lost they should be digitalized, says Era Thirumurugan of the Tamil Development Action Group, Pondicherry.

“To begin with we have to reinvent our history by preserving the rare collection of books in the Roman Rolland Library. Around 27,000 rare collections of books are there in Roman Rolland Library or, to be precise, it should be so, through the task of tracing the missing and damaged books, computers, is on. “says Murugappan, information officer.

OUT OF 3, 38,304 books in the Library Library Tamil section has 1, 20,000 books and English literature about 1, 75.000. In the reference section 22,300 books and in the children’s library have 40,000. Through the mobile service, 3000 books are reaching the reading public. The Government of Pondicherry provides, every year, Rs. 4 to 6 lakh of funds. And the new purchases for the year 2003-2004 is 4254 books.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library foundation of Kolkatta has so for provided 18,422 books under non matching scheme free of cost. “Efforts must be taken to reach out to various other similar foundation s abroad to get books free for enlightening the knowledge,” says A.Arivunambi, Head of the department of Tamil at Pondicherry University.

It appears that out of existing 3.00.000 books around 45.000 books have to be declared condemned books and replaced. The 54 branch libraries in Pondicherry have 4.30,000 books out of which 35,000 books are t5o be condemned. Existing books are too facing threats from insects and the entire Library must be centrally air conditioned along with periodical chemical and other treatments to keep bookworms and other insects away. Years of neglect had come to an end with the Aegean stables being cleared under the dynamic vision of BV Selvaraj, Secretary, Arts & Culture, with the assistance of N Sumathi.

The heritage of a town is not all of its buildings. It is the priceless manuscripts, inscriptions, archaeological artifacts, copper plates, tombstones, rock art, folklore and paintings that is preserved in museums and libraries that brings to light many hidden facts about heritage. If a country or town falls to protect its books and rare manuscripts whatever recorded history is present till date will be lost.

The Library movement in Pondicherry began with the Bibliotheque on May 1, 1827. The library initially was near the railway station, and then later shifted to Roman Rolland Street where the mind was functioning. Next to Raj Niwas in the current location it functions from 1974. With the advent of age of information and technology after 177 years this library is planning to digitalize books, manuscripts and all information and placing them on the internet for the scrutiny of one and all.

In Pondicherry, fortunately, many French books have been housed in the Roman Rolland Library. In the post-merger phase with India, the replacement of French for English led to the neglect of that language and its rare collection of books. Catalogue General, a complication of rare books in Roman Rolland Library written by Madame Yvonne Robert Gaebele and published by Pondicherry Government in 1960. is yet to see a reprint or update. “Despite humidity, the parasites and the casualness in the treatment of the volumes precious editions have survived,” says Bourdat in his book 18th Century Pondicherry.

Till very recently, there had been no librarian with the knowledge of French and decades of ignorance French books in the Library has led to lot of loss to priceless books. The newly inducted assistant, who knows French, is courteous and helps researches with adequate information. Not only was that, many valuable manuscripts handed over to National Archives unnecessarily, instead of being preserved here. After decades of neglect the current Librarian Murugappan had started to put the house in order, admits rising expectations from research scholars.

Courtesy:9^th October 2004 New Indian Express

STONE INSCRIPTIONS SPEAKETH

 STONE INSCRIPTIONS SPEAKETH

N.Nandhivarman

 Monuments, Inscriptions and copper plates speak. They reveal the past. Epigraphists unearth history hidden in these. There are around 535 stone inscriptions found out till date which includes Sanskrit (4), Kannada (2), Latin (1), French (2), Armenian (1) and most of the ones in Tamil. Late Pulavar Kuppusamy and Villianur Venkatesan did the compiling of these epigraphs. Professor Vijayavenugopal Senior Research Fellow of the Epigraphy Section of Ecole Francaise D’ Extreme-Orient of Pondicherry had translated these and a new book is on the anvil.

For more than 1000 years of our history could be traced in these stone inscriptions.  The rule of Rastrakooda king Kannaradevan comes to light through 16 inscriptions. Similarly sixteen Chozha Emporers have ruled Pondicherry region, which is recorded in 220 inscriptions. Eight Pandyan kings (18), Two later Pallavas (13), Thirteen Vijayanagara Kings (27) and under Sambuvaraiyer (3) are the break up of the total 535 stone inscriptions found in and around Pondicherry.

Almost all major villages of Pondicherry and Karaikal regions have these inscriptions namely Thirubuvanai (188), Madagadipattu (83), Thirunallaru (51), Villianur (50), Thiruvandarkoil (42), Bahour (45), Pondicherry (30). In Karaikal region at Karaikal (10), Thirumalairayanpattinam (6), Nallambal (7), Mathur (1), Nedungadu (1), Sethur (3), Sorakudi (1), Melponsethi (1) Pandasozhanur (7), Thirukanji (3), Kariamaniccam (2), Keezhkasakudi (2), Melkasakudi (1) and Dharmapuram (1).

Coming to recent past a monument of a brave soldier reminds us about the year 1778 when Pondicherry was under siege by the British. The brave sons of Pondicherry with only 1000 soldiers defended their soil fiercely against the 24,000 attackers. An isolated commemorative stele of a brave Englishman Captain Aug de Morgan killed by the French artillery on 11 th October 1778 stands on a barren terrain near Jipmer Hospital. This monument reminds us of not only the bravery of Pondicherrians but also their nobility to pay due respects even to the enemy warrior.

Another Tomb of Pauline de Kerjean nephew of Dupliex, a little girl who served in the Deccan wars epitomizes brave French womanhood.” The skulls, bats and tibia are symbols more sinister than comforting flames that represent the eternal soul,” writes M.Bourdat, Professor of Literature in Lycee Francaise.

The Annual Reports of Indian Epigraphy 1887-1905 is the first of its kind in Indian subcontinent on listing out the various stone inscriptions. J.Burges, the Director General of Archaeological Survey of India and E.Holtzsch, the Epigraphist of the Archaeological Survey of South India are the pioneers who laid down the foundation for epigraphic studies. In French India at the same time French scholars have unearthed many stone inscriptions. Jouveau Dubaille found a stone monument in the garden in front of present day Raj Niwas which speaks about the fortifications on the shore together with“Port Marine” built by Joseph Françoise Dupliex, the Governor of Pondicherry.

While these speak about recent history stone inscriptions are useful to know how this area was ruled. Though 535 epigraphs speak about various rulers at most of the period Pondicherry was part and parcel of Nadu Nadu, which means middle country. There are historical reasons for this region to be called as Nadu Nadu. The Pallava rule did not extend up to Pennaiyaaru and Chozha rule was up to Vellaru. In between these around 10 small states were there such as Vanagoppadi, Singapuranaadu, Oymanaadu, Vesalipadi nadu etc. These areas ruled by small states were called Nadunadu. The Saivite book of hymns Thevaram calls the pilgrimage centers in this region as Nadu Naattu thirupathigal.

From these inscriptions we understand how the territory was divided into Mandalam, Kottam, and Kootram similar to District, Taluk and Panchayat. The subdivisions for purpose of revenue have been divided into 28 valanaadugal. Athiraja valanaadu was named after Rajathirajan I. This comes to public notice while epigraphists found this inscription at Tirunallar which belonged to the regime of Rajendra II.

The book by the Ecole Francaise D’Extreme Orient had generated lot of interest among public, as they were hoping that this book will throw more light on how this region was ruled and what were the social customs prevailing during that period etc. For instance in one inscription dating back to 1000 years in Bahur the word untouchable (Theendathagar) is used, wherein the tank desalting work was forbidden to untouchables since that water reaches the deity. That may be the first instance of that word being used, scholars opine.

Anyhow stones reflect the societal practices of those days be it good or bad. A true historical perspective emerges, and Pondicherrians come to understand their region more with scholars throwing more light.

[Courtesy: New Indian Express dated: 16^th April 2005]