The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Madras is the cradle of modern India: historian

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Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008
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Madras is the cradle of modern India: historian

Staff Reporter

Book on its early history released to create greater interest among the younger generation in heritage

— Photo: K.V.Srinivasan

Riveting: Visitors take a close look at a display at the exhibition of old Madras portraits that opened at C.P. Arts Centre on Tuesday.

CHENNAI: The need for teaching history, geography, civics and environment as separate subjects in schools was underscored by historian S.Muthiah here on Tuesday. This, he said, was necessary if history and heritage were to be protected.

Speaking at a function to release ‘The Early History of the Madras Region,’ a book by K.V.Raman at the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, he said this would help to create greater awareness and interest among the younger generation about heritage.

He also called for bringing in legislation to protect heritage and history. Only a couple of cities in the country had such legislations, he added.

Mr.Muthiah said only after Madras was born on August 22, 1639, that modern India grew. Aspects such as education, both primary and higher, and municipal governance developed here. The call for sathyagraha and formation of the Congress party was made in Madras.

The author of the book, historian Dr. K.V.Raman, said the book, which has been reprinted by the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, traces the antiquity of the Madras region, its political history till A.D.1650, administration, economic and social life; growth of religion and literature and architecture.

The sanctum sanctorum of the Tiruvottiyur Temple had been built by King Rajendra Chola. The history of Mylapore dated beyond the Bhakti Movement and that Sekkizhar and Tiruvalluvar lived here, he added.

Pointing out that in the name of renovation several old structures in temples were being pulled down to be replaced with new ones, he said that the practice should be given up.

Nandita Krishna, Director, C.P.Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, said the book, which was first published in 1959 went out of print soon after its publication.

Portraits of Madras

An exhibition of a collection of portraits of old Madras, including those of catamarans, view of Government house and Council Chamber, Fort St. George in the East Indies, officers and private of the gun Lascar Corps, Madras, Cuisinegerra and soldiers, Black Town, Race Ground and Armenian Bridge, was also inaugurated at the C.P.Art Centre.

The etchings, engravings and aquatints are from the collection of V.Narayan Swami, a finance executive with a group of power companies.

“I am interested in the history of British India and collect prints of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Portraits of Governor Generals, conversational pieces including court scenes and also collect prints of the architecture of London,” he said.

The exhibition will be on till August 30.

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