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Book Review
Tamil diarist
SOME SKETCHES FROM ANANDA RANGAM PILLAI — 1736-61: R. Alalasundaram; Published by the author, 11, Second Street, Kailas Nagar, Lawspet, Pondicherry-605008. Rs. 100.
A FEW Pondicherrians of the 18th century possessed a rather uncanny keenness to maintain personal journals in their mother tongue (Tamil), the first known case being that of Chevalier Guruvappa Pillai. But it is irretrievably lost. "His nephew, Ananda Rangam Pillai (1709-61 A.D.), resolved to follow his kinsman's example and immortalised himself as the most famous Tamil diarist till date", says the author who, taking keen interest in the subject, has already published The Colonial World of Ananda Rangam Pillai in 1998. This is a kind of a supplement to the earlier volume.
The diarist's entries are presented in 12 chapters covering various topics like those on the French territories like Karaikal and Yanam; Nawabs and Nizams; French colonial masters; English Governors and Dubashis; Administration; Revenue; Social scene; Kinds of punishment; War-related news and snippets.
As the Chief Dubash, Pillai was conversant with French and several times Dupleix consulted him on important matters. In December 1746, when consulted by Dupleix on the need to capture Fort St. David (Koodalur - Cuddalore), Pillai explained to him the difficulties involved and it could not be done in "a short time as you take coffee". But he stressed the need to capture it as otherwise Pondicherry will be exposed. "If Fort St. David becomes ours, the English will have no harbour in which their ships can lie". The French under Lally did capture Fort St. David. Pillai had much interest in reading French books. Two books, one dated 1733, and the other 1740, which Pillai had, contained biographical details of King Louis XV. Pillai requested councillor Guillard to fetch him the French book on Nasir Jang as it would enable him to give more information on the matter.
Ananda Rangam Pillai's diary would be a valuable additional source to know the political, social and cultural history of South India in the 18th Century. The author has done a creditable job.
K. V. RAMAN
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