MYLAUDY MAHARASAN VETHAMANICKAM'S GENEALOGY -PART I

INTRODUCTION:  Great Church historian C.B. Firth,in his famous book , "An Introduction To Indian Church History" writes, "Vethamanikam was a remarkable person". This single sentence signifies the greatness and importance  of the remarkable Vethamanikam. .Yes, he was a remarkable person in all sense of the word. He was a seeker of God and truth, he was a social activist and reformer , he was a visionary, he was a man  of  prayer and unquenchable faith, he was a fearless leader , friend and companion of  common people. In this article I am  glad to record and link  the genealogy of the great Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanikam, with his descendants  who are living with us today.

                                                  Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanickam

Vethamanickam's family :Vethamanickam had two brothers.  Vethamanikam had an elder brother and his son was Sivagurunathan , and  Sivagurunathan  was baptized as Masillamani at Tanjore by Rev. Kohlhoff along with Maharasan Vethamanickam ,and Masillamani's wife  was baptized  by Mr. Ringeltaube at Mylady with a Christian name Yesudial .

Vethamonickam's younger brother's name was Gnanbaranam [ Sivanan]and his wife's name was Gnanayee and this couple's son was the great Christian Poet Devavaram Buddulph..

Perumal  was the head man of Vethamonaikam's the family  and he was baptized as Gnanamuthu by Rev. Ringeltaube .and Gnanmuthu's wife was baptized as , Nallai.
Vethamanickam's wife's  original  name was changed as Sathiayi  and Vethmanikam's daughter's  names were changed as Pakkiayi and Annammal  during the time of their baptism. at Mylaudy by Mr Ringeltaube
Vethamankam's eldest son's name was  Devasahayam [ His  original name was Chidambaram]
Vethamoickam's younger son's name was Moses.
The name of the eldest son-in-law  of Vethamanickam ,was Packkianthan.[Sivan]
And some important family  members of Vethamanickam who lived at Mylaudy and  baptized by Rev Ringeltaube were  namely : [1]Joseph[Agni], [2] Sathiyayi [Abirami], [3] Anananthayi [ Owavai], Mary [Sivagamy]

.
The Genealogy  of Vethamanikam through his eldest son Devasagayam[Chidambaram]:
Maharasan Vethamanikkam of Mylaudy[1763--1827]                                      I  generation
                                |  
Vethamonikam's eldest Son's name was Mr Devasagayam [Chidambaram ] II generation
                                |
Devasagayam's son was Mr. Masillamani.                                                     III  generation.
                                |
Masillamani's daughter was Mrs Malayammal.                                             IV  Generation.
[Malayammal married Mr Gnanapragasam , from                      
[Kanakkarkulam , near Ovari, Tinneveli Dist]
Mrs Malayammal's brother was Vethamanickam
and his son was Mr.V. Joseph, M.A., B.Ed.
and he worked as Head-Master of Ringeltaube
Higher Secondary School, Mylaudy]
                             |
                             |
                             \
                           
                             
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                       
Mrs Malayammal's son was Mr Yesupatham                                             V  generation
                                |
Mr Yesubatham and his wife Mrs. Manonmani        
Yesupatham are blessed with two  daughters and
one son  namely :Mrs, Santhy Jessi ,[2] Sumathi,                                     VI generation
and a  son by name[3] Rajan  
                                |
Miss Priya Mary , B. Sc [Nursing ], [she is the                                           VII generation
daughter of Mrs Santhy Jessi Mohan ] and she
now [2015] lives with us.

Vethamanickam's Eldest Son Mr Devasagayam was an LMS Catechist and Poet and Singer :.Devasagayam was a great  and pious Christian leader with all the necessary Christian leadership qualities. Devasagayam was appointed as Catechist of Etamboly by Rev Ringeltaube. And he continued as a Catechist of Etamboly even during the days  when Maharasan Vethamonickam. When Maharasan Vedamanickam was in charge of LMS, Mylaudy Mission , from 1816 to 1818  Vethamanickam's cousin Mr. Gnanamuthu who was the head of the family and a good counsellor to Vethamanickam in Mission affairs suddenly died . Vethamanickam was taken aback and he was highly moved in that situation Vedamanickam's eleder son Mr .Devasagayam visited the members of the neighboring  LMS Churches and  corrected the members'  faults and exhorted and inspired them with his  captivating  and meaningful songs.  CM. Agur writes that Mr Devasagayam was an exceptionally good singer.  When Vethamanickam was getting old; Mr. Devasagayam  retired from the LMS Mission service, to look look after the affairs of the family.

After retirement,  Devasagayam  took active part  in the church affairs of Pichheikudiyruppu Church [James Town] and was conducting the Sunday services; during the other days of the week  he  used to preach the Gospel of Christ in the nearby villages without getting any remuneration from the Mission.Devasagayam was also blessed with poetical  gift  like his other family members. . Rev Mead published a collection Devasagayam's Christian Kummi Songs in a form of a small Book in 1823.

Vethamonicka's Younger son Moses: CM Agur writes that Vethamanickam's younger son Moses was also a worthy son of a worthy father. Moses studied  at the Nagercoil Seminary and he was an exemplary student  . He was a classmate of his cousin  Devavaram . Rev Mead selected  Moses and Devavaram and sent them to Tanjore , Tranquebar , and Madras to be educated in the best institutions then available for Indian youths. Moses and Devavaram after having received a superior education in Tanjore and Madras returned to Nagercoil with "Proficiency Certificate" as regards to  their progress in English, Tamil Grammar and Literature and Theology . Agur writes that some of the Hindus of Najenad welcomed Moses and Devavaram to their houses without prejudice and took them to their house and heard their discourses on various subjects with pleasure,admiration and attention. After having reached  Nagercoil, Mr. Devavaram worked as Assistant to Charles Mead and Mr . Moses Vethamanickam worked as Assistant to Rev Charles Mault. These two eminent Native Assistants played a crucial role and distinguished part in the History and progress of the early LMS Mission in South Travancore.  In the creation of the Travancore Tamil Christian Literature and in the extension of the Schools and Churches, in South Travancore , both Moses and his cousin Devavaram took an active part and played an important, commanding and commendable  role.

Vethamanickam's Younger Son Mr Moses catechist and  his cousin John Palmer were  the chief men who  assisted Mr Charles Mault in the preparation of religious tracts in the Nageracoil LMS Press. Mr. Moses became the local Secretary of the South Travancore Reliogious and Tract Society. Unfortunataely Mr Moses died of Cholera in 1828 after one year since the death of his worthy father Maharasan Vethamanickam. Moses was very much  loved and respected  by  Charles Mault and others . Agur writes , " Mr. Mault shed tears and wrote that his right hand was gone :" Mr .Mault wrote a biographical sketch   of Moses called Anbu Nilamai [State or Specimen of love -- One so loved] and issued 4000 copies of it from Nagercoil Press. 

Conclusion:  Definitely while typing these last lines of this Article  my heart is  filled with satisfaction and joy. I have been trying to connect  Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamanickam with a living descendant but  I could not do so, so far . But  fortunately in this Article I have linked Maharasan Vethamanickam with a living descendant through proper Genealogy  tree. I hope this Article will enlighten the Readers , Researchers, Church Historians and Micro historians  and the family members of Maharasan Vethamanickam who are living in diaspora throughout the world.  

Written By P. BABU MANOHARAN. M. A, [Rights reserved. This Article will be modified , corrected,altered if needed later, this is for your kind attention].

A Great Singer, Lover and Composer of Music Dr. Anand Chellappa, M.B.B.S, F.A.A.P.[U.S.A].

Introduction :Dr Christanand A Chellappa hails from  one of the most illustrious families  in South India. Even though he was born in Madurai, Tamilnadu , India , now he is a citizen of USA. He is a multifaceted personality , medical doctor , music composer ,  marvelous singer,  mind blowing  lyric writer, mesmerizing Accordinist  and a modest human being.   Through his Mother Mrs Mercy Sona Bai's side   he is connected with Kanyakumari district. 

                                          Musician Dr. Anand Chellappa, MBBS, FAAP[USA].

His birth and Parents:  On 10th September, 1941, , in Madurai ,TamilNadu   a lovely beautiful male child was born to the  illustrious couple Dr. Ebenezer Sunderaj Chellappa and Mrs Mercy Sonabai Chellappa.  Dr Chellpa and his wife Mercy Sonabai christened their  new born son as, Christanand Arul Bharathy Chellappa. in a meaningful way . As Christ gave Anantham [happiness]  his parents put Christanand as the first name and Arul in remembrance of Mrs Arulammal Schaffter [Dr Anand Chellapa's maternal grandmother] and Bharathy, in remembrance of the the great Tamil Poet Bharathy.  However he is generally and popularly known as Dr Anand Chellappa by people throughout the world. 

Dr. Anand Chellappa's illustrious family back-ground: His father Dr.Ebenezer S.Chellappa was a famous Medical Doctor in Madurai and he served for many years as the Chief Medical Officer at the Mission [CSI ]Hospital at Madurai. And Dr Anand Chellappa's illustrious Uncle Dr. David Chellappa, M.A, D.D,  was the first Indian  Bishop of the newly formed CSI  Madras Diocese .Bishop David Chellappa  had passed away from this world in 1964. .[ It is pertinent to mention here that Bishop David Chellappa's Son Dr.Paul Chellappa , M.D, is a famous practicing general Psychiatrist in New York, U.S.A. ] Dr Christanand Chellappa's another uncle was Mr. George Chellappa and he was working in the Agriculture Department at Hydrabad in a senior level post. In this connection it is also better to remember Mr. AJ Schaffter and Mrs Arulamma Schaffter , the maternal grand parents of Dr Christanand Chellappa. Mr Schaffter was an ex-service man and he had  written a memorable book in English titled, "Reminiscences of My War Service in World War  1, [The great War of 1914].

Mr Schaffter and Mrs Arulamma Schaffter ::  Mr Schaffter hailed from one of the remarkable  Christian families of Kanyakumari district in South India . .Mr. A. Joseph Munshi of Nageracoil  married  Miss Marthal Fanny Paramanandam[ Mr.D. Paramanandam was the first Deacon of  the historical Nagercoil Home Church and this couple was blessed with the following children namely:[1] Jonadab, [2] J. T. Ambrose, [3] Robert [4] Joshua , [5] Lysa ,[6] A.J. Schaffter .[7] Packiam ,[8] Mathu, and [9] Suguna. Mr AJ Schaffter  married the beautiful Miss Arulammmal ,a daughter of Mr Zachariah writer  of Kanyakumari district..[ Mr JT Ambrose the brother of Mr AJ Schaffter married Mrs Lois Zakariah  the sister of Mrs Arulammal Schaffter].

Some High lights on the Musical background of Dr Anand Chellappa's family:  It is pertinent to mention  here that Mr JT Ambrose's grandson Mr Handel Manuel was honored by the Government of India with the prestigious Padma-Shree Award in 1984, in recognition of his genius in western music. Mr. Schaffter's cousin Mr. Chinnathambi Peter's  daughter Mrs Beatrice Amaladasan's Granddaughter Mrs. Sheila Arnald is considered as  one of the 10  greatest classical Pianists in the world today. She has played Piano in many of the greatest Concert  halls in Europe and US. She has participated in many international Competitions and won  and she has also won the  prestigious Wiesbaden Mozarat Society's Mozarat Prize .

Miss Mercy Sonabai Schaffter  :Mr A.J Schaffter and his wife Mrs Arulammal Schaffter were blessed with a lovely daughter and they christened her as  Mercy Sonabai. and she  was so beautiful, modest and was well liked by everybody in the family and specially her parents loved her so much. She successfully completed her BA degree .


Miss Mercy Sonabai Schaffter married Dr Chellappa of Maduai,.  Mercy Sonabai married Dr Chellappa of Madurai and settled  with her husband in Madurai.  .Dr Chellappa and his wife Mercy Sonabai were  blessed with five smart and lovely children namely: [1] Dr. Mrs Sathiavathy   ,[2] Dr. Christanand A Chellappa, [3]Mrs Punithavathy ,[4]Mr. Mithran, and [5] Mr. Chithran.

Dr Christanand A Chellappa's Education :  Dr. Christanad A Chellappa sucessfuly completed his MBBS Degree course in 1968, at the famous Christian Medical  College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu   Then he shifted to United States for his higher studies  in medicine and now he is an American Board certified  General Pediatrician with specialty in Neonatology and now he works as  a General Pediatrician and Neonatologist in United States.

Dr. Christanand A Chellappa's marriage and children: Dr Chistanand A Chellappa has married Miss. Vasanthy , [daughter of the famous Architect Mr. Pithavadian , from Chennai]. And Dr Christanand and his lovely wife Mrs. Vasanthi Chellappa  are blessed with  two smart sons namely: [1] Mr.Sangeeth [2] Mr.  Pavan .. Now Dr Anand Chellappa's family  resides at Morrisville , NC, U.S.

Dr Anand Chellappa as a Musician, Singer and Composer : Definitely we can say that music runs in the veins of Dr Anand Chellappa. . Music loves Dr. Anand and Dr Anand loves music .He is a born music lover and musician . Even while he was doing his MBBS at the famous Christian Medical College, at Vellore , TamilNadu , India, he had composed some lovely Christian Songs to cite a few we can say : [1] Athi Kaalaiyil Palanai Thedi,[2] Kaarirul Velai Kadungkulir Nerathhtil. ,and some other songs. He writes songs , composes music ,  he is a  versatile singer, is an instrumentalist ,  is a music conductor , and so on . His relative. Dr. Abideen Peter a relative of late Mr.Schaffter,  told me that even while Dr.Anand Chellappa was doing his MBBS in the CMC, Vellore, India, he was invited by the famous  Film Music Director  M.S. Visvanathan to play Accordion for  some of his Tamil Film songs composed by him, and accordingly  Dr. Anand Chellappa played accordion for some film songs like Thulluvatho Ezhamai and En Vazhum Vun Vizhiyum Chanthithal and a few other songs. .... [ Tamil Film Kudiruntha Koil ].Dr Anand Chellappa is a great fan of music. Nearly 20 Tamil  Christian songs he has written and composed music, and to cite a few :[1] Athikllaiyi Paalanai thedi, [2] Karirul Valaiyil Kadungkulir Nerathil, [3]Yesuvin Namam, [4] Irul Sulntha Valvil , [5] Vulaham Tharatha Anbai,[6] Suthana Varuveer and so on.. Athi kaalaiyil Palanaithaedi song  is a  favorite household song in every Tamil  Christian home and in carol services , during Christmas time.


His musical  milestones and travel :      Amidst his heavy medical duties and activities,  he has been conducting musical concerts on invitations  throughout the world .He is an expert both in Tamil /Indian classical music and Western music . The  special original music score written and conducted  by Dr Anand Chellappa  at the World Bank Showcase Concert 2005, [Celebration of Cultures] , received the attention and appreciation of all.. In the same way the Tamil Christian songs  rendered in his own peculiar style by him at the concert held at St Peters Chaplaincy , Manchester U.K on 11th December ,2011 won the hearts of the music lovers globally..

Dr. Ananand A Chellppa  was honored :  In recognition of  Dr.Aanand A Chellappa's  extraordinary  life  long journey and  enviable  accomplishment , he was honored  with " Governor's Citation' on 10th September , 2011 on his 70th Birthday, by the Governor of Maryland State,U.S.

Conclusion : Dr. Anand Chellappa is one of the few who live by breathing music.. He is a lover of music , he is a fan of music , he is composer of music, he is a realistic and down to earth person . As a son , as a husband ,as a brother, as a doctor , as a friend, as a Christian , as a human he has imprinted indelible imprints in our minds and in human history.  Some weeks before when I received a personal mobile call from him,my joy knew bounds . I cherish his appreciation on my writings in my Blog . No doubt in some part of the world his songs are wafting in the air with serene musical fragrance while you read this profile of Dr Anand Chellappa.
Written By P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved.  This Article will be altered , corrected and modified if need later].

SILVER TONGUE ORATOR IN ENGLISH AND FORMERLY PRINCIPAL Prof. D. ARTHUR DAVIS & FAMILY

Introduction :   Prof. D. Arthur Davis was one of the famous Principals  and English Lecturers  in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.  . As an English Professor he was very popular among students  and as a Principal he was a great administrator, he was a disciplined NCC officer , a very powerful and eloquent orator in English, an outstanding Rotarian and a popular Deacon in the Home Church Nagercoil.  in short he was a remarkable person. 

His Birth and Parents:      Prof.Arthur Davis was born on 20th July, 1927, to Mr Devadanam   and Mrs. Paripooranam of Punnarkulam [Located near Mylaudy] in Agasteeswaram taluk Kanyakumari district,. as a relative of great Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam.  Originally Artur Davis' family  belonged to LMS Church. Mrs Paripooranam was a native  of Punnarkulam and  was very beautiful , As Mr Devadanam lost his first wife he married the beautiful Miss Paripooranam as his second wife ; and  Mr Devadanam and Mrs Paripooranam Devadanam, were blessed with one son .Mr. Devadanam  &.Mrs Paripooranam Devadanam christened their son as Arthur Davis.. As Mr. Devadanam died  unexpectedly at an early age,   Mr Arthur Davis was brought by his mother Paripooranam amidst great difficulty and impecunious conditions... So Prof. D. Arthur Davis loved his mother deeply and emotionally , and when his mother died he wept and cried uncontrollably like a child.  

His Education : After having completed his High School education in a successful manner Arthur Davis joined the Indian Air Force and   after  having served in the Indian Air Force for 5 years he returned to Nagercoil and  joined and continued his collegiate education in the famous Scott christian college  and passed his B.Sc,[ Botany] degree  with flying colors and joined his MA [English] in the  famous and prestigious Madras Christian College , Tambaram , Chennai.  and passed his MA[English ] degree with flying colors. 

Mr. D.Arthur Davis  joined as a Lecturer in the Scott Christian College , Nagercoil :  After having passed his MA [English] with flying colors Mr Arthur Davis joined as a Lecturer in the English Department,  the Scott Christian College , Nagercoil.. His tall , handsome  and appealing appearance, his  impeccable English accent and tone and teaching style attracted the students very much and he became a famous English Lecturer within a short span of time.  The general public used to admire him as a silver tongue orator because of his fluency  and command over  English language . While he was working as a lecturer in the English department at the Scott Christian college,  the English department  was having the best English lecturers of the time . To cite a few  I  can cite  Prof .Franklin,  Mr. Lysander, Mr. Fenn George,  Mrs Joy Gnandasan , Mrs. Angel Johnson and  a few other stalwarts were working in the English Department..Mr. Arthur Davis was also working as  N.C.C[R] officer ,in the  Scott Christian College.for many

years in an efficient manner

Rev. Prof .V. Santiago[Moderator of  S.I.U.C, 1919] was the Paternal Grandfather of  Mrs. Dorothy Arthur Davis: Mrs. Dorothy Arthur Davis was born in one of the  most famous and illustrious Christian families of Tamil Nadu and South India.  Prof. Arthur Davis married  Miss Dorothy Santiago, a granddaughter of  the great Christian Leader and Poet Mr. V. Santiago of Vaththalagundu,[Madurai District] . In this connection it is better to have some idea about Mr. V. Santiago. Santiago's father Mr. Vethamuthu was a Catholic Christian and he became a Protestant Christian and Mr. V Vethamuthu  was blessed with four  sons  and two lovely daughters. Out these four sons of Mr. Vethamithu , three were great Christian Poets.  Mr. V. Santaigo's brother Mr. V Masillamani [Author of the Christian Hymn, "Thanthaanai Thuthippome, Thiruchchabaiyare Kavi Paadi ] and Mr. V. Benjamin were great Christian Poets.. Mr V. Santiago was also a great Tamil  Christian poet . Mr V, Santiago had written the following famous Tamil Christian Hymns:[1] Varavanum Paaveeye , [2] Antha Naal Packianaal, [3]Vinthai Kiristhesu Raja, [4] Thevana Naan Vumathandial , [5] En Vullam kavarum, [6]Yesu Naan Nirkkum Kanmalaiye, ,[7]  Thanthan Ennai Yesuve, [8] En Siluvai Ediththu En Yesuva, [9] Nitham Muyal Maname Parisutha Seeviyaththil ,[10] Thsasara Ihththrainiai Annbaai Yesuvukku Sonthamaakuvom, and some more lovey  Tamil Christian songs. After having completed his  School and collegiate education Mr Santiago worked as a teacher at Pasumalai High school for 14 years since 1891. ThenMr Santiago  worked as Professor of Mathematics at the famous American College, Madurai  for some years. But Mr.V. Santiago was having a natural flair for theological education and evangelical work  Amid his busy activities Prof  V. Sangtiago finished his theological education and was ordained as a Priest  and worked as an ordained Pastor at Vaththalagundu and Pasumalai churches affiliated with the  Madurai American Mission . He was a God fearing man , creative thinker and great Christian leader. In 1917 Mr. V Santiago was elected as the President of the South IndiaUnitedChurch[SIUC], in 1919 he was elected as the Moderator of the  South India United Church.   Mr. V. Santiago  was a remarkable and multifaceted personality, he was a  Poet, Preacher, Pastor, Professor, Social Thinker .and great Christian Leader. Mrs Dorothy was Rev . Prof. V Santiago's son's daughter . Mrs Dorothy Arthur Davis worked as a PG teacher  at the prestigious Duthie Higher Secondary School, Nagercoil and retired as Assistant Head Mistress.

Prof. D. Arthur Davis  joined at  the Pioneer Kumarasamy college, Nagercoil  as its Vice Principal:  While he was working at the Scott Christian College as a senior English Lecturer, he was invited to work as the Vice Principal and Head of the Department of   English in the  Pioneer kumarasamy College, Nagercoil  . With great enthusiasm Prof Arthur Davis assumed the charge  as the Vice Principal of PKCollege and discharged his  duties with great distinction.

He was promoted as the Principal Of Pioneer Kumarasamy College, Nagercoil;  The management of PKC  quickly recognised the efficiency of Professor Arthur  Davis and appointed him as the Principal  of Pioneer kumarasamy College, Nagercoil . While Prof, D. Arthur Davis was the Principal of P.K. College, this college  stood first in the  University and  many students used to get M.B.B.S selection on merit.He served as the Principal of this college approximately for 7 years .As a Principal he proved himself as an efficient administrator and he was  liked both  by the  staff and students. 

Prof. D.Arthur Davis worked as  Principal at Muslim Arts College , Thiruvithancode: After his retirement from PKC,    Professor D. Arthur Davis was appointed as the  Principal at the Muslim Arts College, at Tririvithancode. And  he served as Principal of Muslim Arts College in an enviable and constructive manner for nearly 3 years. 

In NI Engineering College::Moreover in the initial and formative years  of N.I.Engineering College, Kumaracoil, KK District,  Prof. D. Arthur Davis worked as English Professor for nearly  2 - 3 years  

Prof.D. Arthur Davis was an outstanding  Rotarian: Prof. Arthur Davis was really an outstanding Rotarian in all sense of the word.. He served as the President of the Rotary Club of Nagercoil  during the Rotary year 1971-1972. in a remarkable way. Rotary Club members  and the general public   showed much eagerness  and spontaneous interest to hear  the eloquent  speeches of Rtn .Arthur Davis in English, while he was alive. .  In 1980 the then Rotary Governor for the RI District 321, Rtn PV Jambukasan sent Prof. D. Arthur Davis as the  Team  Leader of the Group Study Exchange Program to  the United States.  He also served as the  Editor  of the official Bulletin of  his Rotary Club for some years. While he was working as the Principal at PKCollege, he started the first Rotract Club in the RI district 321, in P.K.College, Nagercoil.. 

Prof D. Arthur Davis served as a Deacon of the Home Church Nagercoil until his death: Prof Arthur Davis took active interest in the Church related activities.  He was one the longest served Deacons of the Home Church, Nagercoil , . For nearly three decades he had been serving as a Deacon of the famous Home Church, Nageracoil with distinction , until  his  unexpected death in 1995.  Now his mortal remains had been interred in the Home Church cemetery , Nagercoil . 

Conclusion :  Prof Arthur Davis was a remarkable personality. He is no more with us .He met his death on 8th January, 1995..At his death  the English lovers lost a great companion and lover of English Literature.. The Rotary movement  had lost a dynamic Rotarian ..I had the privilege to be his student at Scott Christian College , Nagercoil during the years 1964 -1966. I still remember the striking way he read the immortal lines of Milton's Paradise Lost  He was a great  orator ;  the sound of  this silver tongue orator is not heard now So long as the  English language is there , in some corners of the world some people will be remembering our Silver tongue Orator Prof.. D. Arthur Davis..

BY. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A,. [Rights reserved , Comments are welcome . This Article will be altered, modified if needed corrected later].

Author of "CHURCH HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE" [1903, Madras,pages 1188 +] Mr.Christian Masillamani Agur[Mr.C.M.Agur, B.A, ]

Introduction : Among the Church Historians in India C.M. Agur singularly shines as one of the tallest Church historians of great importance  with very few equals and unfortunately so far no biography has been written about Mr. C.M. Agur, B.A In the same way Agur's forefather Mr Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam's family played a very significant role for the spread of Protestant Christianity in South India .Mr Agur's  great grandfather Mr Vethamononickam's family's cordial friendship and link and  connection with , Rev. Horst of Tanjore, Mr , J.C Kohlhoff of Tanjore, Mr Ringletaube, Rev Charles Mead , Rev Charles Mault and British Residents like Col Macaulay, Col Munro, Mr. J.C. Hannington  and others, definitely paint this family as  one of the most colorful and remarkable families among Indian Christians.

                                                                   Mr. C. Agur, B.A 

C. M. Agur's  Birth and Parents: CM Agur was the eldest  son of Rev C. Masillamoni Masillamoni and Mrs Esther Fanny Paramanandam of Nagercoil. [ Esther Fanny was the second daughter of Daniel Paramanandam and Mr Daniel Paramanandam  was the first Deacon of the Home Church , Nagercoil. CM Agur was born in 1858 at Nagercoil. In this connection it is better to have some basic idea about Mr Agur's paternal and maternal grandfathers  and his cousins.

Mr CM Agur's father Mr C. Massillamoni of Mylaudy: All  Church Historians had written that CM Agur's father Mr C. Masilalmoni was a grandson of Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamonickam but  unfortunately it seems that no writer has given any genealogical link between Maharasan Vethamonickam and C.M. Agur. Anyhow we can infer that Mr C. Masillamony was a son of Vethamonickam's  a son or a daughter. We understand that Maharasan  Vethamonickam had two sons and two daughters . Vethamonickam's eldest son's name was Chidambaram and he was baptized  by Rev Ringeltaube with a Christian Name as Devasahayam.  Vethamonickam's younger sons's name was Mr Moses , and he died in his twenties. Here if we consider the Initial C. of Mr.Masillamoni, we can logically infer that Mr. Masillamani might  be a son of Vethamonikam's son Mr Chidambaram .  Another inference or possibility  is , C.Masillamoni might be a son of Vethamonicakam's second daughter Mrs Anna Ammal;. Moreover we can also infer that Mr Christian David could have married Mrs Annammal, the second daughter of Vethamonickam, because  Christian Masillamoni Agur was the full name of Mr C,M. Agur However we can not establish facts with the help of inferences so  it is better to unlock this secret and concealed cover of fact in this regard  in the interest of Church history and history.

C.M.Agur's education :  Nothing is known definitely about CM Agur's school and collegiate education . It is not clear;  where did Mr Agur do his  B.A. , is it in India ?, or in UK like his younger brother Mr. Ezra Masillamoni ; we do not know.  We need  definitely a study and search in this regard . Mr .C.M Agur,  was a very brilliant student and he was one of the earliest BA degree holders in South India .

C.M. Agur was the Office Manager at British Resident's office, Trivandrum : CM Agur hailed from one of   the most illustrious Christian families of South Travancore and South India. . Even during the second half of the 19th century Mr Agur became a B.A .degree holder and  probably he was one of the  earliest B.A, Degree holders in South India .  .Moreover his family  was so closely connected with Rev Charles Mead and Rev Charles Mault and  some other European missionaries . Mr. C.M. Agur , B.A, was  a well educated man, a great historian and was having a sound political and historical knowledge, and also  was having a good command over English language so he got the prestigious  privilege  to work as the Office Manager at the British Resident's office at Trivandrum for twenty years till his death in 1904. Since 1884 till 1904 Mr C.M. Agur had been  working as  Office Manger at the British Resident's Office  at Trivandrum during  the officiating period of the following Residents:[1]Mr.J.C Hannington [ 15th August 1884 to July 1887][2]General  Sir. H.N.D.Prendergast[ Acting since7-7-1887] ,[3] J.C. Hannyngton [ 7-10-1887 to July 1890], [3] H. B. Grigg, C.I.E [ assumed, 16-7-1890  to], [4] J.C. Hannyngton-[ resumed 16-10- 1890 to], [5] Mr H.B. Grigg,C.I.E- [assumed 6-7- 1891  to], [6] Mr. J.C. Hannyngton-[resumed 5-11- 1891  to], [7] Mr.H.B. Grigg,C.I.E[assumed  8-11-1892  to], [8] Mr J.D. Rees, C.I.E-[ acting  15-1895  to], [9] Mr. J. Thomson, MA, [ acting 12-7-1895  to], [10] Mr. J.D Rees, C.I.E, {8-8-1896  to], [11]F.A. Nicholson- [acting 15-12- 1896  to ], [12] J D Rees,-[resumed 17-7-1897  to], [13] Mr The Honorable Mr. F.A. Nicholson [-acting 22-8-1898  to], Mr G.T. Mackenze   [11-7-1899  to ]. Mr. James Andrew  [19-11- 1904 to ].

C.M Agur and British Resident Mr J.C. Hannyngton : Out of his total  20 years of service at the British Resident's Office , Travancore, Trivandrum Mr Christian Masillamoni Agur, B.A,  as  Office Manager at the British Resident's Office , Mr Agur worked  for 8 years under the famous and historical Mullai Periyar Dam famous British Resident Mr J. C Hannyngton . Mr J.C .Hannyngton [Son of Major General John Caulfield Hannyngton] was a British Resident of Travancore and Cochin for 6 times.Sir Grant Duff the then Governor of Madras Presidency had a liking, confidence and respect  for Mr J.C Hannyngton and so Sir. Grant Duff, the then Governor of Madras state , appointed  Mr.JC Hannyngton as the Secretary of Madras State during Visakam Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore. In this connection it is better to trace precisely the history of Mullai Periyar Dam .On 29th October 1886 a lease indenture for 999 years was made between the Maharaja of Travancore Visakam Thirunal Rama Varma and the then British Secretary of State  for India for Irrigation works. The lease was signed by the Dewan of Travancore Mr V Ram Iyengar and Secretary of Madras State Mr J.C. Hannyngton [Hannyngton became the British Resident of Travancore. later].

                                                                   
                                                                 Mr. J. C. Hannyngton.
                                                             
Mr C. M Agur was a great historian well versed in the political and social history of  India , Great Britain and other countries and he  was well liked by the British Residents  including Mr J.C. Hannyngton. During those days. The British Residents wielded great influence and power and the Resident's Office was the real power center  of the States like Travancore and Cochin , etc, CM Agur's suggestion and advice to the British Residents were well respected by the British Residents  .That was the reason Mr Agur was given full freedom and encouragement to write the monumental book, Church History Of Travancore[Pages.1183 +, Madras,1903. ] We  can say that along with Mullai Periyar Dam Signatory Mr J.C. Hannyngton,  his Office Manager Mr CM Agur will also be remembered in history .C.M Agur acknowledges the encouragement and help rendered  by his Patron and Master J.C. Hannyngton  in the following words, "My kind patron and master late J.C. Hannyngton Esq, M.C.S, British Resident encouraged me and promised any assistance in his power towards this work"

Mr. Christian Masillamoni Agur and his famous cousins: C.M Agur's maternal Grandfather Mr Paramanandam Deacon  was also a very important person in Nageracoil Home Chuch and he was the first deacon of the Nagercoil Home Church. Mr. Paramanandam deacon's family was a highly educated, civilized, cross- cultural  and cosmopolitan family. C.M Agur's maternal cousins:  Mr J T .Ambrose,[ Ambrose was the maternal Grandfather of the great Pianist  Padmashree Handel Manuel ] , Mr Jonathab , Mr.Schaffter [Son of Mr A. Joseph Munshi and Mrs.Marthal Fanny  ],  Mr.Chinnathambi Peter, Mr Lamuel Peter , Mr Nallathmabi Peter and others and all of them were remarkable persons  in heir own fields. Mr.A.Joseph.Schaffter's daughter  Miss.Mercy Sonabai Schaffter, B.A,[Mother of Dr. Anand Chellappa ] was married to the famous Christian Medical Doctor Dr. Chellappa of Madurai [he was a formerly Chief Medical Officer at the CSI Hospital , Madurai; and it will be useful to refer  here that Dr. Chellappa was the brother of the first Indian CSI Bishop of Madras CSI Diocese Rt Rev David Chellappa.]. Mr. Jonathab  a maternal cousin of CM Agur was a great Violinist of global standard. Mrs Annabel Theoder Duraisamy was the daughter of Mr Jonathab's daughter Mrs. Mathiabaranam Christy[ Mrs Annabel 's husband  Rev Theoder Duraisamy was a famous Bishop in Singapore], like this Mr. C. M. Agur's cousins were remarkable persons in their respective fields.
.
Mr. C. M. Agur and his  famous siblings: Mr. C.M.Agur was blessed with brothers and sisters and all of them were notable persons in their respective fields. But to high light some of them I would like to speak about  two persons namely ; Mr Ezra Masillamoni and Rao Sahib Dr.  Samuel  George Masillamoni.. Mr Ezra Masillamani  went to England for his higher Studies and did his B.A[ Geology ] at the famous Royal College of Science , South Kensington , London and  on his return to Travancore he was appointed as the State Geologist , Travancore Southern Division  by the Government of Travancore. Mr Ezra Masillamani was the printer of Mr CM Agur's book The Church History of Travancore, at the SPS Press, Vepery,  Madras in 1903.  Agur's another Brother Dr. Samuel George Masillamani was a Government Medical Doctor and he was working with the Government of Madras state and he was honored with the prestigious title RAO SAHIB  by the Government of Madras.

CM Agur's historical marriage  : After having worked for nearly 12 years Mr. C. M. Agur completed his epoch making book, "Church History of Travancore}[Pages 1183 +] in 1901 and it was printed at Madras and published in 1903. by Agur's brother Mr Ezra Masillamani, B.Sc[Royal College of  Science,London ] The writing and publication of his book was his primary concern and so  Mr C. M. Agur  did not think about his marriage earlier. but we can infer that there was a liking and attraction and mutual respect  between CM Agur and Miss Joanna Carlotta Mead even before their marriage .. So only in 1900 Mr CM Agur married Joanna Carollota Mead at Trivandrum [She was a daughter of Rev Charles Mead [Englishman ]and Mrs Lois Biddulph Mead [Tamil ] .Mrs. Joanna Carlotta Mead Agur worked as Music Mistress at the Government College for Girls, Trivandrum and she took keen interest in the Christ Church Choir[Trivandrum and she was the Organist at Christ Church,Palayam, Trivandrum . Moreover Mrs Joanna Carlotta Mead Agur provided many valuable records regarding Rev Charles Mead;s missionary work to CM Agur from the collection of  Rev Charles Mead.

Conclusion:  The great Church historian Mr C. M Agur, B.A, unfortunately died in 1904 following the publication of his monumental Book, Church History of Travancore in 1903. . Church History of Travancore has 3 parts namely[1]THE SYRIAN CHURCH [pages  1 to196], Part  II,  THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH [pages 197 to 422], Part III  THE PROTESTANT  CHURCH HISTORY OF TRAVANCORE [pages 423 to 1047] and Part IV   The CHRISTIAN LITERATURE & MONUMENTS [pages 1048 to1188 +  ]..At the death of Mr .Christian Masillamani Agur, an illustrious epoch of learning ,knowledge , legacy,  history and Christian Missionary zeal of  the pioneer Mylaudy Christians came to an end . The glorious history started in 1806  at Mylaudy  by Maharasan Vethamonickam came to an end in 1904 at Trivandrum . Mr. Christian Masillamani Agur's  mortal remains were buried at the Christ Church Cemetery , Trivandrum  along with his forefathers , Mr. John Palmer, Mr. Devavaram Biddulph , Mr Christian David and others.  But our CM Agur will live in the pages of his monumental Book , "Church History of Travancore" and also in the pages of the social , religious and political  History of India and world for ever. Really CM Agur was an outstanding personality.
By. P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [ All Rights are reserved . This Article will be altered or modified later if needed ].

Superintendent of the LMS Paddy Fields,South Travancore and The Remarkable Son -in- law of Maharasan Vethamonickam, Mr Pakkianathan of Mylaudy

Introduction :No doubt Mr Pakkianathan of Mylaudy [ son-in- law of Maharasan Vethamonickam  of Mylaudy] was one of the outstanding personalities of Mylaudy and Kanyakumari District. and he was one of the first 30 thirty people baptized by Rev Ringel Taube in1807 at Myladudy. .His original name was Sivan and he was  baptized with a new christian name Pakkianathen. However as the original or the early records about the early Christians of Mylady  baptized by Mr Ringeltaube  are beyond our reach and trace ; it seems to be very  difficult to know the date birth and parental details of Mr Pakkianaathan and others.  .  He was really an extraordinary man of courage, conviction, negotiating skill, administration and piety. He remains as an unsung hero ; so this Article will try to unearth some salient qualities and accomplishments  of Mr.Packianathan of Mylaudy.

Mr. Pakkianathan received the Royal Grant 2nd from the Dewan of Travancore on behalf of  Mr Mead:  Rev Charles Mead made an appeal to  Her Highness  Ranee Parvathy Bai ,through the Resident Col Munro in 1818 stating that the feeding of the destitute and the poor connected with the LMS Mission, were affected owing to insufficient produce in the grants-fields and requested the Maharani to  reduce or relinquish the existing taxes. After consulting with the Resident , Maharani wanted to have some more clarification in this regard ;son the 21st of Vycausy 993,M.E[June 1818] relinquishing or making over to him [Misssion] for the anoobogam or en Mr Pakkianathan was invited to Quilon Cutchery as a Representative of Rev. Charles Mead ; to  give some explanation in this respect .Accordingly Mr Pakkianathan went to Quilon and gave explanation to the satisfaction of the authorities; as a result Her Highness Ranee Parvathy Bhye issued a neet or ROYAL GRANT to Mr Mead on the 21st of vycausy ,993 M.E[ june 1818]relinquishing  or making over to him for [the Mission ]anoobogam or enjoyment 99 1/10 cottahs and house tax and finally fixing the michavaram or Government due to a nominal tax of  1 cottah  the same one cottah to be paid to the Sircar in two instalments of half cottah for each crop.  This was really a  great accomplishment on the part of Mr. Pakkianathan of Mylaudy..[ Agur, C.H.T, p.696].
C.M.Agur writes [CHT p 698]  that the Native Assistant who was chiefly instrumental in making this successful representation to Government was Mr.Pakkianathan who rendered to Mr. Mead the same kind of assistance in this connection  as Vethamonickam did to Mr. Ringeltaube in the matter of the First Grant[1813]. When Pakkianathan mooted the subject Mr. Mead was unwilling to write to the Ranee through the British Resident , for the reason that the Sircar[Govt] had already made great sacrifices for the LMS Mission and that it would  not be reasonable to take undue advantage . Mr Mead said to Mr. Pakkainathan that  he would consider the subject if  Mr. Packainathan would bring a written statement showing  the valid reasons for the reduction of tax on the Grants- fields.. Accordingly  Mr. Packanathan proved the insufficiency of the produce for the maintenance of the poor Christian of the Mylaudy LMS Mission and Mr Mead was led to write on the Subject . The Grant was delivered by the Dewan into the hands of Mr Mead's Agent Mr Pakkianathan at Quilon. Definitely that was a historical incident, moment privilege and honor for Mr. Pakkianathan.

Mr Packianathan was made Manager of the secular affairs of the Mylaudy LMS Misssion:
Mr Pakkianathan was of  immense help to his father-in-law Mr Maharasan  Vethamonickam of Mylaudy and rendered very valuable service to the LMS Mission. So ,as Mr Palkianathan was a clever  Accountant and efficient Manager, he was appointed as the Manager of the Secular affairs of the Mylaudy LMS Mission. By giving eminent and efficient support  to his father-in-law Mr. Vethamonickam , he supported the LMS Mission . In fact Mr. Pakkianathan was the right hand to Mr Vethamonickam,  though in  religious matters sometimes there were some differences between them . But Mr Pakkianathan reformed his conduct and repented for his mistakes later. Mr Pakkianathan was not an Arm -Chair Manager or  Superintendent of the Mission paddy fields [located near Thamarakulam, Vellamadam, Puthukiramam , inAgastheeswaram Taluk, K.K Dist and other places] , rather he  directly supervised the cultivation of the  paddy fields and increased the produce and profit of the Mission Paddy fields.

Mr.Pakkianathan was appointed as the chief ministerial officer of the Nagercoil Court: The then Resident Col Munro appointed Mr Charles Mead as  Judge in the Nageroil Court in 1818. On assuming charge as the Judge of the Nagercoil Court in 1818  Mr Charles Mead, took steps to appoint some Christians in his own Court, accordingly Mr Charles Mead appointed Maharasan Vethamonickam's.son-in-law Mr Pakkianathan , as the Head Gomestha or the chief ministerial Officer of the Nagearcoil Court in the official rank of a Thahsildar.



                                                                                                                           
                                                                             
Mr Packianathan rode daily  on  Horseback and followed Mr Mead  to the Court :Mr. Charles Mead daily went to the Court in his Palanquin and his chief ministerial Officer Mr. Packainathan followed him to the Court daily riding on a majestic horse back. Mr Mead  was a champion of social justice and so he made this arrangement with the purpose of enhancing the image of the local converted Christians in the eyes of  the non Christians.

                                                                                                                            
The splendor of  Mr. Packianthan's march to the Court : In accordance  with Mr Charles Mead's express order  Mr Packianathan was asked to march and follow Mr Mead  to the Court with all the paraphernalia of a Thahsildar ; a boy  proceeded  Mr Packianathan, ringing a small bell announcing his approach and arrival  and two servants followed him holding a Chemboo [copper vessel] in tune with the customs of the day. The respectable and generous treatment Mr Mead accorded to the native Christian Community even at the very outset of his official career not only enhanced the social image of that particular individual but also the  total social image of the entire local Christians.  Mr CM.Agur writes, "This incident also shows how the good Missionary availed himself of every opportunity to raise the social position of his Christian converts.Mr. Pakkianthan's every day march to the court on a horse back with all the splendor invited the jealousy and envy of many people , and those enemies  planned and tried to kill Mr. Pakkianathan but as they were afraid of Mr Charles Mead, they did not execute their plan to kill Mr.Pakkianathan.

Pakkianaathan resigned his Court Job : As Rev Charles Mead wanted to give more time to missionary work he resigned his Judge Post . But Mr Mead asked  Mr. Pakkianathan to continue in his post but  Mr Pakkianathan  , on his own accord  resigned his post of chief ministerial Officer of the Nagercoil Court.After his resignation Mr Pakkianathan re-assumed his previous post ,Superintendent of  LMS Mission fields, South Travancore..

Mr. Pakkianathan's last days :.Mr. Pakkianathan spent his retired and old age life at Nagercoil . In his old age he became totally blind and it said whenever he groped in the streets of Nagercoil  leading to the Court Complex, his enemies who were jealous of him used to collect around him and mocked him by asking ," where is you horse?" But he used to reply them in a very sharp manner and shut their mocking mouths. He reminded them that even kings had  their reverses and told them that  there was  nothing to be surprised at the reversal of a poor man like him . In his old age he met his death like his forefathers with hope on eternity, [ His date of death and burial place are  not known . Mr. Maharasan  Vethamonickam had two daughters namely Pakkiayi and Anna ammal , and as  Mr Maharasan Vethamonickam's the eldest son-in -law Mr. Pakkianahan should have married Miss Pakkiayi out of Maharasan Vethamonickam's two daughters.]

Conclusion: We can write volumes about the glory of Malady  Vethamonickam's family  members including his smart son-in-law  Mr Pakkianathan   Mr. Pakkianaathan was a remarkable person and definitely  he was one among those early pioneers who laid the foundation for the establishment of Christianity  and educational and social awakening in South Travancore . Definitely his biography fills some significant chapters in the social , educational , cultural and Church history of Travancore  and India. Now Mr Pakkianathan lives in and above the fertile Mission  paddy fields of the  Kanyakumari C.S.I Diocese and in the pages of history.
By.P. BABU MANOHARAN. [ Rights reserved.   This Article will be modified, corrected  or altered later if needed]. 

`

Unforgettable and Outstanding Visionary and Educationist Mr Christian David of Mylaudy. Part Final

There rose a need for an exclusive Church for Anglican Worship Service:   On 5th august , 1838 the first Protestant Church was built , and opened for worship under the initiative of Rev . Charles Mead, Col. Frazer and Rev John Cox at Cantonment , Trivandrum. It was mainly meant for the Europeans residing at Trivandrum subsequently Tamil Worship Service  for the natives began in this Church. The native Tamil worship service was started at Pattah and later shifted to Cantonment Church, where Rev Cox was conducting the English service. This Cantonment Church was known variously as the Trivandrum Protestant church, the Trivandrum Church and the Cantonment Chapel . Tamil and Malayalam services were held following the British Service . Since this Church Could not be appropriated for Anglican Divine Service, steps were taken to construct a new English Church [  Church of England ] at Trivandrum.

The Trivandrum Native Church and Mr Charles Mead and Mr Christian David: Mr Mead shifted to Trivandrum from Kanyakumari District in 1855, and he invited a number of  Christian families  from South Travancore [Kanyakumari district] to Trivandrum, and gave them employment in the various Government establishments under him .. Mr. Christian David  had been attending  the religious needs of the Tamil Christians in Trivandrum, for many years.. Really Christian David was a great Christian. Mr Charles Mead talked to the Chaplain and instituted regular Tamil service in the Chaplaincy and authorized Mr.Devavaram Biddulph [of Mylaudy ] and after him Mr.John Palmer [ of Mylaudy ] to conduct Tamil Services on every Sunday after the English service was over as successors of Mr Christian David. . Moreover Mr Mead took necessary initiative and steps to attach the Tamil Christians under his control to the Government Chaplaincy.

Mr. Christian David and  Rev. Charles Mead :   Mr. Charles Mead was made the first Superintendent of the Government District Schools and Vernacular Schools and also was made Superintendent of the Government Press at Trivandrum. From 1856 Mr Mead was a Member of the Government Museum Society. General Cullen transferred the Church of England Chaplaincy School to the control of Mr Charles Mead . Thus Mr Christian David  who was ably conducting the Church of England Chaplaincy School was placed under the administrative control of Mr Charles Mead. In his capacity as the Manager and Head  of the Chaplaincy School, Mr Charles Mead appointed the famous Tamil Christian Poet Mr. John Palmer [a cousin of Mr Christian David,] as an Assistant Teacher  in the Chaplaincy School.

Mr.Christian David and Christ  Church, Trivandrum :The foundation stone for the erection of a Church for the exclusive use of the members of the Church of England, was laid on the 13th December 1858, by General Cullen, the then British Resident , in the midst of a large gathering  of people , Christians and non- Christians; His Highness the First Prince Rama Varma[later he became Maharaja] too accidentally happened to be present on the occasion.A bottle with parchment containing the date of erection, the names of the leading officials in the State and full list of subscribers, European Christians headed by General Cullen , and native Christians  headed by Mr. Christian David was also deposited in the Foundation. The Church was consecrated on the 15th November 1859 by Bishop Dealtry under the name of Christ Church. Then on wards the members of the Church of England started to conduct their divine service at the Church , Trivandrum    Even today the Christ Church is considered as a historical monument in Trivandrum City. Christ Church in Trivandrum is not simply a Building but it is one of the most colorful and conspicuous social , political, religious and cultural monuments of  Trivnadrum and also it is a store house and source of many information and the history of Christ Church , Trivandrum fills some important chapters of the social, religious, educational and political history of Travancore.. It is really a great honor for the people of Mylaudy and South Travancore to learn that Mr Christian David's name had been deposited in the Foundation of  the historical Christ Church, Trivandrum. [Now this magnificent Christ Church , Trivandrum is an integral constituent of Madhya Kerala CSI Diocese.]




                           CHRIST CHURCH, PALAYAM, TRIVANDRUM [Built in 1859] 

Death of Christian David : Without rest Mr Christian David was working for the cause of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and  also for the cause of education and social justice . Physically he became very tired On the 14th April 1860 while attending a funeral, Mr Christian David was attacked by apoplexy and unexpectedly expired on the following day. On account of Mr Christian David's sudden death the Members of his Christian Congregation, friends and the  School boys of Chaplaincy English School, Trivandrum  were shocked with great grief and sorrow.

Conclusion :  Following the sudden death of Mr Christian David Mr. B. Comely was appointed as Church Clerk in his place, and also as Charge of the Chaplaincy English School; But soon the Chaplaincy  English School ceased to exist and by this time Government English District schools had been established . Tamil Service was taken up by Christian David's cousin Mr John Palmer. Mr.Christian David was a remarkable person. His life and services were linked and twined with the history of Protestant Church of Travancore. He was privileged to rub shoulders with Generals, British Residents, Great Missionaries,Government Officials, Intellectuals and so on..Mr. Christian David's glorious  travel from Mylaudy to Trivandtrum was a historical path flanked by many  proud and meaningful  milestones.
P. BABU MANOHARAN. [Rights reserved.- This article will be modified and altered later if needed.}

Unforgettable and Outstanding Visionary and Educationist Mr. Christian David of Mylaudy- Part I .

Introduction:  Mr Christian David of Mylaudy was one of the  remarkable personalities of  Kanyakumri district  has ever produced and definitely he was also one of the unsung heroes of our District. Like the Christian Poets Mr John Palmer and Devavaram Biddulph , Mr Christian David  was also a brilliant student of Rev Charles Mead at the famous Central L.M.S Seminary, Nagercoil. In July 1854 Mr Charles Mead did quit  Neyyoor  on account of his historical and sensitive third marriage with Lois Biddulph of Mylaudy, and lived at Mandakadu for sometime and then he was invited by his friend General Cullen the British Resident, Travancore State and the Travancore Government to Trivanddrum . So Charles Mead moved to Trivandrum with this family in 1855, and there he was made as the Superintendent of the Government  Press.. General Cullen transferred the Church of England Chaplaincy School to the management of Mr Charles Mead. and it is pertinent to remember here that  the  Chaplaincy School was a Brain Child of  Mr Christian David  of Mylaudy.

Christian David's Birth and Family Background: Mr. Christian David was born at Mylaudy  during the early decades of 19th century ,in the family of the great Mylaudy Maharasan Vethamnickm and  Mr. Christain David was one of the cousins of the great Christian Poet Mr John Palmer of Mylaudy.

Christian David  Was a First Batch Student in Nagercoil Central LMS Seminary:
Rev Charles Mead started his Central Seminary at Nagercoil in 1818 , and  he selected 10 smart and intelligent youths from Mylaudy and its neighboring villages and brought them with him to the Nagercoil Central  LMS Seminary established by him. The first batch of students selected from among the youths of Mylaudy were: Devavaram  , Moses , Christian David and three others.and also Mr.Munro [from Kurichi], Perinbanaygam [Kovilvilai], Satthianathan and Sivasoobramanian [Kottar] and a few others. Among this first batch of students more than half were from Mylaudy. After successfully having completed his studies at the Nagearcoil LMS Seminary, Mr Christian David worked as a Teacher in the LMS Central Seminary, Nagercoil, for a few years and afterwards he was sent to Trivandrum as Tamil  Munshi to Col. Campbell of the British Nayar Regiment.

Mr. Christian David and Government Press at Trivandrum  The LMS Press at Nagercoil  was started by Rev Charles Mead in 1820 at Nagercoil and that was the first Printing Press in the whole of Travancore State and one of the oldest Press in South India. The then ruler of Travancore state, Maharaja Swathi Thirunal  during his visit to Nagercoil ,was highly impressed by the LMS Printing Press at Nagercoil, an so he took necessary steps to establish a Printing Press at Trivandrum. In 1838 the Government of Travancore established a Printing Press at Trivandrum under Mr. Samathanam Maistry  of Mylaudy ,who was one of the first batch of workers trained in the Nagercoil LMS Printing Press. Now the Government Printng Press at Trivandum is called Government Central Press. The Government Press at Trivandrum was started with the help of material and workers from London Mission Society's [LMS] Printing Press,Nagercoil . Mr. Christian David worked as a  English Clerk in the Government Printing Press , Trivandrum..

Tamil Christian Population At Trivandrum :  The Tamil Christians who moved to Trivandrum on account of their jobs at the Government Press  and other Government offices and  the people who worked in the houses of  British officers, British Missionaries  and some others formed the Tamil Christian population at Trivandrum . And these  Tamil Christians were in need of a Church  to worship and conduct Christian divine services . Mr Mead  after having shifted to Trivandrum called a number of Christian families from the South [Kanyakumari District] and gave them work in the various government establishments under him.

The Formationof the Trivandrum native[Tamil} Congregation of the Church of England:
According to the great Church Historian  Mr. C. M . Agur ,it was in 1837  that the Tamil or the Native Congregation of the members of the Church of England was formed at Trivandrum.. When the Printing Press was started at Trivandrum at the initiative of the then Maharja of Travancore , the workers of the LMS Printing Press from Nagercoil were brought from Kanyakumaari district to Trivandrum and most of those Printing Press workers were Christians. Moreover almost all the domestic servants of the European officials who were residing at Trivandrum were  Tamil Christians. But these native Tamil Christian were not organized and there was no particular place to worship God. In this situation A well educated and respectable Native Member of the Church of England by name Mr Christian David who was working as English Clerk at the Government Printing Press, collected and organized all the scattered native Tamil Christians together and began to conduct regular Christian meetings for divine service in his own home at Trivandrum. Then Mr Christian David was working as Tamil Mushi to Capt.R. N. Campbell; and at that time Captain Campbell was working as Commandant Nayar Brigade. It was Col R.N. Campbell who brought  the name Mr. Christian David to the kind attention and knowledge of the Chaplain Mr. Shortland and the then British Resident Col Frazer. Col Frazer and his brother-in-law Lieut. Stephenson were deeply and greatly interested in the affairs of the Native Christian Congregation. Mr Christian David was authorized by the British resident  Col. Frazer to conduct Divine service [Worship service] on Sundays in the old Church[Cantonment Church] .Since then Worship Services were regularly conducted in the Tamil Language on every Sunday and the Chaplains when they paid monthly visits to the out-stations of Trivandrum, administered the Holy Sacraments of the Lord's Supper to the native Church congregation together with the English Congregation.

Establishment of a Preliminary English School at Trivandrum[Chaplaincy school] for Tamil Christians by the suggestion of  Christian David: Mr Christian David was a great educationist and man of vision.  At the suggestion of Mr Christian David the then Chaplain Revd. Rowlandson  opened a Preliminary English School attached to the Chaplaincy and appointed Mr Christian David as School Master to conduct the  Chaplaincy School in addition to his other duties as Church Clerk.. The Chaplaincy School at Cantonment, Trivandrum started by the idea of Mr Christian David  thrived and progressed  with the aid and help  of the British Resident General Cullen and other Gentlemen. And quickly  this Chaplaincy School progressed as an important educational institution and was  the feeding School  to H.H. Maharaja's free School [ Mr. Roberts the Headmaster of Nagercoil LMS Seminary  started the free School at Trivandrum at the invitation of the Maharaja of Trvancore and later it was taken by the Government and this Free School developed into Maharaja's College and today it called as University College, Trivandrum].  At first the Chaplaincy School was under the management of the successive  British Chaplains and for sometime under the inspection of the Revd Charles Mead, as the School progressed Mr Charles Mead appointed Mr . John Palmer as an Assistant Master in 1856.
BY P. BABU MANOHARAN, M.A, [Rights reserved, This Article will be altered or modified if needed later . Part  Final will follow soon].