Portuguese in Madras:

Portuguese in Madras:

It is indeed a surprise our History books dismiss the presence of Portuguese in Madras just in a paragraph.
Madras (Madras Patinam) was under the rule of Portuguese for about 230 years from 1515 to 1749. It is believed that the name Madras or Madras Pattinam is derived from the Portuguese word "Madre de Deus" meaning "Mother of God" a Church in San Thome consecrated by the rich Portuguese family Madeiro's Family in  1575. The Portuguese colonised the settlement peacefully  by bringing groups  of "casados" (Married army men) from Portugal to live.The main settlement was the town of São Tomé de Meliapore (near today’s Mylapore in South Madras), where there was  the grave of the apostle Saint Thomas. Unlike the English and Dutch, the intention of Portuguese was not Trade or Commercial supremacy, but conversion of the locals to Catholicism, i.e. baptism. By the time Portuguese evinced interest in the Coromandel coast, the Dutch were already there, well established in Paleacate (Pulicat,) a busy port about 40km north of Madras, from where they did a lucrative export of spices and slaves to their colonies in Java and South east Asia and South America.

Portuguese built their first Church in Paleacate in 1515, and called it Nossa Senhora da Gloria (Our Lady of Glory). It is unfortunate and lack of respect for heritage value, this Church was demolished in 2007 to make way to rebuild a new one. Similarly few other Churches and buildings of  Heritage value were destroyed due to callous attitude of the Government.Today, no trace of the Portuguese presence remain in Pulicat, one reason being the early Dutch conquest in 1609. On the other hand, both Pulicat and Mylapore were among places with a significant Portuguese presence and influence which were never fully integrated in the administrative system of the Estado da Índia, i.e. the Portuguese colonial system, even though the latter inevitably became an important pole in the Padroado’s geography (Papal patronage). In 1580 the town of São Tomé had four churches, those of São Tomé, São Francisco, São João Baptista and Misericórdia. Outside the town were the churches of Madre de Deus, São Lazaro, Nossa Senhora da Luz and Nossa Senhora do Monte.The Parish was first known as 'Madre-de-Deus' , but later this place was turned to the Jesuit Fathers for the Retreat House, and Lazarus Church was made the Parish church. It is believed that this Portuguese name Madre-de-Deus in due course gave the name ‘Madras' to the city. At the beginning of 1600 São Tomé had a population of about 600 Casados. On 9 January 1606 the Diocese of São Tomé de Meliapur was erected.

To name  a few  valuable ancient buildings of Portuguese Architecture demolished  in the 20th century were " Madre de Deus church (dates back to 16th century,demolished and replaced); Our Lady of Health (16th century, little Mount - demolished, replaced); Our Lady of Resurrection (16th century,little Mount, destroyed with dynamite); Our Lady of Assumption (dating to 1640 - demolished and replaced by new one, Portuguese Church Street, Chennai); Our Lady of Visitation (original church dates to 16th century, 18th century one demolished and replaced, on the way to the little Mount); British Governor House and Portuguese Madeira ("Madra") Family House (Chennai - demolished)".

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light) or  Luz Church.

There is an interesting anecdote about  Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz ,Our Lady of Light,(Luz- Portuguese word for Clustering light) locally pronounced “Luz Church”.  That a small group of Franciscans Friars at sea in a ship on a stormy night on March,9,1500  , when traveling  fell victim to the wrath of the seas, and in their fear brothers prayed to Our Mother Mary. Suddenly their eyes were drawn to a bright light which led them safely to land on the shores of Mylapore, on the same spot where the ruins of ‘Bethuma’, (Arabic word for House of Thomas) the old house of St Thomas, the Apostle, was located. As they moved towards the mysterious guiding light, it led them to a clearing in the forest. Here the light disappeared suddenly. Moved and inspired by this experience, Friar Pedro, of the Observance of St Francis, built this church on the very same spot. The Church, even today, is referred to as ‘Kattu Koil’ or ‘Forest Church’ by the local people. Now, the forest has disappeared in the metropolis of Chennai. The church exhibits a stone bearing a painted inscription of doubtful trustworthiness – the letter type, paint, etc. - that states that the founder was one Pedro da Atouguia. The date surprises as this is two years before the first documented visit to Meliapor by the Portuguese. But the historical importance of the Church is apparent from the fact that the area now is officially called ‘Luz’, . Luz Church was damaged during the occupation by Qutb Shahi forces from Golkonda  between 1662 and 1673. During the occupation of Hyder Ali between 1780 and 1782, the East India Company Forces which occupied the Luz Parish Residence for some years. The Church of Our Lady of Light was built in 1516 and is now renovated and restored to its original form.

Carthilha.

 Portuguese influence in Tamil:

Portuguese influence in the life of Tamils was so strong that many words from Portuguese language has become normal use in Tamil vocabulary today. அவற்றில் சில
அலமாரி (Armário), ஜன்னல்,(Janale) மேஜை(Mesa), மேஸ்திரி (Mestiri),சாவி(Chave), வராந்தா(Varanda),குசினி (Cozinha),   
சப்பு (Chupo),  பீப்பாய் (Pipa),  அன்னாசி (Ananás).

தமிழில் அச்சேறிய முதல் நூல்
லிஸ்பன் நகரில் 1554இல் அச்சிடப்பட்ட கார்த்தில்யா (Carthilha) என்ற நூலே முதல் தமிழ் நூல் என்பர்.
இந்நூலில் தமிழ் எழுத்துகள் கையாளப்படாமல் உரோமருடைய எழுத்துகள் தமிழ் ஒலிகளைக் குறிப்பதற்குக் கையாளப் பெற்றிருந்தன. இது 36 பக்கங்களை உடையது. இந்த உரைநடை நூலில் கத்தோலிக்கக் கிறித்தவ சமயத்தின் வழிபாட்டு முறைகளும், செபங்களும் அடங்கியுள்ளன.
ஹென்ரிக் ஹென்ரிக்ஸ் (1520–1600):இவர் ஒரு போர்த்துகீசிய மத போதகர். தமிழில் நூல்களை அச்சடிக்க என தொடக்க காலத்தில் அச்சுக் கூடத்தினை நிறுவி தமிழில் நூல்களை அச்சிட்டவர். 1578 ஆம் ஆண்டிலேயே தம்பிரான் வணக்கம் என்ற நூலினை அச்சில் வெளியிட்டவர். கிரிசித்தியாணி வணக்கம் என்ற நூலினையும் கொண்டு வந்தவர்.
கி.பி.1679ஆம் ஆண்டில் அந்தோணி பிரயோன்சா அடிகளார் போர்த்துகீசிய-தமிழ் அகராதியை உருவாக்கினார். வீரமாமுனிவர் சதுரகராதியை 1732இல் வெளியிட்டார். மேலும் அவர் தமிழ்-லத்தீன் அகராதி, போர்த்துகீசியம்-தமிழ்-லத்தீன் அகராதி ஆகியவற்றையும் வெளியிட்டார்.

It was during the Portuguese period  a new trend in Building  Architecture  was introduced throughout the coastline of Tamil Nadu , the vestiges of which can be seen  even today.

To Continue.......



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FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense:(சாம்ப்ராணி)

It was my first posting in Salalah in Sultanate of Oman. Salalah is the most beautiful place in Arabian peninsula. Salalah is the capital of Vilayat of Dhofar (Province) in far south of the Sultanate bordering Yemen and the Arabian sea. On my first outing in the town,I was taken to the local market area in Haffa by my colleagues, what was called Haffa Souq. It was March, 1982, formative years of rapid development of the Sultanate, still vestiges of old culture were visible in the Country.


Market looked like our own roadside markets in Tamil Nadu on a weekly shandy day , with the items of sales spread out on the roadsides. Here I found most of the "shops" were managed mostly by "Zanzibari" women, who are of African origin,  very much different from rest of the Omanis. The market was filled up with all sort of materials essential for day to day use in the household. For the first time I saw the resins of Frankincense ( சாம்ப்ராணி) sold in bulk. The sales women burnt the granules and spread the wonderful aroma around. I was curious to know more about this wonderful material that was commonly used in our Pooja . I give below a brief account of what I learnt about Frankincense.

Frankincense : சாம்ப்ராணி
The high quality frankincense tree, the boswellia sacra, grows only in the Dhofar region (and in parts of northern Somalia). The best of it comes from trees on the inland side of the Dhofar mountains, but some frankincense also grows on the plains to the south of Salalah. Visually, the tree is not so attractive, but strong, a low twisted bush-like tree which has no central trunk. And it has numerous prickly branches extended every side.

Later, I came to know Dhofar region (in Oman and Yemen) had the natural privilege of growing this wonderful tree in a relatively restricted habitat which is just out of range of the monsoon rains but where cool winds depress air temperatures in hot summer months .

The resin is extracted today the same way it was done 4,000 years ago. In the spring, tiny slits are made in the tree bark, and the resin that oozes out is collected in bowls.Ducts inside the bark produce a milky white, sticky liquid that flows out when the tree is injured. The liquid solidifies into a resin when exposed to the sun.


The Arabic word for Frankincense (Sambrani) is Luban, the Greek and Latin words for frankincense libanos and libanus are derivations of this. The traditional angular incense burner is called "Mabaakhur". Nowadays Electrically operated incense burners are available.

Frankincense is being used for religious purposes for centuries by Greeks, Romans, Egyptians. Mention of this aromatic resin is found in the Holy Bible.
Frankincense is one of the three gifts brought by the three wise-men who followed the bright star in the east to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts;Gold,and frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11).

It is our tradition to spread the aromatic smoke of Frankincense in our Pooja in Temples as also in homes. I believe this practice must have got introduced from North or during the Maratha rule.

But I do not know the reason for calling halfwits as Mada Sambrani ( மட சாம்ப்ராணி) ! 

Oud / Agar
Oud is different.
Oud, Oodh or Oudh in Arabic is extracted from tropical tree known as Agar Tree (Aquilaria). In Sanskrit also it is known as "Agar". In Tamil "Agir" "அகிற்". "When the wood of this tree gets infected with a certain mould variety (Phialophora parasitica), it reacts by producing a precious, dark and fragrant resin, which is the perfume ingredient oud (also called agarwood)". The word "Agar-bathi" or "Oodubathi" is derived from Agar only. Oudh-oil is highly valued perfume, most expensive perfume in the world . The oil is known as "dehn al oud" and the resin is " Oud Mubakhar" in Arabic.

Oh Yes ! You are correct. Oudh or Agar is considered an effective aphrodisiac. It finds in many places in romantic literature in Sanskrit. Poet Kalidasa wrote" “Beautiful ladies, preparing themselves for the feast of pleasures, cleanse themselves with the yellow powder of sandal, clear and pure, freshen them with pleasant aromas, and suspended their dark hair in the smoke of burning Aloes(AGAR)wood…” (Abhijñāna Sākuntalam)

VISIT OF EMDEN TO MADRAS.

Visit of SMS Emden:

It happened in Madras exactly ninety eight years ago to this date on September,22,1914. The city was bombed from sea by a German war ship named
SMS Emden.


SMS Emden (Seiner Majestät Schiff -His Majesty's Ship) was a most successful German commerce raider during World War I at sea. The ship was named after a small town in northern Germany on the banks of river Weser which flowed into the North Sea.The ship formed the part of German East Asia squadron based at the port of Tsingtao on the Kiachow bay located near the tip of China's Shantung peninsula. This 3500-ton fast,light cruiser Emden was commanded by "daring,skillful and chivalrous Captain Karl Friedrich Von Müller; forty-one- year old ,tall, blond Prussian" .



With the outbreak of World War I (1914-18) Emden sailed off from its parent squadron and steamed into Bay of Bengal, an area teemed with British shipping .For three months from August 14 to November 9, Emden ravaged allied shipping along the east coast of India and Indian Ocean, virtually paralysing British trade along the Bengal coast .This single ship forced Admiralty to retain ships at ports and made troop-carrying vessels sail in convoys protected by escorts. Within a span of four days in September 10-14, 1914, Muller sank 8 British steamers on the approaches to Calcutta. With determination British Admiralty in London pooled the resources of empire to form hunter-killer groups to comb ocean to hunt down Emden, their elusive foe.

Fame of Emden rests on its Captain's ability to evade Royal Navy for so long. The ship used to appear at unexpected places at will like that of a ghost ship.This was possible because its captain masked ship's movements by resorting to a simple trick, by installing a dummy funnel which gave it an appearance of 4-funnel British cruiser instead of 3-funnels it had.



SMS Emden searched the southeast waters off the coast of Burma, Capt. Müller found no prizes there, he changed course to the west. The captain had been planning a raid on some British shore installation, and now decided to put his plan into effect. He wrote in his log: "I intended going from the Rangoon estuary to Madras and, in the dark, shelling the oil-tank installations….I had this shelling in view simply as a demonstration to arouse interest among the Indian population, to disturb English commerce, [and] to diminish English prestige."

After coaling from Markomannia, Capt. Müller steamed his ship Emden southwest, towards Madras, all the while listening to radio traffic between British warships searching for their elusive enemy. By the evening of September 22, 1914, the German cruiser was off Madras, with the city's lights in view to the west.Then came the command "Searchlights." and. these in a few seconds found their target, which happened to be the law court Buildings of Madras, with Light-house beacon mounted on the roof. But the bomb fell on the wall of the Chennai High Court and its fragments are in the collection of the Government Museum, Chennai and of the Fort Museum. You can find a stone plaque describing the incident at the place where the bomb fell in the High Court Buildings. Another, fell opposite to the Fort St. George in the sand and it did not explode. The ship's search light fell on the huge petroleum tanks of the British owned Burmah Oil Company by the northern side of the port. The engines were stopped and the first shots fired out of five guns. Another broadside was fired. but fell short of the target: a second shot hit one of the petroleum tanks, causing it to burst into flames and explode. For ten minutes Emden steamed parallel to the coast, unleashing some 130 shells at the white-painted oil tanks. One of the six tanks exploded in a ball of flame; four others were pierced and damaged but did not catch fire. As a result of the raid, more than three hundred fifty thousand gallons of fuel (Kerosine) were destroyed, four people were killed, and "British prestige was dealt a considerable blow." It took one and half days to put off the fire.The bombardment lasted from 9.03 to 9.45 PM. During this time the British shore batteries fired only three shots, which went right over Emden. After the third shot nothing was heard from the port. During the bombardment a bomb accidentally hit a merchant steamer, which caught fire, killing one of the crew. It was 9.47 when Emden left Madras, on preset course set with all lights out and travelled on its way to the French town of Pondicherry.

Mean while in Madras, Lord Pentland, then governor of Madras, was camping in Ooty. He came down from the hills on Sept.25 three days after the bombing. He met officials at Central station at 7.10 a.m., proceeded to the harbour to inspect the damages, visited General Hospital to meet the wounded, and by 10.15 a.m., was in the government house and proceeded to Ooty to continue his stay there.The citizens of Madras responded to the event in the expected way by spreading roumers and panic. Which in turn instigated people to vacate the city. Almost 20,000 people left the city in panic.

Emden undoubtedly was the most successful German commerce raider during Great War at sea.She captured 24 steam ships during her short career September-November 1914 which includes sixteen British ships, which were sunk, at an estimated loss of £2,200,000. She also played havoc on the British trade of the Bay of Bengal, closing Colombo, Calcutta, Madras and Rangoon at various times. Her war time cruise was followed with great interest in Britain and Germany. And Captain Von Müller’s conduct of the raid was greatly admired. He was awarded the Pour le Mérite (or Blue Max) and finally promoted to Kapitän zur See.

I would like to end this post with a few words about the Ship's commander Capt.Von Müller Capt.Karl Friedrich Max von Müller, captain of the SMS Emden born in 1873 was the son of a Colonel in the Prussian Army. He was a professional soldier who had attended military academy in Schleswig-Holstein. Though entered the army first he was transferred to the Imperial Navy later, where he made his mark as a great Captain in World war I. Captain Müller was always gentlemanly to the captains and passengers of the ships he captured, and he made certain that every captured British sailor was treated well and kept safe.Most of Emden's survivors spent the remainder of the war as prisoners on Malta.After his capture Von Müller was imprisoned in Malta and England, where he attempted an escape but was recaptured. While his executive officer, wrote his experiences on Emden and prospered after the war as an author and lecturer, Capt. Von Müller, in contrast, declined to speak on his experiences and lived quietly at his home in Blankenburg until his death in 1923. Asked once why he did not write a memoir, Capt. Von Müller replied, "I should not be able to escape the feeling that I was coining money from the blood of my comrades."

I am not sure whether the present generation will understand or appreciate the historical importance of this post. But I am sure this post will evoke older generation to reminisce those glorious days when chivalry had different meaning . Finally by its exploits Emden became a household word in Tamil and Malayalam usage meaning "Shrewd, Evasive or Street-smart".

VASISHTA GUHA

Vasishta Guha:

About 22 KMS north of Rishikesh, on the road to Badri near Shivapuri there is a cave known as Vasishta Gufa (Guha) on the banks of Holy Ganga. It is the most favorite place for devotees who are interested in the art of meditation. The cave is a natural formation of 60 feet deep which opens up with a space big enough for eight people to sit and meditate. There is an alter with a small Siva Lingam illuminated by oil lamps. It is quite cool and dark. Down outside within a walkable distance the majestic Ganga is flowing with full of water, towards Rishikesh.

Beautiful place. A cave set on the side of a sheer cliff on the banks of the Ganga, and it has a spectacular view of the river and the surrounding peaks of the Shivalik Himalayas. it has been the home to ascetics for centuries, most recently the renowned Swami Purushottamananda was staying there.There is an Ashram with few rooms, run for the devotees who wish to spend a few days there.

Nearby just about a five-minute walk down-river from Vasishta Guha there is another cave smaller than Vasishta Gufa.
It is believed that Jesus had visited this place and meditated . Mention about this is found in the writings of Swami Rama Thirtha and Papa (Swami) Ramdas of Khananghad.

I have visited this place a couple of times during my pilgrimage in Himalayas.
It is a wonderful place to visit.

Miracles do happen

Salalah. Many would not have heard this name unless they have visited Sultanate of Oman. This seaside town is the most beautiful place in Dhofar region, the southern most Vilayat in Oman. I landed in Salalah on March,2,1982 on my first posting as Senior Accountant to a leading Importer of Food items in the Sultanate. The quarters given to me was well furnished and neat. After the initial enthusiasm of visiting a new Country, my mind started roaming backwards. I started getting the thoughts of leaving my family alone at home and wondered whether I had made a mistake in throwing away a respectable position in India for an uncertain future. Soon a sort of depression started to set in me.

When we are lonely and sad mind goes after in search of that X factor what we call God the supreme power to find an answer.

While arranging my things in the bed room, I observed a shack of old Tamil Magazines on my reading Table. This was left by the previous occupant, a Srilankan Tamil while vacating the place. I browsed the magazines to keep my mind away from home and pass time. To my surprise I found a copy of Idayam Pesugirathu (இதயம் பேசுகிறது) issue among the books, wherein the story describing the life and miracles of Guru Sri Raghavendra was published. I was dumb struck beyond rational reasoning by the coincidence. I am an ardent devotee of Gururaya and used to visit his Brindavanam at Manthralayam regularly. Though we are smarthas, our family members were devotees of Sri Raghavendra for three generations.This is too much of a coincidence to happen ! How could my Guru found the place where I was to stay in that unheard of small town in the corner of a Gulf Country and wait for me to come? For me at that point of time it was a miracle indeed. Within no time my mind regained peace and there was no turning point for me. I had successfull innings for eight more years in Oman with regular promotions in my job.

Throughout my stay in Oman-Muscat He took care of my health and prosperity.

For me every day of existence is a miracle and a new day.

Regards,
Brahmanyan,

Melodies floating from memories

When I look back and ask which was that one singer who had influenced my love for hindustani music, I could say without hesitation it was the one and only Kundan Lal Saigal. He was and is my favorite male singer till date. I was just a boy of ten when I heard K.L.Saigal for the first time from a gramophone record in my relative's house. At that age I was wondering why my aunt (a lady doctor) was wiping tears while hearing the song “Soja Raajkumari Soja” coming from the gramophone.. Later I understood it was the magic of Saigal's songs, that brought tears to all listeners who heard his songs That was the power of his music.

Kundan Lal Saigal was born on April, 11, 1904 at Nawa Shahar in Jammu as the fourth child to Kesar Kaur and Amarchand Sehgal, a Tehsildar. they were Punjabis from Jullandhar. Even from his childhood Saigal evinced more interest in music at the cost of his studies. K.L.Saigal did not have a formal training in classical music under any teacher, Pundit or Ustad, but he was gifted with extraordinary talent of musical perception that made him to absorb the notes that he heard and responded to all technical musical needs as a singer. He was a natural singer and his voice was born with him. When he was young his mother Kesar Kaur, deeply religious lady, used to take him to various religious functions where Bhajans, Keertan and Shabads were sung in traditional styles. Similarly Kundan Lal often accompanied his father to the interior parts of the State where he was exposed to the folk music of Punjab and Kashmir straight from the shepherds and wandering minstrels. Later he worked for Remington Typewriters as a salesman, for a few years, which allowed him to tour to several places in India. These gave him the opportunity to absorb and learn music in a natural way. The following incident may show the impact of his observations.

While he was working as timekeeper in The Punjab Railways offices in Delhi K.L.Saigal had to pass through Delhi's Fathepuri Bazaar on his way home . There he used to stop for a few minutes to listen to a blind faquir who was singing the same Bhajan every day . The song was so enchanting that later when he bacame a great singer Saigal sang this Bhajan “Radhe rani re daro na” in his movie “Puran bagath” in 1933 and all his four Bhajans in that film created a sensation throughout India.

Veteran Music director and actor Pankaj Mullick who had worked with K.L.Saigal described that “Saigal's voice was a tenor with a true pitch and a three-octave span.” Saigal could use his tenor voice with telling effect in a number of songs even though his forte was soft, soothing tunes rendered in his inimitable baritone .

When K. L Saigal worked as a salesman before he chose music as a vocation, his singing was limited to his friend's circle. During one such occasion of his singing, a sales representative of Hindustan Record Company happened to be present in the congregation. He recognized Saigal's potential and persuaded him to sign a contract for recordings with the company. All his non-film songs were invariably issued during his lifetime, under the Hindustan label, though in later years his records of film songs appeared under H.M.V. Iabel. (Hindustan was a sister concern to H.M.V.). His first recorded song “Jhulna-Jhulaye-rii” set in Raag Gandhari was released by Hindustan Recording Company.Then onwards, there was no looking back for him, the fame of Saigal as a singer spread to every corner of the Country. But it was B.N.Sircar the founder of New Theatres, Calcutta, who discovered the potential of Saigal in the field of Cinema and gave him the contract for acting in his Films. Saigal was lucky to work under great Music Directors of that time . His style of film music was shaped by famous Music Directors like R.C.Boral, Timir Baran and Punkaj Malik. His was a leisurely music rendered with ease, struck to the discipline of Raagas. Clarity in his diction was his asset. He never stooped to musical acrobatics. In those days orchestration was simple with few musical instruments, they never intervened with the voice of the singer.

Though K L Saigal started acting in 1931, and the real break through came with the Film “Devdas” in 1935, in which he acted as Devdas, which established Saigal as the first Super Star of Indian cinema. His song “Baalam aaye baso more man meii“ was a trend setter in cinema music. This tune was so charming it was used in many Indian languages. In Tamil Smt. D.K.Pattammal has rendered a song “Poonkuyil koovum pooncholayil oru naal”(பூங்குயில் கூவும் பூஞ்சோலையில் ஒரு நாள்) set to this tune. Many people may not know that K.L.Saigal had rendered two Tamil Songs in the Tamil version of Devdas released by New Theaters. .They are “Koodiye paduvai komalak kiliye” (கூடியே பாடுவோம் கோமளக் கிளியே) and “Madana undanmel maha moham” ( மதனா உந்தன்மேல் மஹா மொஹம்) .Then on the magic of Saigal left its imprint in every film that he acted by a number of immortal songs. “Duniya rang rangeli baba” in Dharthimatha (1935), Ek bangala bane nyara in Prasident (1937), Then the film Street singer (1938) came with his unforgetable “Babul Mora Naihar Choto Hi Jaay“followed by “Aas Karon Kya Aas Niraas Bhayi” in the film Dhushman.(1939). Kundan Lal Saigal rendered his immortal classic “So jaa Rajkumaari So jaa“ in the film Zindagi (1940). Saigal ended his New Theatre era by shifting to Bombay in 1941

Saigal joined Ranjit Movietone, Bombay owned by Chandulal Shah on regular contract in December 1941. Here also his songs“ Madhukar shyam hamari chorr” in pictures Bakhta Surdas (1942) and “Diya Jalao Jagmag Jagmag” in Tansen (1943) were big hits.He did a film My Sister (1944) for New Theaters, Calcutta. His song “Do Nainaa matware tihaare hampar zulm kare“ in the film was a big hit.

In the mean while Saigal fell sick and his last film “Shahjahan“ (1946) was a memorable one. In spite of his failing health, Saigal gave wonderful music under the direction of Music director Naushad Ali in that picture. His last song “Jab dil hi toot geya, hum jee ke kya karenge” said to have been rendered rendered by him sitting on his bed.

Saigal was a good person, dependable friend and had a heart of gold who gave all that he had to the needy. But unfortunately he fell to the clutches of alcohol, which together with his diabetes killed him ultimately. Kundan Lal Saigal died in his home town Jullandar on January, 18, 1947 at the prime age of 43.

K.L.Saigal was married to Asha rani and had two daughters and a son. Not much is known about them.

Saigal has recorded 185 songs in his career spanning about 13 years. The period from 1933 to 1946, is known in the Hindi film world as the Saigal era of music. The list of his songs include 142 Film songs and 43 private recordings. Saigal has rendered songs in Urdu/Hindustani, Bengali, Farsi, Tamil and Punjabi.Many singers who entered the world of film music later , could not resist emulating his style, of singing.. That includes Talat Mahmood (“Sab din ek samaan nahin thha“) Mukesh (`Dil jalta hai to jalne de“.) Kishor Kumar (“Jagmag jagmag karta “). C.H. Atma (“Preetam aan milo”) and Surrendra (” Aawaaz de kahan hai“)..

Well, what is special about Saigal's music? His simplicity and relaxed mode of rendering his songs were his magic. Behind it lies his utmost devotion and hardwork. Lata Mangeshkar an ardent admirer of Saigal has brought out two albums “Shradhdhanjali“ by singing the songs of Saigal as a mark of her tribute to him.

to continue. . . .

Servarayan Hills and Yercaud.

He is only one and half feet tall. His name is Lord Servarayan. Etymologically the word 'Servai” is a sir name used by one of the major communities in Tamil Nadu known as “Mukkulathor“ and “Rayan“ is chieftain. But the tribal people living in these hills do not belong to that community. Thus this deity must have been that of family deity of a chieftain of a community living in the hills. .He is also known as “Kari Raman” and stands with his consort Kaveri Amman in his niche at the end of a narrow and dark cave on the highest peak (5,342' ) on the mountain range with an area of 395 sq. miles. which carry his name “The Servarayan Malai“ better known as Shevaroy Hills in Salem District of Tamil Nadu. The deities' abode of about thirty feet long narrow dark cave is a natural formation in the bauxite rich hills. Inside it was cool and dark. All that could we see in the diffused light of oil lamp was a dark figure with bright Vaishnavite religious symbol of white “Namam” on its forehead. He is the family deity of the tribal community known as “Malayali“ who live in sixty-seven villages spread over in the hills. The annual festival of Lord Servarayan in the month of May attracts thousands of Malayalis living in this mountain range.

There is no structure of a Temple as such, but an ugly modern concrete Mandapam devoid of aesthetics built in front of the cave hiding the opening could be seen. Above and behind the cave you come across a couple of acres flat “bald” area where some communication towers are built and maintained by Madras Aluminum Company, who are denuding the hills for the bauxite ore. Unless some immediate corrective steps are taken by the Government or MALCO to stop this rape, the next generation will not have this ancient Cave to visit. In spite of this the view from the “plateau“ is magnificent, which ever direction you turn you could enjoy the view of valleys and hills, except for the ugly red patches of ore mines interspersed.. Also you experience heavy winds there. This place is just 6 Kms from Yercaud, popular summer resort 29 Kms from Salem (Tamil Nadu)..

In contrast it was the Scotish Collector of the then Salem District between 1820 and 1829 Mr.M.David Cockburn discovered the place i and developed the hills as a summer resort around the village called Yercaud ( or Yeri Kadu in Tamil meaning Lake forest). He was instrumental in developing the natural resources of Shevaroy Hills. He introduced cultivation of Coffee seeds, Pears, Apples and other hill fruits in the hills. And it was Mr. Cockburn who built the first stone building in Yercaud named “The Grange“. But it was another British Collector of Salem Mr. David Arbuthnot who was responsible for demarcating the Plantations in the Hills. Apart from this he took care to reserve enough lands exclusive for the “Malayalis” for their cultivation.

We had been to Yercaud last week (February 21) during the Shivarathri holidays to spend our weekend sojourn at Sterling Resorts. Here the Sterling Resorts rooms are perched on the precipice of western slopes of the Shevary Hills giving a wonderful view of the sunset in the Salem plateau below. Yercaud is a small village developed around a medium size Lake with few roads (lanes !) and offers nothing special except its salubrious weather. It is a place for rest and recuperation. You can walk down entire Yercaud in two hours. Proximity to Bangalore (260 Kms) attracts a lot of IT employees from there to Yercaud on weekends. The road from Salem to Yercauad which has 20 hairpin bends is good and motor-able.

There are not many places to see in Yercaud. Boating in the Lake is the main attraction here. There are a few vantage places with exotic names like Gent's Seat, Lady's Seat, Pagoda Point from where you get a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. Time permits you can visit thw Water falls at Killiyur just 3.2Kms from the lake.But the motorists are cautioned about the narrowness of the road which allows one car only. Also there is a place called Bear's cave in a private plantation.It was said there were Elephants and bears in these hills. But now only bears were sighted apart from bison and other minor wild animals. There are a number of coffee plantations in Shevaroy hills.

Yercaud is known for several Christian Institutions dating back the British time, which run some reputed Seminaries, Retreats and Schools. Montford Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School founded Rev. Bro.Eugene Mary (Julien Marie Le Pevedic) named after the founder of the Order of St.Gabriel. St. Louis Marie Grignoin de Monfort.in 1917 has a glorious history is well known residential institution in South India.. And Sacred Hearts School run by Cluni Sisters for girls.

Yercaud is a wonderful place for taking a short break from the routine monopoly. You can use your own transport other wise very convenient buses are available to Salem and from there to Yercaud. Youngsters who want to trek can enjoy the hills from Yercaud. But it is important to make prior reservation of accommodation in Yercaud, since few Hotels are available in the town. Vegetarians have to content with few selections from the three vegetarian restaurants. Restaurant attached to TN Tourism Lodging, Malar Restaurant (Behind Shevaroy Hotel) and the small Venkateswara Holtel opposite to Bus Stand.