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Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826–1889), also known as Mayavaram Vedanayagam Pillai, was an Indian civil servant . Tamil poet, novelist and social worker who is remembered for the authorship of ''
Nayagar Pakshamadi
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pillai, Samuel Vedanayagam 1826 births 1889 deaths People from Tiruchirappalli district
Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826–1889), also known as Mayavaram Vedanayagam Pillai, was an Indian civil servant . Tamil poet, novelist and social worker who is remembered for the authorship of ''Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram
''Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram'' ( en, The Life of Prathapa Mudaliar), written in 1857 and published in 1879, was the first novel in the Tamil language. Penned by Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826-1889), it was a landmark in Tamil literature, whi ...
'', recognized as the "first modern Tamil novel". The novel reflects Vedanayagam's own ideals of women's liberation and education.
Early life
Vedanayagam Pillai was born in Inam Kulathur near by tiruchirappalli on 11 October 1826 to Savarimuthu Pillai and Arockia Mariammal. His father was his first tutor and later he learned Tamil and English under a tutor named Thayagaraja Pillai. On completing his education, Vedanayagam joined the judicial court of Trichinopoly as record keeper and soon was elevated as a translator. He learnt Sanskrit, French and Latin during his tenure and then cleared his law exams.Literary works
He became the District Muncif of Mayuram (presently Mayiladuthurai) and served there for 13 years. Vedanayagam showed a passion for writing from early age. He translated law books to Tamil and his ethical book called Neethi Nool was well accepted. In total he wrote 16 books of whichPrathapa Mudaliar Charithram
''Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram'' ( en, The Life of Prathapa Mudaliar), written in 1857 and published in 1879, was the first novel in the Tamil language. Penned by Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826-1889), it was a landmark in Tamil literature, whi ...
is regarded as the first Tamil Novel. The novel reflects Vedanaygam's own ideals of women's liberation and education.
Carnatic music
Vedanayagam's contribution to carnatic music is immense. His songs are still a popular choice among singers in concerts. One can find a profusion of Sanskrit words in his Tamil compositions. On the lines of Tyagaraja's "Nidhichala sukhama" he wrote "Manam Peridha, Varumanam Peridha?" Some of the popular songs of Pillai are ``Naale Nalla Nall," ``Nee Malaikkade Nenje," ``Tharunam, tharunam... People likeManonmaniam Sundaram Pillai
Manonmaniyam P. Sundaranar (4 April 1855 – 26 April 1897) was an Indian scholar, noted for the famous Tamil drama '' Manonmaniyam''. as well as the state song of Tamil Nadu Tamil Thai Valthu.
Career
Sundaram showed his respect for Harvey, ...
and Ramalinga Swamigal
Thiruvarutprakasa Vallalār Chidambaram Ramalingam (5 October 1823 – 30 January 1874), commonly known in India and across the world as Vallalār, Ramalinga Swamigal and Ramalinga Adigal, was one of the most famous Tamil Saints and also one of t ...
were admirers of his works.
One of his compositions ''Nayagar Pakshamadi'', (a ragamaliga - Saama / Shanmugapriya / kedara gowla) was included for a dance scene in the 1955 Tamil film Doctor Savithri
''Doctor Savithri'' is a 1955 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language thriller film directed by R. M. Krishnaswamy and written by Acharya. A contemporary adaptation of the Hindus, Hindu story of Savitri and Satyavan, the film stars Anjali Devi, S ...
.
See also
References
* *External links
Nayagar Pakshamadi
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pillai, Samuel Vedanayagam 1826 births 1889 deaths People from Tiruchirappalli district