Diwan Bahadur Agaram Subbarayalu Reddiar
(b. 15 October 1855 – d. November 1921) was a
landlord and
Chief Minister or
Premier
Premier is a title for the head of government in central governments, state governments and local governments of some countries. A second in command to a premier is designated as a deputy premier.
A premier will normally be a head of governm ...
of
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency, or the Presidency of Fort St. George, also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision (presidency) of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included most of southern India, including the ...
from 17 December 1920 to 11 July 1921.
Subbarayalu Reddiar was born in a
Reddiar family of South Arcot in 1855. He studied law in the West. On his return to India, Subbarayalu Reddiar involved himself in district politics of South Arcot and served as a district board president. Initially, he joined the
Indian National Congress but left the party in 1916 to join the Justice Party. When the Justice Party was elected to power in the Madras Presidency in the first general elections in November 1920, Subbarayalu Reddiar was chosen as Chief Minister. Thus, Subbarayalu Reddiar is the first Chief Minister of Madras Presidency.
Subbarayalu Reddiar served as Chief Minister till 11 July 1921 when he resigned on grounds of health. He died soon afterwards.
Early life
Agaram Subbarayalu Reddiar was born in a rich
landlord family domiciled in
South Arcot
South Arcot District was a district in the Madras Presidency of British India. It covered the area of the present-day districts of Cuddalore, Kallakurichi and Viluppuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The district was divided into eight tal ...
district of
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency, or the Presidency of Fort St. George, also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision (presidency) of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included most of southern India, including the ...
on 15 October 1855.
He studied in
Presidency College, Chennai, along with
Theagaroya Chetty. Later he studied law in the United Kingdom.
Early political career
Subbarayalu Reddiar served as the President of Cuddalore taluk Board in 1912. In 1917 he became the chair of South Arcot District Board. He later became the first Chief Minister of
Madras Presidency
The Madras Presidency, or the Presidency of Fort St. George, also known as Madras Province, was an administrative subdivision (presidency) of British India. At its greatest extent, the presidency included most of southern India, including the ...
, present-day state of
Tamil Nadu.
Rulers.org – Provinces of British India
/ref>
Chief Minister of Madras
At the end of November 1920, the first general elections were held to the Madras Legislative Assembly as per the Montford Reforms.[ Encyclopedia of Political Parties, Pg 180] The Indian National Congress, a part of its policy during the Non-Cooperation Movement boycotted the elections.[ Encyclopedia of Political Parties, Pg 181] However, he passed on the mantle to Subbarayalu Reddiar.[ Encyclopedia of Political Parties, Pg 182] Subbarayalu Reddiar assumed office as Chief Minister on 17 December 1920 and held the portfolios of education, public works, excise and registration in the new government.
Death
Subbarayalu Reddiar died in November 1921.
Notes
References
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Subbarayalu, A.
1855 births
1921 deaths
Telugu politicians
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu
Presidency College, Chennai alumni
Dewan Bahadurs