Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Indian writer and scholar (1855-1897)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}
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| image              = Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.tif
| image              = Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.tif
| birth_name        = Manmoniyam Perumal Sundaram
| birth_name        = Manmoniyam Perumal Sundaram
| birth_date        = 4 April 1855
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|df=yes|1855|4|4}}
| birth_place        =  
| birth_place        = [[Kuttanad]], [[Travancore]] (present-day [[Alappuzha district]], [[Kerala]], India)
| spouse            = Sivagami Ammal
| spouse            =  
| death_date        = {{death date and age|df=yes|1897|4|26|1855|4|4}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|df=yes|1897|4|26|1855|4|4}}
| occupation        = writer, scholar
| occupation        = {{hlist|[[Writer]]|[[Scholar]]}}
}}
}}


'''Manonmaniyam P. Sundaranar''' (4 April 1855 – 26 April 1897) was an Indian scholar, noted for the famous [[Tamil drama]] ''[[Manonmaniyam]]''.<ref name=film>{{cite news|title=Manonmani 1942|author=Randor Guy|authorlink=Randor Guy|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article961803.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 December 2010|access-date=11 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022161520/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article961803.ece|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the state song of Tamil Nadu [[Tamil Thai Valthu]].
'''Manonmaniyam P. Sundaranar''' (4 April 1855 – 26 April 1897) was an Indian writer and scholar, noted for the famous [[Tamil drama]] ''[[Manonmaniyam]]''.<ref name=film>{{cite news|title=Manonmani 1942|author=Randor Guy|authorlink=Randor Guy|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article961803.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 December 2010|access-date=11 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022161520/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article961803.ece|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the state song of Tamil Nadu [[Tamil Thai Valthu (Tamil Nadu)|Tamil Thai Valthu]].
 
== Early life ==
He was born in the area of [[Alleppey]] in [[Travancore]], to Perumal Pillai and Madathi Ammal. Pillai studied religious literature such as [[Tevaram]], [[Thiruvasagam]] during his childhood. [[Nagapattinam]] Narayana Samy Pillai was his [[Tamil language]] teacher. He completed his [[B.A.]] in 1876 and in the following year, he married Sivagami Ammal.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


==Career==
==Career==
His career as an [[educator]] began in 1877. He became the Principal at a bilingual English-Tamil school in [[Tirunelveli]], playing a key role in the school's development. Pillai later taught [[philosophy]] at [[University College Thiruvananthapuram|H. H. The Maharaja's University College]], [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]] and he completed his [[Master of Arts|M.A.]] in 1880. During that period he became acquainted with Robert Harvey.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


Sundaram showed his respect for Harvey, a [[Scottish people|Scottish]] Professor of Philosophy and English at The ''Maharaja's College'', by dedicating his drama ''Manonmaniyam'' to him, and naming his farmhouse after him.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.internationalstory.gla.ac.uk/person/?id=WH11787 |title=University of Glasgow :: International Story :: Robert Harvey |publisher=Internationalstory.gla.ac.uk |date=2011-06-16 |accessdate=2015-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704100134/http://www.internationalstory.gla.ac.uk/person/?id=WH11787 |archive-date=4 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Together they wrote the book, ''Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore''.
Sundaram showed his respect for Harvey, a [[Scottish people|Scottish]] Professor of Philosophy and English at The ''Maharaja's College'', by dedicating his drama ''Manonmaniyam'' to him, and naming his farmhouse after him.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.internationalstory.gla.ac.uk/person/?id=WH11787 |title=University of Glasgow :: International Story :: Robert Harvey |publisher=Internationalstory.gla.ac.uk |date=2011-06-16 |accessdate=2015-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704100134/http://www.internationalstory.gla.ac.uk/person/?id=WH11787 |archive-date=4 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Together they wrote the book, ''Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore''.
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The MDT Hindu College, Tirunelveli, of which he was the first Principal, describes his works as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org/princi.htm |title=Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College, Tirunelveli |publisher=Mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org |date= |accessdate=2015-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510040840/http://www.mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org/princi.htm |archive-date=10 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The MDT Hindu College, Tirunelveli, of which he was the first Principal, describes his works as follows:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org/princi.htm |title=Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College, Tirunelveli |publisher=Mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org |date= |accessdate=2015-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510040840/http://www.mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org/princi.htm |archive-date=10 May 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>


He established Saiva Prakasha Sabha at Trivandram in 1885. He taught [[Swami Vivekananda]] about the Saiva Sidhantham. In 1885, he published ''Chathira Saugiragam'', commonly known as ''Nootrogai Villakkam''. He wrote and published his masterpiece ''Manonmaniam'' in 1891.  In the same year, he became a member Fellow of [[Madras University]] (FMU). In 1897, ''Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore'' was published and he became a Member of [[Royal Asiatic Society]] (MRAS).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
In 1885, he published ''Chathira Saugiragam'', commonly known as ''Nootrogai Villakkam''. He wrote and published his masterpiece ''Manonmaniam'' in 1891.  In the same year, he became a member Fellow of [[Madras University]] (FMU). In 1897, ''Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore'' was published and he became a Member of [[Royal Asiatic Society]] (MRAS).{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
 
He published ''Some Milestones in the History of Tamil Literature'' in 1895.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
 
==Recognition==
Pillai became a Member of Fellow of [[Royal Historical Society]] (FRHS). To honor his accomplishments South Indian historical research, the Madras Government gave him the title of [[Rao Bahadur]] in 1896.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
 
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by a German university.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


==Death==
==Death==
He died of [[diabetes]] on 26 April 1897, at age 42. His son PS Nataraja Pillai served as Minister of Finance for [[Travancore-Cochin]] state from 1954–56 and was also a member of [[Constituent Assembly of India]]. He was elected to state legislative assembly of [[Kerala]] and to the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] as a [[Lok Sabha]] member. He was politically associated with the [[Indian National Congress]] and [[Praja Socialist Party]] of India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/writereaddata/biodata_1_12/1596.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804165501/http://loksabhaph.nic.in/writereaddata/biodata_1_12/1596.htm |archive-date=4 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
He died of [[diabetes]] on 26 April 1897, at age 42. His son [[P. S. Nataraja Pillai]] served as Minister of Finance for [[Travancore-Cochin]] state from 1954–56 and was also a member of [[Constituent Assembly of India]]. He was elected to state legislative assembly of [[Kerala]] and to the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]] as a [[Lok Sabha]] member. He was politically associated with the [[Indian National Congress]] and [[Praja Socialist Party]] of India.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://loksabhaph.nic.in/writereaddata/biodata_1_12/1596.htm |title=Members Bioprofile |access-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804165501/http://loksabhaph.nic.in/writereaddata/biodata_1_12/1596.htm |archive-date=4 August 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
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[[Manonmaniam Sundaranar University]] was named after him.
[[Manonmaniam Sundaranar University]] was named after him.


The 1942 cinema adaptation ''[[Manonmani (film)|Manonmani]]'', is considered a classic film.<ref name=film/>
The 1942 cinema adaptation of ''[[Manonmani (film)|Manonmani]]'' is considered a classic film.<ref name=film/>
 
The song "[[Tamil Thai Valthu|Niraarum Kadal Udutha]]" from ''Manonmaniam'' was adapted as "[[Invocation to Goddess Tamil]]" and approved by the Government of [[Tamil Nadu]] as the official Tamil [[anthem]] in June 1970.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


==Works==
==Works==
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==External links==
==External links==
*Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai, [http://www.saivaneri.org/manonmaniam-sundaram-pillai-or-manonmaniam-sundaranaar.htm Prof. Manonmaneeyam Sundaram Pillai MA (1855-1897)]
*Dr. Kanam Sankara Pillai, [http://www.saivaneri.org/manonmaniam-sundaram-pillai-or-manonmaniam-sundaranaar.htm Prof. Manonmaneeyam Sundaram Pillai MA (1855-1897)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121071241/http://www.saivaneri.org/manonmaniam-sundaram-pillai-or-manonmaniam-sundaranaar.htm |date=21 January 2010 }}
*[http://www.tamilnation.org/literature/pmunicode/mp105.htm Manonmaniyam] ([[Project Madurai]])
*[http://www.tamilnation.org/literature/pmunicode/mp105.htm Manonmaniyam] ([[Project Madurai]])


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Pillai, Manonmaniam Sundaram}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pillai, Manonmaniam Sundaram}}
[[Category:Tamil writers]]
[[Category:Indian Tamil writers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language writers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language writers]]
[[Category:Tamil dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Tamil dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:1897 deaths]]
[[Category:1897 deaths]]
[[Category:1855 births]]
[[Category:1855 births]]
[[Category:19th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from British India]]
[[Category:Indian male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Writers from Alappuzha]]
[[Category:Writers from Alappuzha]]
[[Category:19th-century Indian male writers]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Kerala]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Kerala]]

Latest revision as of 12:59, 19 March 2026


Manonmaniyam P. Sundaram Pillai
File:Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai.tif
Born
Manmoniyam Perumal Sundaram

(1855-04-04)4 April 1855
Kuttanad, Travancore (present-day Alappuzha district, Kerala, India)
Died26 April 1897(1897-04-26) (aged 42)
Occupation

Manonmaniyam P. Sundaranar (4 April 1855 – 26 April 1897) was an Indian writer and scholar, noted for the famous Tamil drama Manonmaniyam.[1] as well as the state song of Tamil Nadu Tamil Thai Valthu.

Career[edit | edit source]

Sundaram showed his respect for Harvey, a Scottish Professor of Philosophy and English at The Maharaja's College, by dedicating his drama Manonmaniyam to him, and naming his farmhouse after him.[2] Together they wrote the book, Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore.

The MDT Hindu College, Tirunelveli, of which he was the first Principal, describes his works as follows:[3]

In 1885, he published Chathira Saugiragam, commonly known as Nootrogai Villakkam. He wrote and published his masterpiece Manonmaniam in 1891. In the same year, he became a member Fellow of Madras University (FMU). In 1897, Some Early Sovereigns of Travancore was published and he became a Member of Royal Asiatic Society (MRAS).[citation needed]

Death[edit | edit source]

He died of diabetes on 26 April 1897, at age 42. His son P. S. Nataraja Pillai served as Minister of Finance for Travancore-Cochin state from 1954–56 and was also a member of Constituent Assembly of India. He was elected to state legislative assembly of Kerala and to the Indian Parliament as a Lok Sabha member. He was politically associated with the Indian National Congress and Praja Socialist Party of India.[4]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University was named after him.

The 1942 cinema adaptation of Manonmani is considered a classic film.[1]

Works[edit | edit source]

  • Nūṟṟokai viḷakkam (நூற்றொகை விளக்கம்) (Tamil,1888)
  • Maṉōṉmaṇīyam (மனோன்மணீயம்) (Drama, 1891)
  • Some early sovereigns of Travancore (திருவிதாங்கூர் பண்டை மன்னர் கால ஆராய்ச்சி. P.S. Natarajan. 1894.
  • Some Milestones in the History of Tamil Literature: Found in an Enquiry Into the Age of Tiru Gnana Sambandha. Addison & Company. 1895.
  • Tamiḻttāy vāḻttu (தமிழ்த்தாய் வாழ்த்து)

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Randor Guy (19 December 2010). "Manonmani 1942". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "University of Glasgow :: International Story :: Robert Harvey". Internationalstory.gla.ac.uk. 16 June 2011. Archived from the original on 4 July 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  3. ↑ "Madurai Diraviyam Thayumanavar Hindu College, Tirunelveli". Mdthinducollegetirunelveli.org. Archived from the original on 10 May 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "Members Bioprofile". Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 4 August 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

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