Lecture by S. Anwar, writer, photographer and film-maker.
“That a Telugu Merchant (Koneri Chetty) should command the (Vijayanagar) Rajah’s forces is singular enough, but that the (Golconda) Nawab should employ a General of that race (Hindu) when ample selection from Moslem warriors was open to him is even more surprising” goes the East India Company’s record of a battle that ended without a fight at Poonamalee, on the outskirts of Madras in 1656.
The English with their monotheistic background were not just bewildered by the Indian social set up but were simply unable to comprehend the plurality and diversity of the land. Madras under Golconda Sultanate presents an interesting picture when the English were mere traders and were being played upon by the natives and were at their wits end when it came to administering the town divided on the lines of caste. Compounding their woes, the Company with its Protestant Christian background had the unenviable task of warding off the seductive Catholic advances. The lecture will look at these interesting times of Madras history.
Organised by Roja Muthiah Research Library.
From 5.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
Venue: Roja Muthiah Research Library, 3rd Cross Road, Central Polytechnic Campus, Taramani, Chennai 600113
Open to all.