C. P. Ramaswami Iyer

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer

Views: 3192

Category: Administration

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer Profile

  • Name:
  • C. P. Ramaswami Iyer
  • Born:
  • November 12, 1879
  • Died:
  • September 26, 1966
  • Father:
  • C. R. Pattabhirama Iyer
  • Mother:
  • Seethalakshmi
  • Spouse:
  • Seethamma

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer Biography

C. P. Ramaswami Iyer was one of the prominent administrators Kerala has ever witnessed. A multi-facet personality, he was a prominent lawyer, administrator, statesman and politician and served many elite positions as an administrator since early 1920s. He was the last Diwan of Travancore, during the rule of Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma. Later he visited many foreign countries and was active as an administrator till his death in England in 1966. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (1954-1956) and Vice Chancellor of Annamalai University (1955) thus becoming the first Indian VC to serve two universities at the same time. His son C. R. Pattabhiraman was also a prominent lawyer and statesman.

 

Iyer served as Diwan from 1936 to 1947, and is known for several social and administrative reforms were made. He has been associated with several landmark events of social Kerala in the first half of 20th century which include - Suppression of the infamous Punnapra-Vayalar revolt and Temple Entry Proclamation which earned praises for both Balarama Varma and his diwan from national leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and other social reformers. He stood with the king for suppressing Punnapra-Vayalar revolt, and with late 1930s many forces rose against his supreme power in the kingdom.

 

He was born in Vandavasi of Tamil Nadu in 1879 Diwali day. His full name is Chetpet Pattabhirama Ramaswami Iyer. His grandfather, Chetpat Ramaswami Iyer served the British East India Company. C. P desired to become a lecturer. But his father wanted him to become a lawyer. He was inspired a lot by Diwan of Mysore, Sir K. Seshadri Iyer. He started his career as an apprentice under V. Krishnaswamy Iyer, famous lawyer who served as High Court judge of Madras. He later handled many cases and earbed name as a successful lawyer. Later he developed an admiration for Annie Besant and organized Home Rule League. In 1917, he became the Secretary of the Indian National Congress. But he disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi over the Swadeshi and Non-Cooperation movements.

 

He later served as a member of the Executive Council of the Governor of Madras, and was also instrumental in passing the Devadasi Abolition Bill proposed by Muthulakshmi Reddy. In 1931 he spoke on behalf of Chithira Thirunal to the Viceroy of India, which later led to the crowning of the young prince. Iyyer stood as King’s adviser and later Chithira Thirunal appointed him as Diwan of Travancore. Known for his economic and industrial reforms, he also did construction works at the Vivekananda Rock at Cape Comorin. He renovated the famous Padmanabhapuram Palace and Trivandrum Art Gallery. In 1941 the British conferred him with Knighthood.

Published: N/A

Updated: June 19, 2016

Famous People: By Profession

 
 

Suggest Philip Hartog profile update

captcha image (Can't see? refresh)