R. Raghava Iyengar

R. Raghava Iyengar Biography

R. Raghava Iyengar was a noted scholar and writer from Thennavarayan, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu. He was a scholar who mastered both Tamil and Sanskrit languages and devoted his full life to the world of Tamil literature. He has published as well as edited many books. His published books include research works as well as poem anthologies. He translated the Sanskrit versions of a few works to Tamil. He translated Kalidasa's Sakuntalam in sandam style as well as Bhagavat Gita. He has also served as the editor of Sen Tamil for 3 years. His publications are available mainly in Annamalai University Library, Madras University and Tamil Sangam.

Mahavidwan R. Raghava Iyengar was born on 20 September 1870 in Tamil Nadu. His intelligence attracted the attention of Prof. R. Ranganadam and Dewan Venkata Ranga Iyer. They introduced young Iyengar to Raja Bhaskara Sethupathi of Ramnad who appointed him as Poet Laureate of the Sethu Samasthanam. He was only 21 year old then and he held the same post for 42 years. Iyengar took up the charge of reviving the fourth Tamil Sangam and did lots of research works on Tamil literature during this period. He was the first scholar from Tamil Nadu who set norms with scientific basis for research works.

He also wrote articles on great poets of the first phase of Tamil literature like Kambar and Valluvar. A few of his published research works are -Kurunila Vendar, Araichi Katturaihal, Iniya Ilakkiyangal, Sentamil Inbam, Sethunadum thamizhum, Thithan velir, Kocar, Vanjimanagar, Andakola meyporul, Kambar, Nallisaipulamai melliyalar and Tamil varalaru. His published poetry collections include – Githa thazhisai, Andakola Meyyporul, Parikathai, Inkavi thirattu, Puvi ezhupathu, Thiruvadimalai, Thozhil chirappu and Oru thurai kovai.

Published: N/A

Updated: March 12, 2014