Raghava Iyengar Biography 
Raghava Iyengar was a Tamil scholar, known for his research works in Tamil language. He lived during the period, 1878–1960. He was also known as Mu Raghava Iyengar or Maha Vidhwan Rao Sahib Mu Raghava Iyengar. He was an academician too, who worked as a lecturer in the famous Loyola College, Chennai, and also as the head of the Tamil Research department in Thiruvangoor University during 1944 - 1951. He has been associated with many prominent figures in the efforts of promoting Tamil literature. He had deep interest in the history of Tamil and Tamil Nadu, and closely worked with several archeologists in the research works of Tamil Nadu temples. His cousin R. Raghava Iyengar was also a prominent poet, historian, writer and scholar in the pre-independent era.
Rao Sahib Mu Raghava Iyengar was born in 1878 in Manamadurai, present-day Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. His grandfather, Sri Krishna Iyengar was the deputy chief minister of Ramnad kingdom. His father Sadavadhaanam Muthuswamy Iyengar was a court poet. Pandithurai Thevar, a member from royal family studied Tamil under him. Following his father’s footsteps, Raghava Iyengar too earned fame as a scholar and writer. Known for his research works related to ancient Tamil history, he established the time periods of the old Tamil Poets and conducted research works on the Alwars. He published more than 20 books in total.
Raghava Iyengar worked as a researcher for many years and also a professor at Thiruvangoor University, where he served the position of head of the Tamil Research department during 1944-1951. His work Toklaapia Poruladikaara Araichi is a study of ancient Tamil grammar, Tolkappiyam. His other major works include - Alvargal Kaala Nilai, Alvargal Varalaru, Velir Varalaru, Nari Virutham, Thiru kalambagam etc.
Published: September 08, 2018
Updated: September 08, 2018
