Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
THE DUTCH CONNECTIONS (1693-1699)
N.Nandhivarman
The French connection Pondicherry has is known to one and all but not its Dutch connections. On September 7,1693 Pondicherry fell into the hands of the Dutch and remained five and half years in their possession until March 1699. It is common knowledge that Pondicherry near the beach area after grand canal in the east is known as white town and the west of grand canal is called as black town. French are not responsible for this divide on racial lines. The Dutch wanted to carve out a white area exclusively for themselves. They wanted to relocate Indian people from the white town area. “ It is also beyond doubt that in their project to relocate the Indian community in a separate area to the west of the establishment and keeping the old town on the seashore for themselves, the Dutch are also at the origin of the separation between Ville Noire i.e. white town and Ville Blanche i.e. black town ” opines Professor Jean Deloche of the Institut Francaise de Pondicherry.
During that period Dutch tried to develop the Pondicherry into a great manufacturing center. By entering into an agreement with Raja Ram, the ruler of Senji, they enlarged the territory under their control. Then they planned a new town based on the grid pattern. Jacob Verbergmoes, the land surveyor worked out a great urban project for the Dutch.. “The Dutch did not alter the layout of the old town i.e. the fort area to the east of the marshy depression. They kept the rough fence bordering the northern and southern part. They did not modify the fort and its outer works; on the contrary they even repaired the breaches made in the walls and the damage done to the bastions. They did not demolish the Malabar church for the native Christians or the French storehouses and the godowns but they decided not to rebuild the blocks of stone houses to the East of the Fort which had been destroyed by Francois Martin during the siege. The streets therefore had the same alignments. On the Western side on the other hand they completely changed the structure of the town. First they seized the properties of the French company and the religious orders, particularly the gardens”
In fact, the Dutch plans of Pondicherry preserved at the National Archives at The Hague show that the orthogonal street pattern of the town is a creation of the Dutch. The plans of 1693 show that, in Francois Martin’s time, the streets or lanes were following an irregular pattern, without any shape or symmetry, whereas in the plans drafted in 1694, during the Dutch occupation, one finds the design of a large new town, with a very regular geometric lay out, rectangular blocks of houses, separated by straight streets, intersecting at right angles. This great urban project of the Dutch company was adopted by the French who systematically carried out the extensive straightening out of streets into a planned grid, during the first half of the 18 th century” This is how Jean Deloche summarizes the contents of his book published in 2004 with 11 figures and 6 plates. “ Origins of the Urban Development of Pondicherry according to 17 th Century Dutch Plans” is a masterpiece placing truth in its right place. People must appreciate the French Institution here and the French author who did not falter in placing truth above all.
The Dutch evidences had thrown more light on the History of Pondicherry’s Urban Development. The Plan of the fortress and town “Poedechery” as it is currently being built on 20 th November 1694, available with Dutch Museum not only gives authentic version of the scene of those days but also spells Pudhucherri, the correct Tamil name instead of the corrupted version of Pondicherry.
In his book “City Planning and Architecture in Pondicherry “ P.Pichard thinks that the French adapted “their plan to the natural conditions of the littoral. This was possible because of the straight coast line was a very strong feature of the site and has from the beginning, determined the general orientation of the buildings and the direction of the streets, behind the dune, the low marshy lands and their outlet, running parallel to the seashore, increased this trend.”
Ron van Oers is of the opinion that Dutch colonial settlements were built on a “Strict geometrical design to subdivide the usable area into building plots. All had a common image of being neat and well organized.” On the orthogonal street model applied in Pondicherry he says “Dutch preferred this pattern since it was symbolic of an ordered, well managed society, hierarchical but democratic, it was emblematic for the hard working god fearing Dutch Calvinists”
“French appropriated this great design and that the extensive straightening out of the streets into a planned grid, systematically carried out by their governors in the first half of the 18 th century, was therefore the extension of the existing Dutch orthogonal pattern into the rest of the town.” Says Historian Jean Deloche who lives in Pondicherry.A great scholar who loves Tamil lives here unknown to fellow Tamils and he humbly refuses to get photographed because he wants his works to speak for ages to come.
Attached Photographs
1. Dutch jpg: : Jean Deloche’s book Origins of Urban Development of Pondicherry according to
17 th century Dutch plans.
The French connection Pondicherry has is known to one and all but not its Dutch connections. On September 7,1693 Pondicherry fell into the hands of the Dutch and remained five and half years in their possession until March 1699. It is common knowledge that Pondicherry near the beach area after grand canal in the east is known as white town and the west of grand canal is called as black town. French are not responsible for this divide on racial lines. The Dutch wanted to carve out a white area exclusively for themselves. They wanted to relocate Indian people from the white town area. “ It is also beyond doubt that in their project to relocate the Indian community in a separate area to the west of the establishment and keeping the old town on the seashore for themselves, the Dutch are also at the origin of the separation between Ville Noire i.e. white town and Ville Blanche i.e. black town ” opines Professor Jean Deloche of the Institut Francaise de Pondicherry.
During that period Dutch tried to develop the Pondicherry into a great manufacturing center. By entering into an agreement with Raja Ram, the ruler of Senji, they enlarged the territory under their control. Then they planned a new town based on the grid pattern. Jacob Verbergmoes, the land surveyor worked out a great urban project for the Dutch.. “The Dutch did not alter the layout of the old town i.e. the fort area to the east of the marshy depression. They kept the rough fence bordering the northern and southern part. They did not modify the fort and its outer works; on the contrary they even repaired the breaches made in the walls and the damage done to the bastions. They did not demolish the Malabar church for the native Christians or the French storehouses and the godowns but they decided not to rebuild the blocks of stone houses to the East of the Fort which had been destroyed by Francois Martin during the siege. The streets therefore had the same alignments. On the Western side on the other hand they completely changed the structure of the town. First they seized the properties of the French company and the religious orders, particularly the gardens”
In fact, the Dutch plans of Pondicherry preserved at the National Archives at The Hague show that the orthogonal street pattern of the town is a creation of the Dutch. The plans of 1693 show that, in Francois Martin’s time, the streets or lanes were following an irregular pattern, without any shape or symmetry, whereas in the plans drafted in 1694, during the Dutch occupation, one finds the design of a large new town, with a very regular geometric lay out, rectangular blocks of houses, separated by straight streets, intersecting at right angles. This great urban project of the Dutch company was adopted by the French who systematically carried out the extensive straightening out of streets into a planned grid, during the first half of the 18 th century” This is how Jean Deloche summarizes the contents of his book published in 2004 with 11 figures and 6 plates. “ Origins of the Urban Development of Pondicherry according to 17 th Century Dutch Plans” is a masterpiece placing truth in its right place. People must appreciate the French Institution here and the French author who did not falter in placing truth above all.
The Dutch evidences had thrown more light on the History of Pondicherry’s Urban Development. The Plan of the fortress and town “Poedechery” as it is currently being built on 20 th November 1694, available with Dutch Museum not only gives authentic version of the scene of those days but also spells Pudhucherri, the correct Tamil name instead of the corrupted version of Pondicherry.
In his book “City Planning and Architecture in Pondicherry “ P.Pichard thinks that the French adapted “their plan to the natural conditions of the littoral. This was possible because of the straight coast line was a very strong feature of the site and has from the beginning, determined the general orientation of the buildings and the direction of the streets, behind the dune, the low marshy lands and their outlet, running parallel to the seashore, increased this trend.”
Ron van Oers is of the opinion that Dutch colonial settlements were built on a “Strict geometrical design to subdivide the usable area into building plots. All had a common image of being neat and well organized.” On the orthogonal street model applied in Pondicherry he says “Dutch preferred this pattern since it was symbolic of an ordered, well managed society, hierarchical but democratic, it was emblematic for the hard working god fearing Dutch Calvinists”
“French appropriated this great design and that the extensive straightening out of the streets into a planned grid, systematically carried out by their governors in the first half of the 18 th century, was therefore the extension of the existing Dutch orthogonal pattern into the rest of the town.” Says Historian Jean Deloche who lives in Pondicherry.A great scholar who loves Tamil lives here unknown to fellow Tamils and he humbly refuses to get photographed because he wants his works to speak for ages to come.
Attached Photographs
1. Dutch jpg: : Jean Deloche’s book Origins of Urban Development of Pondicherry according to
17 th century Dutch plans.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
ARYANISM
The Aryan Dravidian Divide
The struggle between Sanskrit and Tamil which started during the times of Tamil grammarian Tholkappiyar [865 B.C] triggered a grammatical rule to eschew Sanskrit letters. This rule enunciated by Tholkappiyar is the starting point of Dravidian movement says Dr. S.Rajendiran in his Doctorate thesis “ Tamizh Kavithaiyil Dravida Iyakathin Takkam”. Even during the Sangam age we can find the Aryan influence and infiltration into literary texts corrupting the original version. It is known as Idaiserugal. But only in the Pallava period Aryan influence got entrenched deeply. Separate housing colonies for Aryans thereby legitimizing the caste system led to the upward mobility in social ladder of the Aryan peoples. Dr.K.K.Pillai who wrote a book “ The Caste System In Tamil Nadu” holds the above said view.
The Pallavas imposed taxes on agriculturalists and traders but exempted the Aryans. Sekkukaranam [Tax for oil extraction] Thattarakaranam [Tax on Goldsmiths] Paraikaranam [Tax on Musicians] were professional taxes, which Brahmins need not pay. This is revealed by the reports of the Archaeological Survey of India E.I. Vol XXXVI.No.20. pp 144-163.
Kumarila Bhattar called Tamizh as mileccha bashai but the Tamil Thesauruses Nigandugal hit back by calling Aryans milechar. The opposition to Aryanism led to the birth of Saiva Sithantha, a philosophical school. Saivite mutts under Non Brahmin heads came into existence. The brahminical lobby vehemently opposed the Saivite mutts. The hymns of Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manicavasagar were eulogized as 4 Vedas. Nayanmars and Azhvars who initiated the worship of gods and goddesses through Tamil were the forerunners to the war against Sanskritisation. Thiruvaimozhi in later days is known as Dravida Vedham. So Dravidian Movement did not start in 20 th century as it is being said. The day when Aryans, their language Sanskrit was opposed in Tamil soil is the beginning of Dravidian Movement.
Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar could not gain entry into Sirkazhi temple and Thirugnanasambandar had to fight to get him entry, which also proves the growing influence of Aryans in temples. Nandanar after exhuming his body into flames to purify and after only he became a Brahmin then only his soul could enter Chidambaram Temple. Till date Tamil hymns are forbidden in Chidambaram temple for which Sivanadiyargal have to wage protests without securing the legitimate right. Puranas were written only to uphold Aryanism. Even Manicavasagar had to portray him as pulayan and god as Brahmin. All this shows the well-entrenched Aryan influence.
The Sitthars wrote strongly against Aryan influences. Thirumoolar’s famous quotable quote One god One creed is to denounce multiciplity of deities and caste differences. Sivavaikiyar, Bhathragiriyar, Bambatti sithar and all Sithars and their movement is a continuation of the Dravidian struggle against Aryans. Adiveerama Pandians verse that whomsoever it may be only the educated will be welcomed, indicates his resolve to deny the tenets of varnashradarma i.e. injustice based and perpetuated on caste basis.
After Sangam age the decline of Tamil started. Kalapirar and Pallavas gave importance to Prakritham. Vedic ideas had polluted Tamil minds by that time. The Bhakthi Movement that rose to challenge these tendencies gave impetus to Tamil language and Tamil religion. While Nayanmars and Azhvars revolted against Brahmins in Tamilnadu the people of North India too under the dynamic leadership of Lord Buddha and Mahaveer used peoples languages like Pali, Arthamagathi and Apiramisam which are offshoots of Prakiratham to register their protest against Sanskrit and Aryans.
The Saiva Sithantha and Saivite Mutts were direct challenge to the Brahmanism. Hence Brahmins were against these. These mutts educated the Tamils which could not be assimilated by the Aryans, who claimed that they only have the right to get education. In order to show their anger they instigated attack on the caves. Saivite mutts were operating from caves. The epigraphists of Tamilnadu have found references about the revolt to demolish caves. “ It is stated that in the 22 nd year of Periyathevar there was a general crusade against monasteries of this type when all the property of the monastery under reference was confiscated. Thiruchitrambala Mudaliar survived for 2 years after this event and died and Hridaya thevar i.e. Kulothunga Chozha III must have been instigated by the Brahmins against the Non-Brahminical Saiva Mutts”
Looking back at history we can give many such proofs of the Aryan- Dravidian struggle which till date continues. The Bhakthi Movement failed, Dravidian Movement felt that way in 20 th century and hence turned towards atheism. “ The Saiva Sithantha says Dr.Pope is the most elaborate, influential and undoubtedly the most valuable of all the religion of India. It is peculiarly the Southern Indian and Tamil religion and must be studied by everyone who hopes to understand and influence the great South Indian peoples.” Whatever is said harsh truth is all attempts by Sithar Movement and Bhakthi movement have failed to completely weed out Brahmanism and Aryan influences. Are we popularizing Sithar padalgal ? Have we won the right for Tamil only usage in temples?
Even Tamil mythology is different. “ Tamils have their own mythology… And Tamil puranas unlike the Sanskrit puranas are usually the concern of the authors whose historical existence seems likely, although the imagination has been allowed to run wild in this regard “ says Pierre Meile Larrousse in World Mythology.
There is distinct demarcation. There are different religions. There has been unending fight against Sanskrit and Brahmanism, but all the efforts of Sithars and Azhvars and Nayanmars have lost the purpose for which it came but legitimized Brahmanism. The word Sind got corrupted and became Hindu. If Indus civilization is Dravidian then the word that derived from the Indus River must point out only Dravidians. But the word had been hijacked by Aryans and brahmanical religion is portrayed as Hindu religion, why even religions that came out to protest Brahmanism like Sikhism , Buddhism and Jainism have been brought under Hindu fold creating the illusion of acceptance of the racial supremacy of the Aryans. Aryans had hijacked even Dravidian movement where a Brahmin lady and others diluting their ideology accommodating the Aryan supremacy head one outfit, thereby running successful business enterprises in politics. The Anti Hindi agitation is not an overnight revolution. It marks the continuing struggle for desanskritization. Languages elsewhere have assimilated with each other but in no other language the venom that one human is superior by birth to other is being translated into reflexes subjugating and denigrating human beings, hence Tamils are fighting for centuries. Other languages of the Dravidian family have developed a false notion as if they descended directly from heaven instead of branching out of Tamil. This mental framework also is the handiwork of Aryan influences and corruptive infiltration of Sanskrit into their tongues. In Nepal the Maoists fought for closure of Sanskrit schools which shows Dravidian movement not only exists in spirit here in Tamil soil but wherever human dignity is eroded by language, religious, ethnic supremacy the challenge to it will be automatic and unending. Dravida Peravai feels it is time to evaluate our past and chalk out our future plans in the light of our failures.
N.Nandhivarman General Secretary Dravida Peravai
The struggle between Sanskrit and Tamil which started during the times of Tamil grammarian Tholkappiyar [865 B.C] triggered a grammatical rule to eschew Sanskrit letters. This rule enunciated by Tholkappiyar is the starting point of Dravidian movement says Dr. S.Rajendiran in his Doctorate thesis “ Tamizh Kavithaiyil Dravida Iyakathin Takkam”. Even during the Sangam age we can find the Aryan influence and infiltration into literary texts corrupting the original version. It is known as Idaiserugal. But only in the Pallava period Aryan influence got entrenched deeply. Separate housing colonies for Aryans thereby legitimizing the caste system led to the upward mobility in social ladder of the Aryan peoples. Dr.K.K.Pillai who wrote a book “ The Caste System In Tamil Nadu” holds the above said view.
The Pallavas imposed taxes on agriculturalists and traders but exempted the Aryans. Sekkukaranam [Tax for oil extraction] Thattarakaranam [Tax on Goldsmiths] Paraikaranam [Tax on Musicians] were professional taxes, which Brahmins need not pay. This is revealed by the reports of the Archaeological Survey of India E.I. Vol XXXVI.No.20. pp 144-163.
Kumarila Bhattar called Tamizh as mileccha bashai but the Tamil Thesauruses Nigandugal hit back by calling Aryans milechar. The opposition to Aryanism led to the birth of Saiva Sithantha, a philosophical school. Saivite mutts under Non Brahmin heads came into existence. The brahminical lobby vehemently opposed the Saivite mutts. The hymns of Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar, and Manicavasagar were eulogized as 4 Vedas. Nayanmars and Azhvars who initiated the worship of gods and goddesses through Tamil were the forerunners to the war against Sanskritisation. Thiruvaimozhi in later days is known as Dravida Vedham. So Dravidian Movement did not start in 20 th century as it is being said. The day when Aryans, their language Sanskrit was opposed in Tamil soil is the beginning of Dravidian Movement.
Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar could not gain entry into Sirkazhi temple and Thirugnanasambandar had to fight to get him entry, which also proves the growing influence of Aryans in temples. Nandanar after exhuming his body into flames to purify and after only he became a Brahmin then only his soul could enter Chidambaram Temple. Till date Tamil hymns are forbidden in Chidambaram temple for which Sivanadiyargal have to wage protests without securing the legitimate right. Puranas were written only to uphold Aryanism. Even Manicavasagar had to portray him as pulayan and god as Brahmin. All this shows the well-entrenched Aryan influence.
The Sitthars wrote strongly against Aryan influences. Thirumoolar’s famous quotable quote One god One creed is to denounce multiciplity of deities and caste differences. Sivavaikiyar, Bhathragiriyar, Bambatti sithar and all Sithars and their movement is a continuation of the Dravidian struggle against Aryans. Adiveerama Pandians verse that whomsoever it may be only the educated will be welcomed, indicates his resolve to deny the tenets of varnashradarma i.e. injustice based and perpetuated on caste basis.
After Sangam age the decline of Tamil started. Kalapirar and Pallavas gave importance to Prakritham. Vedic ideas had polluted Tamil minds by that time. The Bhakthi Movement that rose to challenge these tendencies gave impetus to Tamil language and Tamil religion. While Nayanmars and Azhvars revolted against Brahmins in Tamilnadu the people of North India too under the dynamic leadership of Lord Buddha and Mahaveer used peoples languages like Pali, Arthamagathi and Apiramisam which are offshoots of Prakiratham to register their protest against Sanskrit and Aryans.
The Saiva Sithantha and Saivite Mutts were direct challenge to the Brahmanism. Hence Brahmins were against these. These mutts educated the Tamils which could not be assimilated by the Aryans, who claimed that they only have the right to get education. In order to show their anger they instigated attack on the caves. Saivite mutts were operating from caves. The epigraphists of Tamilnadu have found references about the revolt to demolish caves. “ It is stated that in the 22 nd year of Periyathevar there was a general crusade against monasteries of this type when all the property of the monastery under reference was confiscated. Thiruchitrambala Mudaliar survived for 2 years after this event and died and Hridaya thevar i.e. Kulothunga Chozha III must have been instigated by the Brahmins against the Non-Brahminical Saiva Mutts”
Looking back at history we can give many such proofs of the Aryan- Dravidian struggle which till date continues. The Bhakthi Movement failed, Dravidian Movement felt that way in 20 th century and hence turned towards atheism. “ The Saiva Sithantha says Dr.Pope is the most elaborate, influential and undoubtedly the most valuable of all the religion of India. It is peculiarly the Southern Indian and Tamil religion and must be studied by everyone who hopes to understand and influence the great South Indian peoples.” Whatever is said harsh truth is all attempts by Sithar Movement and Bhakthi movement have failed to completely weed out Brahmanism and Aryan influences. Are we popularizing Sithar padalgal ? Have we won the right for Tamil only usage in temples?
Even Tamil mythology is different. “ Tamils have their own mythology… And Tamil puranas unlike the Sanskrit puranas are usually the concern of the authors whose historical existence seems likely, although the imagination has been allowed to run wild in this regard “ says Pierre Meile Larrousse in World Mythology.
There is distinct demarcation. There are different religions. There has been unending fight against Sanskrit and Brahmanism, but all the efforts of Sithars and Azhvars and Nayanmars have lost the purpose for which it came but legitimized Brahmanism. The word Sind got corrupted and became Hindu. If Indus civilization is Dravidian then the word that derived from the Indus River must point out only Dravidians. But the word had been hijacked by Aryans and brahmanical religion is portrayed as Hindu religion, why even religions that came out to protest Brahmanism like Sikhism , Buddhism and Jainism have been brought under Hindu fold creating the illusion of acceptance of the racial supremacy of the Aryans. Aryans had hijacked even Dravidian movement where a Brahmin lady and others diluting their ideology accommodating the Aryan supremacy head one outfit, thereby running successful business enterprises in politics. The Anti Hindi agitation is not an overnight revolution. It marks the continuing struggle for desanskritization. Languages elsewhere have assimilated with each other but in no other language the venom that one human is superior by birth to other is being translated into reflexes subjugating and denigrating human beings, hence Tamils are fighting for centuries. Other languages of the Dravidian family have developed a false notion as if they descended directly from heaven instead of branching out of Tamil. This mental framework also is the handiwork of Aryan influences and corruptive infiltration of Sanskrit into their tongues. In Nepal the Maoists fought for closure of Sanskrit schools which shows Dravidian movement not only exists in spirit here in Tamil soil but wherever human dignity is eroded by language, religious, ethnic supremacy the challenge to it will be automatic and unending. Dravida Peravai feels it is time to evaluate our past and chalk out our future plans in the light of our failures.
N.Nandhivarman General Secretary Dravida Peravai
Friday, May 2, 2008
Paper presented at the5 th World Atheist Conference organized by Atheist Center Vijawada at Siddhardtha StadiuPam on January 7,8,9 of 2005
THE BUSINESS EMPIRES OF GODMEN: A STUDY ON AUROBINDO ASHRAM
N.Nandhivarman General Secretary Dravida Peravai
Every bearded person with a saffron dress could become a saint in India. These pious men show the way to God, most theists’ think. But in reality they portray them as God and in that process fleece money from public and build their business empire. A freedom fighter Aurobindo Ghosh who fled from Bengal landed in Pondicherrry as refugee. He came under the influence of Paul Richard, a philosopher whose works he ventured to translate from French. Mahakavi Bharathiar introduced to Aurobindo Ghosh the literature of Tamil Siddhars especially Thirumoolar who wrote Thirumanthiram. As a blend of these influences with the mastery Aurobindo had over English he could write many books. Because he had been elevated to God status, no one dares to research the origins of his philosophy and the sources of his inspiration. But the learned judges of the Supreme Court had in their verdict admitted him to be only a philosopher and nothing more. Yet his followers propagate the idea that he is an avatar, which is an affront on the decision of the Supreme Court bench. In a bench judgment in the S.P.Mittal versus Union of India (AIR 1983) case Chief Justice V.Chandrachud, Justices P.N.Bhagawathy, V.Balakrishna Erady and R.B.Mishra with the exception of dissenting O.Chinnappa Reddy have made it clear that Aurobindo is only a Poet and Philosopher.
The Encyclopedia Britannica (1978 edition) describes Aurobindo Ghosh as “ seer, poet and Indian nationalist who originated the philosophy of cosmic salvation through spiritual evolution, a divine experience that will appear through the development of Gnostic mean to usher in a transcendental spiritual age in which man and the Universe are destined to become divine. Aurobindo’s theory of cosmic salvation, the paths to Union with Brahman is two way streets or channels. Enlightenment comes to man from above while the spiritual mind (super-mind) of man strives through yogic illumination to reach upward from below. When these two forces blend in an individual a Gnostic man is created. This yogic illumination transcends both reason and intuition and eventually leads to freeing of the individual from the bonds of individuality and by extension all mankind will eventually achieve mukthi (liberation) Thus Aurobindo created a dialectic mode of salvation not only for the individual but also for all mankind ”. Says the definition.
Karl Marx and dialectical materialism stands proven in the test of times whereas those who tried to rope the word dialectical for salvation stands proven to be false prophets.
Under the head History of Hinduism, Encyclopedia Britannica says, “ Another modern teacher whose doctrines have had some influence outside India was Aurobindo, who began a career as a revolutionary. He with drew from politics, however, and settled in Pondicherry, then a French possession. There he established an ashrama (a retreat) and achieved high reputation as a sage. His followers looked on him as first reincarnate manifestation of super beings whose evolution he prophesized and apparently he did not discourage this belief. After his death, the leadership of the Ashram was taken over by The Mother Madame Mira Richard, a Frenchwoman who had been one of his leading disciples” Well it is the Mira Richard’s husband Paul Richard, whose works Aurobindo translated were one of the reasons for his philosophy to blossom. Let impartial researchers dig deep into the writings of both to arrive at a conclusion who influenced whom?
Aurobindo Ghosh, the reincarnation of Lord Krishna according to his followers could not prove his philosophy while he lived. He could use the mastery of the language to mesmerize people but he failed to become a Super human being. He passed away like other mortals. While he passed away rumours were spread that there will be a resurrection, a feeble attempt to equalize with Christian beliefs. That too failed, and he is laid to rest at Ashram. His philosophy also is laid to rest there. Yet even after God-man fails in his claims the spiritual business empires built by their followers are keen to keep alive a falsity and a failed promise.
After the original prophet failed, then French woman Mira Richard became the Mother to lead the Ashram. Did she succeed? She succeeded Aurobindo as Spiritual Master but did she succeed in proving the philosophy? Let us think this aspect here. The collected words of Mira Richard had been published and recorded in audiocassettes. Mother’s Agenda as the book calls itself claims that “ This tremendous document 6000 pages and in the 13 volumes is the day to day account over twenty two years of Mothers exploration into the body consciousness and of her discovery of a cellular mind capable of restructuring the nature of the body and the laws of the species as drastically as one day the first stammering of a thinking mind transformed the nature of the ape. It is a veritable document of experimental evolution. A revolution in consciousness that alters the laws of the species. And it is the question of our times, for whatever appearances, we are not at the end of a civilization but at the end of an evolutionary cycle. Are we going to find the passage to next species…. or perish? As scrupulously as a scientist in his laboratory, Mother goes back to the origins of matters formation to the primordial code, and there by chance stumbles upon the very power that changes death and upon a new energy which curiously parallels the most recent theories on the subatomic nature of matter. The key to matter contains the key to death and the key to next species”
The spiritual lady prophet who found the key to death is dead. Perhaps she had lost that key. And Aurobindo Ashram all these years had been searching for that key, and none found. Mira Richard did not succeed in altering the laws of species. And yet why she should be revered? Why should there be an ashram to propagate a failed theory? And why Ashram has no Guru after her? Why her followers failed to identify one successor to her seat? An ashram or mutt without a Guru in the own definition of Aurobindo had only to down its shutters. What exists is a mere Trust and subsidiary trusts.
About the Trust and its subsidiaries we had complained to the Government of India. Dravida Peravai complained to then UNION FINANCE MINISTER YASWANT SINHA on 10.10.1998.UNION DEFENCE MINISTER GEORGE FERNANDES had forwarded that complaint on 14 th October, and the Union Finance Minister had replied on 2nd November 1998. We reproduce that memorandum here.
“Poorest of the poor too are contributing their mite via indirect taxes. In such a situation, planned tax evasions and abuse of exemptions amounts to gravest of the crime. Finance ministry must monitor the end use of exemptions, at least in cases where its attention is drawn. Motive: The motive to float a Trust must not be for tax evasion. Let us have a look at the resolution-dated 19.12.1975 of Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust. The opening lines are given in quote:
It has been decided in the interest of ashram that in order to be free from Income Tax on its business incomes that would otherwise be attracted inevitably because of the new Income Tax Amendment Act 1975 and the recent decisions of Supreme Court on Trusts doing business, the Ashram shall stop doing business and its existing businesses shall be taken over by Aurobindo Ashram Harpagan Workshop Trust………………………”
It is becoming crystal clear to one and all that the very name WORKSHOP in the TRUST sounds odd. It is similar to accosting a person as Mohammed Ibrahim Iyer. Management: It is to be noted that Mr.L.M.Pinto, a Goan is the founder of Aurobindo Ashram Harpagan workshop Trust. When SAAT transferred its business units to this Trust, as stated above to evade TAX, the names of the new Trustees of this Aurobindo Ashram Workshop Trust needs to be mentioned. They are Udar alias L.M.Pinto, Pradyot, Harikant.C.Patel, Dyuman, and Counama. SAME PERSONS WHO ARE TRUSTEES IN THIRU AUROBINDO ASHRAM TRUST HAVE OVERNIGHT BECOME TRUSTEES IN AUROBINDO ASHRAM HARPAGAN WORKSHOP TRUST. Old wine bottled in new bottle is clearly for tax evasion and nothing else, it will become proven without an iota of doubt…so continues the memorandum. That is tax evasion.
There are more than 48 civil and criminal cases pending in various courts of the land against Ashram. If the Center is concerned about the reputation of the Ashram, it is high time that it decides to intervene decisively. At the time of passing the Auroville Foundation Act, Mrs.Indira Gandhi sent her Home Minister to solicit opinion from within and came to the right conclusion .If the Center is blind to the on goings in ashram let them regret at a later date when things will go beyond a stage of redemption. Various agencies of the Center are regularly getting information on the scandals inside the ashram, and yet if Center pretends that all is well there, they will be blamed by the public for their inaction and passive submission to the criminalized management at the helm of affairs. This is with regard to ashram and its subsidiary trusts.
But there exists a so-called international city, a dream of the Late Mira Richard, known as Mother of Aurobindo Ashram. That can be said to be the story of deceit. Right from the beginning their aim is to establish a Vatican type of autonomous state.
1. Fact: NEW CITY STATE: Dr.Kirit Joshi Chairman of Governing Board with an Auroville delegation met Dr.Murli Manohar Joshi Minister for Hinduvta Development and Dr.Jagmohan Minister for Urban Development and presented the Master Plan ratified by the Governing Board in 18 &19 of December 1999. Earlier Residents Assembly had approved. (Source: Auroville Land Fund News Letter Number 12 April-May 2000) Question: Assembly in lexicon may mean different, here it seems Auro-villians consider it a city-state like Roman city-state.
2.Fact: RE-COLONIZATION A global campaign to raise $ 1 million or 5 crores by Mother’s birthday on 21 st Febraury 2004. (From 1 st January to November 2003 $ 550.000 has been donated) This is twice the amount Land Fund usually receives in a year. An excellent boost for Land Fund, and the equivalent of about 65 acres of precious land for Auroville. (Source: Land Fund News Letter number 31 November- December 2003) . Question: If $ 550,000 dollars can buy 65 acres what price is for 1 acre, and whether that price goes to the actual owner?
3.Fact: POLITICS OF ANARCHY: What political organization do you want for Auroville? To this question Mirra Alfasa replies: An amusing definition occurs to me: A divine anarchy. But the world will not understand. Men must be conscious of their psychic being and organize themselves spontaneously, without fixed rules and laws- that is the ideal. (Source: Draft II of a working paper on an international organization for Auroville September 2001)
Question: Mirra Alfasa, as you said world in your time may not understand the DIVINE ANARCHY let loose by you, but in present day even a LKG child will understand that you are against the laws of the land and want to create a lawless society.
4.Fact: A SEPARATE CURRENCY for a community within India is the first step to establish a city-state like Vatican here. Out of 191 member states of the world in United Nations, Vatican has opted out to remain outside the purview of UN, in spite of enjoying a status of a separate country. Similarly Aurovillians want to keep Auroville outside India and its constitution. THE FIRST STEP TO INTRODUCE AUROSE, a legal tender for Auroville is in place. (Source: Auroville News April 7 th 2001) Question: Who is the Finance Minister of this new state, not born out of Tamil extremism but a product of Auro extremism?
5. Fact: EMBASSY IN DELHI: The newly yet to be independent country or a princely state or a colony of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh’s son Karan Singh intends to open an embassy in the National capital of Delhi. “ There is a possible opening for an Auroville “embassy” in Delhi through the possible help from Indian Habitat Centre.” (Source: Auroville News Feb 19 th 2000) Question: Before attaining freedom from India Auro extremists want an embassy. Will government of India allow Nagaland and other claimants of separate nations to open an embassy in Delhi?
Well all that is said are with regard to one Godman, the so-called reincarnation of Lord Krishna namely Aurobindo Ghosh. There are many Godmen in India like the Jayendra Saraswathi swamigal of Kanchi kamakodi peeth. The very foundation of this mutt is shaky, not because of tsunami but because of the castles of lies over which it rests. A 1933 Bombay High Court judgment said “ It is not disputed that the religious reformer Shankara, about the 8 th century A.D established four mutts or monasteries for sanyasis and ascetics in the North South, East and West of India.” Patna High Court in 1936 also had only recognized 4 mutts. During 1972 the Supreme Court of India stated that Sankara established four mutts as seats of religion at four ends on India, The Sringeri mutt on the sringeri hills in the south, the Sharada mutt on the Dwaraka in the west, the Badrinath mutt at Badrinath in the north and the Goverdana mutt at Puri in the East. Each of the mutts has a sanyasi as its head who bears the title of Shankaracharya in general. Sankara is said to have had 4 principle disciples who were all Brahmins. The orthodox Hindu recognizes no other sanyasis”
In a land governed by a constitution and rule of law, even after High courts and Supreme Court had said that only 4 mutts were created by Sankara, how come Kanchi mutt be a Shankara mutt and the daytime sanyasi and night time samsaris can hold the tag of Shankaracharya? Is it not a fraud committed on the people of India? To claim a status of Shankaracharya to a mutt head, which has no true inheritance of that mantle, is a daylight fraud over which till now no punishment is meted out. Quack Shankaracharyas too can roam as Godman and build business empires, all ends well for the spiritual capiltalists. Let us expose all Indian Godman living or dead!
N.Nandhivarman
General Secretary Dravida Peravai
39 Montorsier Street Pondicherry 605001
Tel: 0413-5209544 Email : annaist@sify.com /
nandhivarman@hotmail.com
web: www.geocities.com/dravidaperavai
THE BUSINESS EMPIRES OF GODMEN: A STUDY ON AUROBINDO ASHRAM
N.Nandhivarman General Secretary Dravida Peravai
Every bearded person with a saffron dress could become a saint in India. These pious men show the way to God, most theists’ think. But in reality they portray them as God and in that process fleece money from public and build their business empire. A freedom fighter Aurobindo Ghosh who fled from Bengal landed in Pondicherrry as refugee. He came under the influence of Paul Richard, a philosopher whose works he ventured to translate from French. Mahakavi Bharathiar introduced to Aurobindo Ghosh the literature of Tamil Siddhars especially Thirumoolar who wrote Thirumanthiram. As a blend of these influences with the mastery Aurobindo had over English he could write many books. Because he had been elevated to God status, no one dares to research the origins of his philosophy and the sources of his inspiration. But the learned judges of the Supreme Court had in their verdict admitted him to be only a philosopher and nothing more. Yet his followers propagate the idea that he is an avatar, which is an affront on the decision of the Supreme Court bench. In a bench judgment in the S.P.Mittal versus Union of India (AIR 1983) case Chief Justice V.Chandrachud, Justices P.N.Bhagawathy, V.Balakrishna Erady and R.B.Mishra with the exception of dissenting O.Chinnappa Reddy have made it clear that Aurobindo is only a Poet and Philosopher.
The Encyclopedia Britannica (1978 edition) describes Aurobindo Ghosh as “ seer, poet and Indian nationalist who originated the philosophy of cosmic salvation through spiritual evolution, a divine experience that will appear through the development of Gnostic mean to usher in a transcendental spiritual age in which man and the Universe are destined to become divine. Aurobindo’s theory of cosmic salvation, the paths to Union with Brahman is two way streets or channels. Enlightenment comes to man from above while the spiritual mind (super-mind) of man strives through yogic illumination to reach upward from below. When these two forces blend in an individual a Gnostic man is created. This yogic illumination transcends both reason and intuition and eventually leads to freeing of the individual from the bonds of individuality and by extension all mankind will eventually achieve mukthi (liberation) Thus Aurobindo created a dialectic mode of salvation not only for the individual but also for all mankind ”. Says the definition.
Karl Marx and dialectical materialism stands proven in the test of times whereas those who tried to rope the word dialectical for salvation stands proven to be false prophets.
Under the head History of Hinduism, Encyclopedia Britannica says, “ Another modern teacher whose doctrines have had some influence outside India was Aurobindo, who began a career as a revolutionary. He with drew from politics, however, and settled in Pondicherry, then a French possession. There he established an ashrama (a retreat) and achieved high reputation as a sage. His followers looked on him as first reincarnate manifestation of super beings whose evolution he prophesized and apparently he did not discourage this belief. After his death, the leadership of the Ashram was taken over by The Mother Madame Mira Richard, a Frenchwoman who had been one of his leading disciples” Well it is the Mira Richard’s husband Paul Richard, whose works Aurobindo translated were one of the reasons for his philosophy to blossom. Let impartial researchers dig deep into the writings of both to arrive at a conclusion who influenced whom?
Aurobindo Ghosh, the reincarnation of Lord Krishna according to his followers could not prove his philosophy while he lived. He could use the mastery of the language to mesmerize people but he failed to become a Super human being. He passed away like other mortals. While he passed away rumours were spread that there will be a resurrection, a feeble attempt to equalize with Christian beliefs. That too failed, and he is laid to rest at Ashram. His philosophy also is laid to rest there. Yet even after God-man fails in his claims the spiritual business empires built by their followers are keen to keep alive a falsity and a failed promise.
After the original prophet failed, then French woman Mira Richard became the Mother to lead the Ashram. Did she succeed? She succeeded Aurobindo as Spiritual Master but did she succeed in proving the philosophy? Let us think this aspect here. The collected words of Mira Richard had been published and recorded in audiocassettes. Mother’s Agenda as the book calls itself claims that “ This tremendous document 6000 pages and in the 13 volumes is the day to day account over twenty two years of Mothers exploration into the body consciousness and of her discovery of a cellular mind capable of restructuring the nature of the body and the laws of the species as drastically as one day the first stammering of a thinking mind transformed the nature of the ape. It is a veritable document of experimental evolution. A revolution in consciousness that alters the laws of the species. And it is the question of our times, for whatever appearances, we are not at the end of a civilization but at the end of an evolutionary cycle. Are we going to find the passage to next species…. or perish? As scrupulously as a scientist in his laboratory, Mother goes back to the origins of matters formation to the primordial code, and there by chance stumbles upon the very power that changes death and upon a new energy which curiously parallels the most recent theories on the subatomic nature of matter. The key to matter contains the key to death and the key to next species”
The spiritual lady prophet who found the key to death is dead. Perhaps she had lost that key. And Aurobindo Ashram all these years had been searching for that key, and none found. Mira Richard did not succeed in altering the laws of species. And yet why she should be revered? Why should there be an ashram to propagate a failed theory? And why Ashram has no Guru after her? Why her followers failed to identify one successor to her seat? An ashram or mutt without a Guru in the own definition of Aurobindo had only to down its shutters. What exists is a mere Trust and subsidiary trusts.
About the Trust and its subsidiaries we had complained to the Government of India. Dravida Peravai complained to then UNION FINANCE MINISTER YASWANT SINHA on 10.10.1998.UNION DEFENCE MINISTER GEORGE FERNANDES had forwarded that complaint on 14 th October, and the Union Finance Minister had replied on 2nd November 1998. We reproduce that memorandum here.
“Poorest of the poor too are contributing their mite via indirect taxes. In such a situation, planned tax evasions and abuse of exemptions amounts to gravest of the crime. Finance ministry must monitor the end use of exemptions, at least in cases where its attention is drawn. Motive: The motive to float a Trust must not be for tax evasion. Let us have a look at the resolution-dated 19.12.1975 of Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust. The opening lines are given in quote:
It has been decided in the interest of ashram that in order to be free from Income Tax on its business incomes that would otherwise be attracted inevitably because of the new Income Tax Amendment Act 1975 and the recent decisions of Supreme Court on Trusts doing business, the Ashram shall stop doing business and its existing businesses shall be taken over by Aurobindo Ashram Harpagan Workshop Trust………………………”
It is becoming crystal clear to one and all that the very name WORKSHOP in the TRUST sounds odd. It is similar to accosting a person as Mohammed Ibrahim Iyer. Management: It is to be noted that Mr.L.M.Pinto, a Goan is the founder of Aurobindo Ashram Harpagan workshop Trust. When SAAT transferred its business units to this Trust, as stated above to evade TAX, the names of the new Trustees of this Aurobindo Ashram Workshop Trust needs to be mentioned. They are Udar alias L.M.Pinto, Pradyot, Harikant.C.Patel, Dyuman, and Counama. SAME PERSONS WHO ARE TRUSTEES IN THIRU AUROBINDO ASHRAM TRUST HAVE OVERNIGHT BECOME TRUSTEES IN AUROBINDO ASHRAM HARPAGAN WORKSHOP TRUST. Old wine bottled in new bottle is clearly for tax evasion and nothing else, it will become proven without an iota of doubt…so continues the memorandum. That is tax evasion.
There are more than 48 civil and criminal cases pending in various courts of the land against Ashram. If the Center is concerned about the reputation of the Ashram, it is high time that it decides to intervene decisively. At the time of passing the Auroville Foundation Act, Mrs.Indira Gandhi sent her Home Minister to solicit opinion from within and came to the right conclusion .If the Center is blind to the on goings in ashram let them regret at a later date when things will go beyond a stage of redemption. Various agencies of the Center are regularly getting information on the scandals inside the ashram, and yet if Center pretends that all is well there, they will be blamed by the public for their inaction and passive submission to the criminalized management at the helm of affairs. This is with regard to ashram and its subsidiary trusts.
But there exists a so-called international city, a dream of the Late Mira Richard, known as Mother of Aurobindo Ashram. That can be said to be the story of deceit. Right from the beginning their aim is to establish a Vatican type of autonomous state.
1. Fact: NEW CITY STATE: Dr.Kirit Joshi Chairman of Governing Board with an Auroville delegation met Dr.Murli Manohar Joshi Minister for Hinduvta Development and Dr.Jagmohan Minister for Urban Development and presented the Master Plan ratified by the Governing Board in 18 &19 of December 1999. Earlier Residents Assembly had approved. (Source: Auroville Land Fund News Letter Number 12 April-May 2000) Question: Assembly in lexicon may mean different, here it seems Auro-villians consider it a city-state like Roman city-state.
2.Fact: RE-COLONIZATION A global campaign to raise $ 1 million or 5 crores by Mother’s birthday on 21 st Febraury 2004. (From 1 st January to November 2003 $ 550.000 has been donated) This is twice the amount Land Fund usually receives in a year. An excellent boost for Land Fund, and the equivalent of about 65 acres of precious land for Auroville. (Source: Land Fund News Letter number 31 November- December 2003) . Question: If $ 550,000 dollars can buy 65 acres what price is for 1 acre, and whether that price goes to the actual owner?
3.Fact: POLITICS OF ANARCHY: What political organization do you want for Auroville? To this question Mirra Alfasa replies: An amusing definition occurs to me: A divine anarchy. But the world will not understand. Men must be conscious of their psychic being and organize themselves spontaneously, without fixed rules and laws- that is the ideal. (Source: Draft II of a working paper on an international organization for Auroville September 2001)
Question: Mirra Alfasa, as you said world in your time may not understand the DIVINE ANARCHY let loose by you, but in present day even a LKG child will understand that you are against the laws of the land and want to create a lawless society.
4.Fact: A SEPARATE CURRENCY for a community within India is the first step to establish a city-state like Vatican here. Out of 191 member states of the world in United Nations, Vatican has opted out to remain outside the purview of UN, in spite of enjoying a status of a separate country. Similarly Aurovillians want to keep Auroville outside India and its constitution. THE FIRST STEP TO INTRODUCE AUROSE, a legal tender for Auroville is in place. (Source: Auroville News April 7 th 2001) Question: Who is the Finance Minister of this new state, not born out of Tamil extremism but a product of Auro extremism?
5. Fact: EMBASSY IN DELHI: The newly yet to be independent country or a princely state or a colony of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh’s son Karan Singh intends to open an embassy in the National capital of Delhi. “ There is a possible opening for an Auroville “embassy” in Delhi through the possible help from Indian Habitat Centre.” (Source: Auroville News Feb 19 th 2000) Question: Before attaining freedom from India Auro extremists want an embassy. Will government of India allow Nagaland and other claimants of separate nations to open an embassy in Delhi?
Well all that is said are with regard to one Godman, the so-called reincarnation of Lord Krishna namely Aurobindo Ghosh. There are many Godmen in India like the Jayendra Saraswathi swamigal of Kanchi kamakodi peeth. The very foundation of this mutt is shaky, not because of tsunami but because of the castles of lies over which it rests. A 1933 Bombay High Court judgment said “ It is not disputed that the religious reformer Shankara, about the 8 th century A.D established four mutts or monasteries for sanyasis and ascetics in the North South, East and West of India.” Patna High Court in 1936 also had only recognized 4 mutts. During 1972 the Supreme Court of India stated that Sankara established four mutts as seats of religion at four ends on India, The Sringeri mutt on the sringeri hills in the south, the Sharada mutt on the Dwaraka in the west, the Badrinath mutt at Badrinath in the north and the Goverdana mutt at Puri in the East. Each of the mutts has a sanyasi as its head who bears the title of Shankaracharya in general. Sankara is said to have had 4 principle disciples who were all Brahmins. The orthodox Hindu recognizes no other sanyasis”
In a land governed by a constitution and rule of law, even after High courts and Supreme Court had said that only 4 mutts were created by Sankara, how come Kanchi mutt be a Shankara mutt and the daytime sanyasi and night time samsaris can hold the tag of Shankaracharya? Is it not a fraud committed on the people of India? To claim a status of Shankaracharya to a mutt head, which has no true inheritance of that mantle, is a daylight fraud over which till now no punishment is meted out. Quack Shankaracharyas too can roam as Godman and build business empires, all ends well for the spiritual capiltalists. Let us expose all Indian Godman living or dead!
N.Nandhivarman
General Secretary Dravida Peravai
39 Montorsier Street Pondicherry 605001
Tel: 0413-5209544 Email : annaist@sify.com /
nandhivarman@hotmail.com
web: www.geocities.com/dravidaperavai
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