Raja Annamalai Mandram: A Proud Symbol of Tamil Music in Chennai

The Raja Annamalai Mandram stands tall as a celebrated landmark in the original Madras, renowned for its role in the promotion of Tamil music. To unravel its fascinating history, one must delve into the early days of Carnatic music in Chennai, where Tamil was not always considered a suitable language for musical expression. The established Sabhas, such as the Music Academy, had long disregarded Tamil songs, leading to the exclusion of musicians who sang in Tamil from their platforms. This rigid stance on concert conduct and content sparked a movement in the 1930s, spearheaded by a group of thinkers, writers, and musicians who aimed to rectify this imbalance.

However, the Tamil lobby faced opposition from the established Sabhas. Despite this, they received support from prominent figures, such as Rajaji, Kalki R. Krishnamurthy and M.S. Subbulakshmi. Notably, Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar provided financial backing to the movement. (Raja Annamalai was an Indian industrialist, banker, educationist and philanthropist from Kanadukathan.) 

In 1943, the Tamil Isai Sangam was established by Raja Annamalai to promote Tamil music and challenge the Music Academy and the Indian Fine Arts Society's monopoly. However, finding a suitable venue to host its concerts proved challenging. The Parish Hall of St Mary's Cathedral on Armenian Street and the Museum Theatre were used as venues until the leasing of 23 grounds of land at the Esplanade from the Corporation of Madras in 1948. The magnificent Raja Annamalai Mandram, a permanent auditorium designed by L.M. Chitale, was built on the leased land, providing a suitable venue for the Tamil Isai Sangam to conduct its music functions.

Although Rajah Annamalai had passed away by the time construction began, his two sons oversaw the building's completion in time for the music season of 1952. The two-story building, blending art deco with the traditional Chettinad style of architecture, was opened by Rajaji on October 31st of that year. This was a significant achievement as it was the first sabha to hold a function in a solid building, while most of the sabha functions of the fifties were held in rented premises under temporary thatched roofs.

The auditorium's design included modern sound systems and acoustic walls to prevent reverberation, making it a state-of-the-art venue. The stepped floor arrangement of 800 seats, arranged in gently curving rows, ensured that no one missed a view of the stage. During its early years, nearly all the musicians resided nearby. However, the migration of music enthusiasts to the southern part of the city gradually diminished the auditorium's significance. Nevertheless, the Raja Annamalai Mandram remains a proud symbol of the aspirations of those who wished to hear music in the Tamil language. Its rich history is a testament to the perseverance and dedication of those who championed the cause of promoting Tamil music in Chennai.

In 1964, a splendid statue of Raja Annamalai Chettiar, the founder of the building, was erected at the entrance. The statue was unveiled by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the Maharajah of Mysore, who was to become the Governor of Madras the following year. The colossal statue stands majestically in front of the Sangh, commemorating Raja Annamalai's significant role in promoting Tamil music and culture.

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