Rajah Annamalai Chettiar (1881-1948) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | September 30, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 35 p |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Maroon |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 840 Stamp Number IN 875 Yvert et Tellier IN 639 Stanley Gibbons IN 982 |
| Themes | Bankers | Commemoration | Famous people | Headgear |
Raja Annamalai Chettiar, born on September 30, 1881, in Kanadukattam, Tamil Nadu, hailed from a family of wealth and influence, with his father, S.R.M.M. Muthiah Chettiar, being a prominent banker. After completing his schooling, he entered the family business and expanded his horizons through travels to Southeast Asia and England. Upon his return, he became involved in local governance, serving as the head of the civic body of Karaikudi and as a member of various organizations and the District Board.
In 1916, Annamalai Chettiar transitioned to the Legislative Council of Madras Presidency, where he served for three years. His dedication and financial acumen led him to co-found the Indian Bank, and he was appointed as a Governor of the Imperial Bank of India in 1921, a position he held until near the end of his life.
Recognizing the paramount importance of education for the nation, Annamalai Chettiar embarked on a mission to establish a college in Chidambaram. Sri Minakshi College was inaugurated in 1920, followed by the addition of a Sanskrit College and a Tamil College in 1927. Subsequently, an Oriental Training College and a College of Music were established, culminating in the formation of a university on January 1, 1929, which began operations in July of that year.
In acknowledgment of his significant contributions to education, Annamalai Chettiar was knighted and honored with the title of hereditary Rajah. Beyond education, he was deeply committed to safeguarding the interests of Indians in Burma and French Indo-China, leading delegations to London and Paris in 1935 for this purpose.
Despite his diverse responsibilities, Annamalai Chettiar’s heart remained with the development and expansion of the university at Annamalainagar. He was also passionate about Tamil music and played a vital role in promoting it. His legacy of service and dedication to education and culture continued to inspire, even after his passing on June 15, 1948. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is honored to issue a commemorative stamp in his honor, recognizing his invaluable contributions to society.