S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar
Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Diwan Bahadur Sir Satappa Ramanatha Muthiah Annamalai Chettiar September 30, 1881 Kanadukathan, Madras Presidency, British India |
| Died | June 15, 1948 (aged 66) |
| Other names | Raja of Chettinad |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, financier, educator, philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder of Annamalai University; co-founder of Indian Bank; first governor of Imperial Bank of India; member of Council of State |
| Notable work | Annamalai University |
Diwan Bahadur Sir Satappa Ramanatha Muthiah Annamalai Chettiar, Raja of Chettinad KCSI (30 September 1881 – 15 June 1948), widely recognized as Raja Sir Annamalai Chettiar, was a distinguished Indian entrepreneur, financier, educator, and philanthropist originating from Tamil Nadu. He established Annamalai University in Chidambaram and, alongside his brother S. Rm. M. Ramaswami Chettiar, played a key role in founding Indian Bank.
Hailing from a prosperous Nattukottai Nagarathar lineage through his father S. Rm. Muthiah Chettiar, Annamalai Chettiar significantly extended his family's banking ventures into the South-East Asia region. He was instrumental in the inception of Indian Bank and became the inaugural governor of the Imperial Bank of India. Furthermore, he represented the upper chamber of the Imperial Legislative Council of India as a member of the Council of State. He earned a knighthood in 1923 and was bestowed with the hereditary designation of Raja of Chettinad in 1929.
Early life
Born on 30 September 1881 in Kanadukathan, located within the Sivaganga estate of Madura district in the Madras Presidency during British rule, Annamalai Chettiar was the son of S.R. Muthiah Chettiar, an influential banker. His brother, Ramaswami Chettiar, co-established Indian Bank, where Annamalai later held a directorial position. After completing his education, he entered the family enterprise and spent considerable time in England. Upon his return to India, he assumed leadership roles in local governance as head of Karaikudi's civic administration and chairman of the District Board.
Career
In 1916, he shifted from municipal responsibilities to political engagement by joining the Legislative Council of Madras Presidency, where he served for three years. By 1920, he secured election to the Council of State, maintaining his membership through three successive terms. The following year, he was appointed governor of the Imperial Bank of India. His contributions to education include founding Sri Meenakshi College at Chidambaram in 1920. Subsequently, several educational institutions such as a Tamil College (established in 1927), Oriental Training College, and College of Music were amalgamated into what became Annamalai University on 1 January 1929. He passed away on 15 June 1948.
Honours
For his services to the British Crown, Chettiar was honored with the title Diwan Bahadur by King George V and received knighthood on 2 June 1923. Later, in 1929, he was conferred the hereditary title Raja of Chettinad.
Family and legacy
His eldest son, M. A. Muthiah Chettiar, known for his involvement in the Tamil Isai Movement, held ministerial portfolios for Education and Excise within the Madras Presidency. His third son, M. A. Chidambaram, along with his grandson, A. C. Muthiah, both served as presidents of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Additionally, Annamalai Chettiar was the maternal grandfather to former Finance Minister of India P. Chidambaram.
The Chennai neighborhood Raja Annamalaipuram bears his name as a tribute. Moreover, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department released a commemorative postage stamp honoring his legacy.