History of Tamil Christian Keerthanai

A century ago, this term would have immediately conjured up the names of three lyricists who formed the Triumvirate of Tamil Christian poets: Vedanayagam Sastriar of Tanjore, Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai, and N. Samuel of Tranquebar.

These are mostly a collection of indigenous hymns written by Protestant Tamil Christian poets. A few of them are translations of Christian hymns from other languages.

These hymns were written in the early stages of Protestant Christianity in India. These hymns are widely used in worship services by the Tamil Churches belonging to the "main-line" or traditional denominations. Some of the more popular hymns include "Mangalam Selikka" (used during wedding celebrations) and "Ellam Yesuve".

SASTRIAR

The songs of Poet-Lyricist Vedanayagam Sastriar form an inalienable part of Christian worship in South India. The richness of the Tamil language and the religious fervour of the songs instantly evoke zeal in the worship. The reverence in the songs is further augmented by their pleasing melodies. One is tempted to go back in time to trace the life and history of Vedanayagam Sastriar to appreciate the circumstances and events that shaped him to be a prolific and poetic crusader for the Triune God.

Vedanayagam Sastriar was born on the 7th of September, 1774, the first son of Mr. Devasahayam, a native of Tirunelveli. He lost his mother at a young age. At the age of ten, he had a clear vision of the Cross and Christ, an event which was to influence his entire life. In 1785, a German Missionary, Rev. Swartz visited Tirunelveli. He took Vednayagam with him to Tanjore. At that time, Prince. Serfoji was also studying under Rev. Swartz. Vedanayagam went on to study Theology at the Lutheran Seminary in Tharangambadi, now known as Tranquebar.

After completing his studies, Vedanayagam worked in the villages around Tanjore. He worked as a teacher in a missionary school for a short time. He began to write Christian lyrics and literature. He wrote 133 books and his most famous work is ‘Bethlehem Kuravanji’. His well known songs include ‘Thandanai Thudhipome’, ‘Amen Alleluyah, Mahathuva Thambarabara’ and ‘Esuvaiye Thudhi sei nee Maname.’

A turning point in his life came when his former classmate, Prince Serfoji became king of Tanjore and appointed Vedanayagam as the official court poet. Vedanayagam was conferred various titles such as ‘Gnanadeepa Kavirayar’, Veda Sastrigal and ‘Suvisesha Kavirayar’ which established him the King of Evangelical Poets.

Sastriar’s songs were based on Thevaram (hymns of SaivaiteSaints) and Tiruppugazh rhymes. Some songs in Thayumannavar’s style are found in his song collection called the ‘Jebamalai’ which means ‘Garland of Prayers’. His compositions glorify the Triune God and are characterized by high literary quality. He continued to glorify God and he spread the Gospel as far as Ceylon in spite of personal tragedies and setbacks. His songs are still being sung in Tamil churches and are peerless in their richness and melody.

Henry Alfred Krishnapillai

Henry Alfred Krishnapillai (1827–1900) was a well-known poet in Tamil language. He was born in a Hindu family, but later converted to Christianity. Even after his conversion, he retained his Hindu surname. He was an accomplished Tamil teacher and hence after his conversion sought to work on Tamil literary works. After his retirement he worked on his magnum opus, Ratchanya Yaatrigam. This work was based on John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, although not a translation. The work itself took 16 years to complete and is one of finest works of Tamil literature of the nineteenth century.

Krishnapillai is well known to use analogies from Hindu text in his Christian writings. His Christian hymns are still popular among Tamil Protestants. These hymns are similar in style to Hindu text Tevaram.

Krishna Pillai was born in 1827 at Karaiyiruppu, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. He was born into an orthodox Hindu family belonging to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. He received his early education in Tamil grammar and literature in the village. In May 1853, he moved to Sawyerpuram, a Christian hamlet. The settlement was founded by the Society for Propagation of the Gospel.[1] There Krishnapillai was appointed as a Tamil teacher by Bishop Robert Caldwell.  It was in Sawyerpuram that he first encountered Christianity through his friends[1] and eventually was baptised an Anglican[3] in the St Thomas Church in Mylapore, Chennai. He was christened Henry Alfred through his baptism but he still retained his Hindu name Krishna Pillai. Later in 1875, he was appointed as a Tamil pundit at Church Missionary Society (CMS) college at Tirunelveli.

Tamil Christian literature

After his retirement, Krishnapillai aspired to write Tamil Christian classics along the lines of Hindu epics. Hence, he spent the 16 years writing the book Rakshanya Yatrikam (the journey of salvation, 1894). This work was modeled after John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Nevertheless, it was not a translation but an adaptation of the story in Tamil.This work is considered as his masterpiece. He had read the Pilgrim's Progress even before his conversion and had planned to retell the story in Tamil verses. However, he started working on it only in 1878 to appear serially in Friendly Instructor. He fell ill with malaria in 1879, and then, with encouragement from his friends, Krishnapillai decided to compile the work in an epic form similar to the Tamil Ramayana. After 16 years, it was sent to print in 1894 and is considered one of the most significant Tamil poetry works of the nineteenth century.In addition to this masterpiece, Krishnapillai wrote several other books in Tamil on Christianity.Although he was a converted Christian, he used many analogies from Hindu text in his work. He is sometimes referred to as Christian Kamban.Some of the hymns he composed are still prevalent amongst Tamil Protestants.His hymns were based on Hindu texts such as Tevaram.

N. Samuel of Tranquebar

Rev. N. Samuel  (18 September 1850 - 20 May 1927), Professor in Divinity, Pastor, Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (T.E.L.C.). He was a famous poet and author of many books. He was also the first member of the Leipzig Evangelical Lutheran Mission (L.E.L.M.) Council.

Rev. N. Samuel  (18 September 1850 - 20 May 1927), Professor in Divinity, Pastor, Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (T.E.L.C.). He was a famous poet and author of many books. He was also the first member of the Leipzig Evangelical Lutheran Mission (L.E.L.M.) Council.

He was the first Indian professor in the Theological Colleges in Tranquebar, Porayar, and Bangalore (United Theological College). He was slated to teach some classes in the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, in Chennai, when death intervened.

Best known among his lyrics are "En Meetpar Vuyirodirukayilay" (என் மீட்பர் உயிரோடிருக்கயிலே), "Senaigalin Kartharey" (சேனைகளின் கர்த்தரே), "Seerthiri Yegavasthey" (சீர்திரி எகவச்தே நமோ நமோ), and "Gunapadu Paavi" (குணப்படு பாவி). He composed the college song "Arulaar Putkarathil Thangi" and designed the monogram for the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College.

Vedanayagam Sastriar of Tanjore, Krishnapillai of Palyamkottai, and N. Samuel of Tranquebar were known as the triumvirate of Tamil Christian poets.

One of his earliest compositions was about a journey to Tanjore called "Thanjai Payan Padham." Another was "Kallu Kummi" (The Toddy Kummi), where the strong drink talks about her glories, which made the drunkard blush in shame. His book Gospel Lyrics contains 200 songs composed over a period of 60 years.

He put the following German hymns into Tamil meter:

    Gott sei Dank in aller Welt, "Kartharukku Sthothiram" (கர்த்தருக்கு ஸ்தோத்திரம்)

    O Haupt Voll Blut und Wunden, "Erathangaayam Kuth-thum" (இரத்தம் காயம் குத்தும்)

    Nun freut euch, Gottes kinder all, "Magizh Karthaavin Manthayae" (மகிழ் கர்த்தாவின் மந்தையே)

    Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend, "Aa Yesuvae, Neer Yengalai" (ஆ ஏசுவே, நீர் எங்களை)

    Wer weiss, wie nahe mir mein, "Ende Naal Pome, Yen Saavu Velai" (எந்த நாள் போம், ஏன் சாவு வேளை)

    Laudamus te, "Ummai Thuthikirome" (உம்மை துதிகிரோமே)

    Du, o schones Weltgebaude, "Veghuperuku-inbamaana" (வெகுபெருக்கு இன்பமான)

ABRAHAM PANDITHAR (A brief History about a renowned Tamil Lyric writer/composer)

ABRAHAM PANDITHAR (A brief History about a renowned Tamil Lyric writer/composer)
August 2, 1859-August 31, 1919

Rao Sahib Dr. Abraham Pandithar was born on the 31st of July 1860 at Sambavar Vadakarai near Tenkasi to Muthuswami Nadar and Annammal.. His ancestors traced their origin to the ancient Kun-Pandyan family.

EARLY LIFEHe was put in a school at Surandai in the district of Tirunelveli. He was sent to the C.V.E.S. Normal Teachers Training School at Dindigul, where he became a teacher after 3 year's study and training. His grand parents on both sides were medical practitioners, and were well versed in Tamil Medical Literature, and it was no wonder that his natural proclivities inclined towards medicine. He wished to initiate himself into the ancient system of Indian Medicine and with this objective in view he went to Surli Hills, near the sources of the Vaigai River in the summer of 1877.He came into contact with a great Maharishi called Karunananda Rishi who initiated him into the world of Indian Medicine with all its nuances. He also gave him the necessary recipes and the directions for preparing the world famed Karunananda Medicines. During the Christmas of 1882 he married Gyanavadivu Ponnammal of Nanjankulam and 3 months later the couple joined the Lady Napier Girls School in Thanjavur as Tamil Pandit and Head Mistress respectively. 

Their joint success in giving excellent secular education, in teaching moral lessons, in shaping social conduct and in imparting elementary principals of private and social hygiene was so remarkable that both of them became institutions by themselves in Thanjavur District. What endeared them both to the citizens of Thanjavur was the wide spread application of their Karunananda remedies in Indian medicine for every day ailments. Mr. Pandithar's wife Gyanavadivu Ponnammal died on the 15th of December 1911 after a short illness and a few months later he married Bhagyammal.

ABRAHAM PANDITHAR AS AN MEDICINAL PRACTITIONER

The slow but steady popularity of these remedies induced Mr. Abraham Pandithar to the more intensive study of Tamil Literature relating to medicine. In 1890 he resigned his post as a teacher for the more humanitarian work of alleviation of pain and misery through Indian medicine. Gradually his research work into Hindu Medicine made steady progress and the Indian world, especially the Tamil world, in South Indian Medicine. Gradually his research work into Hindu Medicine made steady progress and the Indian world, especially the Tamil world, in South India, Ceylon, Burma the Strait Settlements which were all then an integral part of the British Empire started reaping the fruits of his patient labours. Among the special preparations for which Mr. Pandithar's name became famous were Sanjeevi Pills, Gorosanai Pills and Agharana Sanjeevi Pill etc.

In order to develop medicinal plants, he established an experimental farm at Karunanandpuram in 1899. Gradually he increased the extent of this farm to nearly 550 acres. He also transformed this farm into a multi purpose agricultural farm for modern scientific farming. He established a garden of roses. He developed several strains of sugar cane and during this process he discovered a new sport-cane variety which was taken by Mr. C.A. Barber the then Government Botanist for use in the Government farm at Palur. In the agricultural exhibitions of South India, the sugar canes from the Karunananda farm were invariably awarded the first prize. 

The cultivation of Australian golden maize and the Himalayan varieties were also successful.Sir. Arthur Lawley, the Governor of Madras and his wife Lady Lawley visited the farm on the 22nd of February 1908 and praised Abraham Pandithar's contribution to the cause of scientific farming in South India..In recognition of his public services, the title of Rao Sahib was conferred upon him on the 25th of June 1909. In presenting the Sanad of "Rao Sahib" to Mr. Abraham Pandithar Mr. J.P. Bedford I.C.S. said that "He had much pleasure in handling to Mr. Abraham Pandithar the Sanad conferred upon him by the Government of India. He is a man of exceptional practical energy and ability, and his career has been a phenomenal success, his chief claim to distinction being his agricultural farm which bears witness to his industry and enterprise."

ABRAHAM PANDITHAR - THE GREAT MUSICOLOGIST

Abraham Pandithar has made himself immortal in the history of South Indian Music by his two great volumes entitled "Karunamita Sagaram" which he published in 1917. It was a treatise on music in general and Tamil Isai in particular. Abraham Pandithar learnt music under Dindigul Sadayandi Pattar. He also underwent training under an unknown Nadaswaram artist at Thanjavur and blossomed into a knowledgeable musicologist and a princely patron. Rajah Sir Annammalai Chettiar, the founder of Annammalai University is considered as the founder of the Tamil Isai movement. Long before Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, Abraham Pandithar championed the cause of Tamil Isai by researching into the intricacies of Carnatic Music in the context of ancient Tamil literature on art and music.

THE KARUNAMRITHA SAGARAM

His magnum opus Karunamritha Sagaram is really an ocean as its name bears, of information on musical history, science, literature and musicians etc. An encyclopedia and a thesaurus, the 2 volumes of Karunamritha Sagaram sum up his lifetime's work.This exhaustive work which deals with the musical systems of South India, throws a flood of light on the literature and history of South India a general and that of the Tamil country in particular, as it's literature and music are inseparable. The indisputable originality displayed throughout the book by the author, the innumerable authorities quoted in support of statements, the wealth of illustration that is brought to bear upon various subjects, the fund of knowledge he possesses in many departments of life, the sparkling humour that now and then relieves the seriousness of such technical work and the fearlessness and thoroughness with which the author establishes his theory on Shruthis, all these clearly show his remarkable genius. His chief aim is to show what the music of ancient Tamil country was and how modern Carnatic Music is only a pale counterpart. In this arduous task he admirably succeeded. 

He proved by apt quotations from Tamil works, after careful study, how in the ancient Tamil music of South India, the octave was divisible into a number of equal tones. This was his fundamental position.He said that this view was supported by no less an authority than the great Sanskrit writer on Indian Music --Saranga Deva of Kashmir ---who lived about the 13th century A.D. He thus brought all his readers into touch with the civilization of the ancient Tamils and the marvellous efficiency attained by them in the practice of music.Several great men of the day like mahamahopadyaya Dr. U.V.Swaminatha Iyer, Sir P.S. Shivaswami Iyer, Justice Sadasiva Iyer, Justice Dr. S. Subramania Iyer and Mr. J.S. Chandler, Chairman Tamil Lexicon Committee and others paid tribute to his work.

THE SANGEETHA VIDYA MAHAJANA SANGAM

Apart from being a great musicologist, he was also a great organizer. He started the "Sangeetha Vidya Mahajana Sangam" at Thanjavur on December 14th 1912 with the support of stalwarts like Konerirajapuram Vaidyanatha Iyer, Harikesanallur Muthiah Bagavathar and Panchapekesa Bagavathar. In 1913 Muthiah Bagavathar promised to give free of cost one performance per annum, for the continued upkeep of its activities.Abraham Pandithar also made Thanjavur a national centre of music and culture by conducting all India Music Conferences at Thanjavur. 

Between 27th May 1912 and 24th October 1914 he conducted 6 All India Conferences on music in Thanjavur on a scale not witness before in the South and rarely witnessed ever since. The national assemblies were impressive. Solid work was done and purposeful discussions took place among patrons, musicologists and musicians etc.THE ALL INDIA MUSIC CONFERENCEAt the All India Music Conference held in Baroda between 20th March and 24th March 1916, Rao Sahib Abraham Pandithar was one of the main speakers. He spoke "On Shruthis" on 22nd March 1916 and won the appreciation of all present on the occasion. His daughter Maragathavalliammal gave a demonstration on "Notation in Indian music".MEETING WITH LORD MONTAGUEWhen Lord Montague came to Madras as Secretary of State for India towards the end of 1917, Rao Sahib Abraham Pandithar called on Lord Montague. Lord Montague has referred to his interview with Abraham Pandithar in his "Indian Diary". Lord Montague has mentioned about the versatile and wide-ranging interests of Abraham Pandithar.Till the end of his life, he kept up close contact with all the musical luminaries in the whole of India. 

He passed away peacefully on 31st August 1919 at Thanjavur. His was a life of creative fulfillment -- a life of love and service guided and governed by knowledge and an unquenchable thirst of knowledge.The Indian Patriot referring to him stated: "Another remarkable man of whom Young India has heard much and whose activities are well known is Abraham Pandithar. We knew him as a practical agriculturist, we knew him as an excellent medical man. When we went to see him in the dark hours of the evening, he was poring over some proofs of a music work, to which, at great devotion of time and wealth, he has been applying himself. Proprietor of an up to date press, enthusiast of every kind of useful activity, a man of inexhaustible energy and confidence in himself, Abraham Pandithar is a shining example for Young India. 'Be ever active and strive to do good' is the permanent message of his life.

Mr. John Palmer

Mr. John Palmer [1812-1883]: The great Christian lyric poet Mr. John Palmer was born at Mylaudy, near Nagercoil, Kanyakumari district on the 15th, November, 1812. He is considered as one the greatest Christian lyric poets next to Vetha Nayagam Sasthiriyar of Thanjavur.

Mr. John Palmer was born in the family of Maharasan Vethemanickam, of Mylaudy ,the man who was responsible for bringing the London Missionary Society's legendary missionary Mr. Ringetaube to Kanyakumari District in1806.

The legendary L.M.S. missionary Mr. Charles Mead, shifted the Head Quarters of Mylaudy LMS Mission field, from Mylaudy to Nagercoil in 1818 and established a Seminary at Nagercoil with the help of the fellow missionary Mr. Charles Mault in 1819. Along with the other Mylaudy youths, John Palmer also had the privilege to continue his education at the Seminary at Nagercoil. In recognition of his educational accomplishment, John Palmer was sent to Ceylon (sri Lanka) for higher education. On his return from Ceylon, Mr John Palmer was appointed as the Native Assistant to Mr Charles Mault, at Nagercoil and also as an Assistant at the London Missionary Printing Press, Nagercoil. John Palmer was a born writer and poet and his job at the Printing Press helped him immensely to improve his writing skill.
Mr. Mault and Mr. Mead identified the literary talents of John Palmer and spontaneously encouraged him in his literary endeavours and travel. John Palmer wrote many beautiful and meaningful Christian Lyrics in beautiful Tamil in melodious tunes. All his melodious lyrics became instant success and were with great reception, included in the Christian Hymn and Lyric Books of the day.

The following are some of his very popular lyrics: "Bethalaiyil Piranthavarai"(பெத்தலையில் பிறந்தவரை போற்றி துதி ), "Osanna Paduvom" (ஓசன்னா பாடுவோம்), "Innalil Yesunathar Uyirthar (இந்நாளில் ஏசுநாதர் உயிர்த்தார்)", "Yesuvava Kirubasanapathiyae" (யேசுவே கிருபாசனபதியே), Saranam, Saranam, Sarananam..(சரணம் சரணம் சரணம்), Ya Varum Nam Ellorum Koodi (யாவரும் நாம் எல்லோரும் கூடி), Athi Anthamillatha Thevathi Thevan (ஆதி அந்தம் இல்லா தேவாதி தேவன்), and so many others.

C.M. Agur,the great Church Historian and Author of the Landmark book," The Church History of Travancore"[1903], writes about Mr. John Palmer, "Mr.Palmer's style is plain. He confines himself to Scriptural thoughts and uses appropriate epithets suited to the language and habit of thought of Tamil Christians who are delighted with his simple and elegant Lyrics.

Rev.V. Santiago

Rev.V. Santiago (வி. சந்தியாகு) is a great Christian Leader. His father Mr. Vethamuthu was a Catholic Christian and he became a Protestant Christian. He was blessed with four sons and two lovely daughters.

One of his son Mr. V Masillamani composed the Christian lyric, "Thanthaanai Thuthippome (தந்தானை துதிப்போமே).

Another son Rev. V. Santiago had written the following famous Tamil Christian Hymns: Varavanum Paranaveeye (வரவேணும் பரனாவியே), Antha Naal Packianaal (அந்த நாள் பாக்கியநாள்), Vinthai Kiristhesu Raja (விந்தை கிறிஸ்தேசு ராஜா),  Thevane Naan Umathandial (தேவனே நான் உமதண்டையில்),  En Ullam kavarum (என் உள்ளம் கவரும்), Yesu Naan Nirkkum Kanmalaiye (இயேசு நான் நிற்கும் கன்மலையே), , Thanthan Ennai Yesuve (தந்தேன் என்னை யேசுவே),  En Siluvai Ediththu En Yesuva (என் சிலுவை எடுத்து என் யேசுவே),  Nitham Muyal Maname (நித்தம் முயல் மனமே), Parisutha Seeviyaththil (பரிசுத்த சீவியத்தில்), Thsasara Ihth tharaniyai Annbaai (தாசரே இத் தரணியை அன்பாய்), and some more lovey Tamil Christian songs.

After having completed his School and collegiate education Mr Santiago worked as a teacher at Pasumalai High school for 14 years since 1891. ThenMr Santiago worked as Professor of Mathematics at the famous American College, Madurai for some years. In 1917 Mr. V Santiago was elected as the President of the South India United Church [SIUC], in 1919 he was elected as the Moderator of the South India United Church.

Mr. V. Santiago was a remarkable and multifaceted personality, he was a Poet, Preacher, Pastor, Professor, Social Thinker and great Christian Leader. In 1919 the Madras Regional Council led the churches to raise the question afresh as to whether there was any valid reason for the churches to remain divided when they had the same Gospel of Jesus Christ to proclaim in their evangelistic mission. As a result of this realization, an informal meeting of pastors of the Lutheran, Methodist, South India United Church and Anglican churches, convened by Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah (later Bishop of Dornakal) and V. Santiago, took place in Tranquebar in 1919. This notable conference on church union is known as "Tranquebar 1919".

He lived a holy Christian life, a life that is lived in close relationship with Lord Jesus. Rev Santhiagu songs revealed his longing towards God, a great inspiration for each one of us."

Rev.L. Ponnusamy

Rev.L. Ponnusamy (ல.பொன்னுசுவாமி) came to know Christ from a vaishnavite family. His father Mr.Laksmanan was a hindu priest in Govindasamy temple. During his childhood his Teacher and Patron Mr. Edwin Powers of American Madura Mission led him to Christ. His family is one of the families migrated from North Trinelveli to Cumbum Valley of Madurai District due to heavy drought during 1870s. Ponnusamy got a Bible fro Mr.Edwin Powers and started reading every day. Ponnusamy's father died by an unknown disease. Then his children were under the care of the Missionaries and they brought them up in Christian faith. As a Pastor, he was aware of the importance of youth in all ministerial activities so wrote this song for the youth. - Rev J Pon Prabhakar, Thriruthangal Pastorate, Madurai-Ramnad Diocese.

Sis Sarah Navaroji
 
Sis Sarah Navaroji (சாராள் நவரோஜி 1939-2014), was born as the youngest child to her parents, Sarah learned Carnatic music from her father Solomon Asirvadham, who himself was a violinist and Carnatic music exponent. Identifying her love for music at a young age, her father gave her a surname ‘Navaroji’ instead of his own name. Navaroj is a raga in Carnatic music. In 1960, She was barely 21 when she was chosen for mission work in Ceylon as it was then known. She was to set sail from Dhanushkodi. To reach the coastal town, Sarah had to take a train from Egmore. After boarding the train, she eagerly waited for her mother to arrive (her father had passed on when she was 10) to see her off. But minutes ticked by and there was no sign of her. The poignant occasion inspired her to compose the beautiful Tamil song while inside the train: ‘Ennai Maravaa Yesu Naathaa,' (என்னை மறவா இயேசுநாதா) which spotlights the Lord's unfailing love even though a mother might forget her child. 

A pioneer in Tamil Christian devotional music, she is the next big name after the composers of the late 19th century who wrote Carnatic raga-based Christhava Keerthanais. A prolific composer, Sister Sarah Navaroji as she is known, has written, set to tune, sung and recorded 356 songs over the past five decades. Several of her songs are hits and are sung by other artists as well as played in Tamil Christian churches and homes all over the globe. All-time favourites such as ‘Thothiram Paadiyae'(தோத்திரம்பாடியே), ‘Thirupatham Nambi Vandaen'(திருப்பாதம் நம்பிவந்தேன்) and ‘Unnathamanavarin' (உன்னதமானவரின்) are often heard on various occasions but many may not know that these are Sarah's works - they are among her many evergreen hits.

Vachiramani Christian Ubathesiar
 

Vachiramani Christian Ubathesiar (1835-1910) lived in a village called, “Usarathu kudiyirupu” (Brahmanavilai) near Udankudi in Tuticorin District Tamil Nadu. He became a Christian, hearing the story of Joseph from an English missionary. Eventually, he became an evangelist (உபதேசியார், left his village and possessions and settled down in Jaffna (in SriLanka) as a Tamil teacher and gospel worker. In his old age, he returned to India and buried at his native place. Vachiramani Uphadesiar had five boys and four girls. His eldest son Rev. C. P. Gnanamani (C. P. ஞானமணி) was also a Tamil scholar and teacher. His epic Tamil grammar book written in 1885 was gazetted as a text book in the schools. He has written several lyrics in carnatic musical style with specific raagas (tunes) and thaalas. Some of his famous Tamil lyrics are: kaalame devanai thedu (காலமே தேவனை தேடு), Yesuvin namame thirunamam (இயேசுவின் நாமமே திருநாமம்), Anbe piradanam (அன்பே பிரதானம்), aathume thevanai (ஆத்துமா தேவனை), etc.

Vachiramani Christian Ubathesiar
 
Vachiramani Christian Ubathesiar (1835-1910) had five boys and four girls. His eldest son Rev. C. P. Gnanamani was also a Tamil scholar and teacher. His epic Tamil grammar book written in 1885 was gazetted as a text book in the schools. Rev. Gnanamani’s eldest son Rev. Canon C. D. Gnanamani was a great scholar in Tamil Literature. Rev. P. S. Peter who was also an excellent Tamil poet became a member of this family, by marrying the daughter of Vachiramani Ubathesiar. All these three poets and lyric writers have contributed over 750 lyrics and other poetic works. They have written in carnatic musical style with specific raagas (tunes) and thaalas. Some of their famous Tamil lyrics are: kaalame devanai thedu, Yesuvin namame thirunamam, Anbe piradanam, aathume thevanai (Mary’s song).

Source

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Tamil_Nadu#Tamil_Christian_keerthanai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Alfred_Krishnapillai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._Samuel_of_Tranquebar
http://tamilkeerthanaigal.blogspot.in/2008/09/abraham-pandithar-brief-history-about.html 
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianTamilLyrics/# 
http://graceidarajan.blogspot.in/2012_10_01_archive.html