NEELAKANTA BRAHMACHARI, A REVOLUTIONARY

Madras was considered a quiet province mostly dominated by moderate

politicians. It came in contact with the trends in Bengal, first through
Vivekanandha, who had a sort of royal reception in Madras after his return
from Chicago. The next emissary of Bengal politics in Madras was Bepin
Chandrapal Tharakanath Das, another man from Bengal who created a niche
for himself in Madras. He was a regular member of the Jugantar group of
Calcutta and he came to Madras on behalf of that group. He found Madras a
suitable place for organising revolutionary groups and travelled extensively
throughout the province1.
In April 1906 “The India” a daily newspaper came in to being. It was
started with the aim to remind the Indians of what a brave race they were and
that they should try to regain their past glories and break off the bonds of
slavery2.
The Extremist often held meetings in the Madras beach, inspiring the
people with their speeches on the new group’s (extremists) principles,
Swadeshi movement and the importance of holding Shivaji festivals. The
Extremists also formed an association called “The Bala Bharatha Sangam” in
November 19063.
In the Madras Presidency, ideals of the Nationalist Party were
propagated by a newspaper “India”. Bharathi attended the Congress session at
Calcutta on the invitation of Bepinchandra Pal 4. In 1906 “The Chennai Jana
Sangam” was formed. Bharathi, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Ethiraj
Surendranath Ayya were administrative Committee Members. This association
often arranged political meetings at Madras Presidency5.

1
Selected Document Series, Tirunelvely Riots Conspiracy and Ashe Murder
( TRCAM),Part -I, P.III (TNA)
2
Ker, J.C., Political Trouble in India, 1907-1917, Calcutta, P.181
3
India, 14th July 1906, Bharathi Dharisanam-I, (ed.) Elasai Maniyan, New Century
Publication, Madras, 1975, pp.33-35
4
India, 22nd December 1906.
5
G.O.No.920-921 (Confidential) dated 03-07-1908 (Judicial) Government of Madras
1
 The Nationalist current was very vigorous in the Madras Presidency.
Bepin Chandra Pal came on a lecturing tour in March 1907. Bharathi arranged
for his meetings in Madras. “The Bala Bharatha Sangam” chose Bharathi to
receive Bepin Chandra Pal at Rajahmundry and to take him to Madras 6. He
arranged Bepin Chandra Pal’s lecture for 5 days on Swadeshi and Boycott at
Thilagar Kattam in Madras beach7. On 1st May 1907 Bepin Chandra Pal
addressing an audience ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 received the most
enthusiastic welcome from the Madras people. It was a crowd of enthusiastic
young men who had just then graduated from the colleges and the college
students8. His speeches ignited the people against the British so much, that
many people took off their English hats and burnt them9.
The students were inspired by all these activities and began to get
involved in politics and preached Swadeshi and Boycott. Several students
addressed the gatherings near Moore Market in Madras. The policy tried to
stop the meeting, but the attempt was not successful. The indiscipline among
the students was blamed on Bepin Chandra Pal’s visit to Madras.

Bepin Chandra Pal delivered a series of lectures on Swadeshi and

Boycott on 1st, 2nd and 3rd of May 1907. Action was taken against him for his
speeches in Madras10. The Government put some conditions to continue is
lecturers. But Bepin Chandra Pal did not accept and he cancelled all lectures
and programmes and returned to Calcutta11. The course of the South Indian
politics was completely changed by his lectures.

When Neelakantan was working as a purchasing agent, after finishing

his work in the evening he used to go to beach everyday and listened to the
political speeches. He had an opportunity to listen to Bepin chandra Pal’s
6
India, Op.cit., 2nd March 1907, P.46.
7
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.18-19
8
C.I.D. Reports, 1907, Bepin Chandra Pal’s visit to Madras (TNA)
9
Madras Native Newspaper Reports, Shams-UL-Akhbar, 6th May 1907
10
Confidential Report on the visit of Bepin Chandra pal, dated 23-07-1907,
pp.135-140 (TNA).
11
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.21
2
lectures for 3 days continuously on 1 st 2nd and 3rd May 1907. Bepin Chandra
Pal’s emotional speeches made unexpected turning point in the life of
Neelakanta Brahmachari.

Bepin Chandra Pal made arrangements through his secretary, Kunju

Bhanerjee to select suitable South Indian Youths for revolutionary activities.
Neelakantan met Kunju Bhanerjee and told all the details about him very
boldly. After observing him keenly, Kunju Bhanerjee arranged for his meeting
with Bepin Chandra Pal. Bepin Chandra Pal realised his capacity. He came to
a decision that Neelakantan would be useful in Extremist and Revolutionary
Movement and he asked him to contact him12.

Even after his meeting with Bepin Chandra Pal, he continued his job
asusual. But in the event, after finishing his work he was totally a politician.
Politics occupied him slowly13. Subramaniya Bharathi worked as the editor in
the Swadeshamitran, a Tamil newspaper14. In April 1906 the paper “India”
came in to being. Bharathi was its editor. Mandayam Srinivasachariyar and
Thirumalachariyar, financially helped him to publish the paper15.

Neelakantan was very much attracted by Bharathi’s Swadeshi songs and

stage speeches. Neelakantan met Bharathi at “India” office which was situated
in No.34, northwest of the Thomson Company Press in Broadway and told him
that he wanted to serve for India’s freedom. Bharathi liked his words very
much and so from that time onwards they became friends 16. After this incident,
every evening Neelakantan met Bharathi and other youths and taled about

12
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.20-23.
13
Ibid.,p.24.
14
Ragami, C.M. Sivaramakrishna Sarma, Vijaya Bharatham (Tamil Weekly),
Publishing by Mahalingam,V., dated 19-04-1985, p.9
15
Ker. J.C., Op.cit., p.181.
16
Ragami,Op.cit., p.9.
3
political aspects. Bharathi was friendly with different politicians 17.
Neelakantan came to known many political leaders because of Bharathi18.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, son of Olaganatha Pillai, a private advocate,
was born at Ottapitaram, Tirunelvely District, in 1873. He started his career as
Criminal pleader at Ottapitaram in 1896. Subsequently he moved to Turicorin
in 1900 and continued his practice. He gave up his practice to deliver lectures
to his countrymen pointing out to them the benefit which would accrue by
supporting Swadeshi enterprise. He was mainly instrumental for starting the
Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company in October 1906 and was also connected
with several Swadeshi concerns in Tuticorin. He was a violent opponent of
“British India Steam Navigation Company” and certain other English
companies in Turicorin. The Swadeshi Company had been successfully
competing with the British India Steam navigation Company and infact
diverted a major portion of its business to itself. According to Chidambaram
Pillai, Swadeshism means, “the development of Indian Industries by Indians”.
The starting of the Swadeshi Company was a source of anxiety and caused
much irritation to the authorities of British Indian Steam Navigation company
and in consequence the feelings between the authorities of the two concerns
became very much strained19.

At Tuticorin Subramania Siva came under the influence of

Chidambaram Pillai. He was tramping the country as and it internet preacher
lecturing on Swadeshi and Boycott20. In December 1907, V.O. Chidambaram
Pillai came to Madras for gathering delegates to the “Surat Congress Session”.
Bharathi introduced Neelakantan to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. V.O.
Chidambaram Pillai advised neelakantan to dispose Swadeshi Steam
Navigation Company’s shares and thereby he could get good profit. Bharathi
said that neelakantan was a suitable man to dispose the shares. Although he
was only eighteen years old, he had gained wide experience in this field when
17
Padmanabha, R.A. Op.cit., pp.24-25
18
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 19-04-1985, P.9.
19
TRCAM, Part-I, pp.IV-V. (TNA)
20
TRCAM, Part-I, p.VI. (TNA)
4
he was working as a purchasing agent in TUCS. Neelakantan decided to join
the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai told him
to join duty after he came back to Madras from Surat on 2nd or 3rd January.
Accordingly, in December 1907, Neelakanta Brahmachari resigned his
job in TUCS and waited for Chidambaram Pillai’s arrival 21. On 3rd January
1908, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai returned to Madras. Neelakantan met him and
told about his resignation and he was also ready to join in Swadeshi Steam
navigation Company. But V.O. Chidambaram Pillai asked him to wait for two
days22.
Next day, after meeting V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, Neelakantan met
Bharathi in “India” Office. He saw a new man sitting infront of Bharathi.
Bharathi introduced Neelakantan and the new man Chandrakhanth
Chakrabarthi, who came from Calcutta to each other. Neelakantan came to
know that Chandrakhanth Chakrabarthi belonged to Bepin Chandra Pal’s group
who came to Madras to gather youths for the revolutionary movement.
Neelakantan was very eager to know about the revolutionary movements 23.
Bharathi was not directly involved in the revolutionary activities on the advice
of his guru Nivedita. At the same time he did not oppose the path followed by
the revolutionaries24.The conversation between Neelakantan and
Chandrakhanth Chakrabarthi in the “India” office changed Puthaga Nilayam,
Madurai, 1982, p.100 Neelakantan’s whole course of life completely. He
decided to dedicate himself to the revolutionary activities. He forgot his family
and about V.O. Chidambaram’s Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company. His
thought and action were only about revolution25.
Chandrakhanth Chakrabarthi spoke with Neelakantan freely. He said
that the arrangements were going on for massive revolution throughout India in

21
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp 28-29.
22
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp 30.
23
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp 31.
24
Raghunathan, Bharathi Kaalamum Karuthum, Meenakshi Puthga Nilayam,
Madurai, 1982, p.100
25
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.32.

5
a secret manner. Many prominent persons were connected with it. German
Government’s External Affairs Department had secret relationship with Baroda
Maha Raja, Sayaji Rao. Germans were very stubborn to crush the British. So
they came forward to help the Indians to start another revolt with more
cooperation than the Revolt of 1857 against the British26.
Germany decided to stimulate huge war in order to win British. From
1904 onwards it started its attempts against British. Aurobindo Ghose also took
part in this secret plan. The German Government agreed to supply weapons to
the Indian Revolutionaries before 1914. They also promised that the new
Government which was to be established by the Indians would be recognised
immediately by Germany and its allies.
Chandrakhanth Chakrabarthi also said that Baroda Maharaja made a
connection with other Swadeshi kings and important Indian political leaders
and he started to make attempts for a big revolt against British. The extremists
throughout India, supported this move and plans. Chandrakanth’s words made
Neelakantan more enthusiastic27.
Chandrakanth Chakrabarthi described Neelakantan the principles of
revolutionary organisation. The principle was “the leader should tour the
country and organise public meetings. In those meetings he should discuss the
current politics like an ordinary nationalist worker. Here he must carefully
locate and pickup the bold and brave ones who were prepared to sacrifice
everything for the cause of national liberation. He should make friendship with
them and from among them should pickup persons for the revolutionary
(Secret) inner circle. The membership in the inner circle should not be known
to anyone including the inner circle members except the leader.
All correspondence and transactions between the leader and the
members of the inner circle should be kept as close secret. To ensure utmost
secrecy the members of the inner circle should take an Oath in front of the idol
of ‘ Goddess Kali ‘ and should sign with the blood taken by cutting the thumb.
26
Ibid.,p.41.
27
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.42-43.

6
The essence of the Oath is that they are sacrificing themselves for the
revolutionary movement, working for the success of the revolution executing
the orders of the leader without hesitation, not to let out secrets even if they are
tortured etc. The leader should keep close touch with the members of the inner
circle. As far as possible correspondence should be through personal message
and in case sending letters through messengers or by post becomes inevitable
they should use proxies and codes. The major idea was to keep secrecy at all
costs. Above all, the leader should have continuous connection with
revolutionary leaders in Calcutta28. Neelakantan carefully listened to his words
with full determination, and accepted the revolutionary path29.

NEELAKANTAN’S ATTEMPTS FOR THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMY

After dedicated he to the revolutionary movement, Neelakantan made

many tours throughout Madras Presidency. First he went to Tuticorin on 15 th
February 1908. In Tuticorin, he stayed in V.O. Chidambaram Pillai’s house for
ten days. He observed V.O. Chidambaram Pillai who worked night and day for
Swadeshi movement30.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Siva delivered numerous
lectures in 1908. Both inspired the people to boycott foreign goods, refuse to
appeal to the authorities on any occasion, refuse the education given in the
Government Schools and to dispense with the courts both civil and criminal31.
Simultaneously with the secret movement, there was also an open
agitation advancing Swadeshi, Swaraj and Boycott of British goods. Tuticorin
and Tirunelvely were two important centers of this movement. Tuticorin was
the place where several speeches were made which influenced the common
people. The Joint Magistrate Mr. Ashe in view of the disturbed state of popular

28
Perumal, C.A., Revolutionary Nationalism in Tamil Nadu, 1900-1920, reprinted
from the Journal of the Madras University, Volume - LV, No.2, September 1982,
pp.9-10.
29
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op. cit., p.44.
30
Vijayalakshmi, S. Puthiya Alai (New wave), Maruthi Press, Madras-14,
dated 26-01-1975, p.18
31
TRCAM, Part -I, p.VI (TNA )
7
feelings issued an order prohibiting such meetings under section 144 Cr. P.C.
In defiance of this, a meeting was called. It was attended by thousands of
people. Under the influence of the speeches made by Chidambaram Pillai, on
the 27th February 1908, the labourers of the Coral Mills Company, a European
concern, organised a strike. Mean while a Swadeshi Bank was also started at
Tuticorin through the exertions of Chidambaram Pillai and this further strained
the feelings between the properties of the Swadeshi concern and the authorities
of the European concerns32.

Neelakantan thought that it was not good for his secret revolutionary
activates to stay with V.O. Chidambaram Pillai in that critical situation. So he
went to Tirunelvely and met some important people. They arranged public
meeting in the town. Neelakantan spoke about Swadeshi and Boycot. He was
ordered to stop his speech by a police Inspector who was on duty there. When
Neelakantan continued his speech, he was forced to stop his speech in the
middle. This was the first quarrel between the police and Neelakantan33.

After this incident Neelakantan went to Pathamadai, Cheramahdevi,

Kasi and Kallidaikuruchi. Neelakantan intended to meet Poolam Periyasamy
Thevar, a popular leader among the Thevar Community and Maravakkurichi
Pichandi Thevar, another popular leader among the Thevar Community
Neelakantan thought that they could supply men for his revolutionary army.

He disguised himself as a C.I.D. and made the police Inspector of

Poolam police station to arrange for a parade of all the decocts. The police
Inspector did so. Neelakantan could see the Poolam Periyasamy Thevar but he
could not speak anything personally with him. His first attempt to gather men
for his revolutionary army ended in failure34.

32
TRCAM, Part -I, pp.VI-VII. (TNA)
33
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.50.51.
34
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.51-53
8
 Neelakantan never lost his hope. Then he intended to meet
Marvakkurichi Pichandi Thevar through a popular man of that community by
name Pillaiyan. They met Maravakkurichi Pichandi Thevar and Neelakantan
told him everything about his revolutionary army and the alliance with
Germany against British. To get freedom, such an alliance with Germany was
essential. So to get success in their plan, Maravars should give their support.
The youth who were enrolled in the revolutionary army would be given
training to use revolvers and also proper military training. Pichandi Thevar was
moved by Neelakantan’s emotional speech and he promised to give 3,000
Maravar youth. Thus his second attempt to enlist members for his
revolutionary army gave him success35.

The 1908 Thirunelvely Riot

“Swaraj Day” was celebrated throughout India on 9th March 1908. Bepin
Chandra Pal was released from jail on that day 36. He published Vande
Madharam, an English weekly news paper. This paper was circulated among
the patriots freely. A copy of that paper was sent to Neelakantan after his
meeting with Bepin Chandra Pal37.
V.O. Chidambaram Pillai arranged to celebrate the release of Bepin
Chandra Pal on 9th March 1908, as “Swaraj Day”. The British in Tirunelvely
were very angry and wanted to stop the celebration38. Mr. Ashe the Joint
Magistrate Challenged to put an end to the National agitation. So he wanted to
arrest V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Siva. He sent a report to the
District Collector that V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Siva were delivered
speeches to provoke the people against the British, so that action was to be
taken against them39.
The District Collector Mr. Wynch accepted Mr.Ashe’s report and sent
notice to V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and Siva to show their reasons for their
35
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.54-55
36
The Hindu, Madras, March 10, 1908
37
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.56
38
. Ibid.,p.57.
39
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 26-04.1985, p.8.
9
activities and to meet him at Tirunelvely on 9 th March 1908. V.O.
Chidambaram Pillai and Siva went to meet Collector Mr. Wynch, who ordered
them to accept their activities as anti-government. But they refused and were
arrested on 12th March 190840. This news immediately spread throughout the
District. On 13th March 1908m a riot took place at Tuticorin and Tirunelvely.
Ashe went to the scene and ordered disperse of the crowds. On their failure to
do so, the police opened fire. Large numbers of persons were arrested. A boy
of 17 years was the first victim to the gun at Tirunelvely. Almost all the
Government buildings were attacked. Government property was destroyed;
furniture and records of Government offices were burnt. The town was
gloomy. The Municipality, the market, police stations were all set on fire. The
excitement of the people was great till 15th March41. V.O.Chidambaram Pillai
and Siva were charged under section 124A and 153A Indian Penal Code. They
were sentenced to transportation for life but on appeal this sentence was
reduced to 6 years42.
The 1908 ‘Tirunelvely riot’ became the first stepping stone for all
political happenings. Neelakantan did not involve himself in this riot; he stood
by himself in his revolutionary activities. But the riot affected him also.
When Neelakantan attempted to give a lecture in Palamcottah on
Swadeshi, Boycott and Swaraj, Inspector Viraraghava Iyer, who was then in
charge of Palamcottah division, prevented him from doing so under his
superior’s orders. So Neelakantan went to Tenkasi43.
In Tenkasi Neelakantan met Sankarakrishnan and Madathukadai
Chidambaram Pillai, who became the best followers of him. Sankarakrishnan
was a young man and a friend of Bharathi’s wife Chellammal’s family.
Madathukadai Chidambaram Pillai also was a young man and a grocer.

After finishing his three meetings in Tenkasi, Neelakantan went to

Ambasamudram. From there he went to Kallidaikurichi to give speech. When
40
G.O.No.842-843, dated 18th June 1908 ( Judicial )
41
TRCAM, Part - I, p. VII (TNA)
42
G.O. No.754, 1908 (Judicial)
43
TRCAM, Part-III, p.808 (TNA)
10
finished his two lectures in Kallidaikurichi, he had the news that in Tirunelvely
a riot had broken out. He thought that if he stayed there, he would be arrested.
To continue his work without any hindrance he left for Madras44.
In April 1908, Neelakanta Brahmachari met Devi Prasad Mukerjee
another Bengal Revolutionist in Madras. In April 1908, Sankarakrishnan
discontinued his matriculation study and came to Madras to join in the freedom
struggle. He stayed in Bharathi’s house. Everyday morning Neelakantan went
to Bharathi’s house and developed close friendship with Sankarakrishnan. He
made him a member in his revolutionary (secret) inner circle and his right
hand45.

For the first time the police endeavored to trace Neelakantan. He

continued his revolutionary activities. To escape from the attention of the
Police, Neelakantan and his revolutionary inner circle members had assumed
names and had their letter connection only through this assumed names. The
assumed names of Neelakantan, Sankarakrishnan and Madathukadai
Chidambaram Pillai were Brahmachari, Hari and Govindhan respectively.
From then onwards Neelakantan was called Neelakanta Brahmachari. This
name had a permanent place in the History of South Indian Revolutionary
Movement. For the next twenty five years, the name Neelakanta Brahmachari
became a headache to the South Indian Police, Prison officers and even to the
Madras Government46.

In 1908 Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Kancheepuram to enlist

members for revolutionary movement. When he murmured Vande Matharam,
a famous patriotic song as usual a young men listened and spoke to him
voluntarily and took him to his house. He was Venkata Arya. With the help of
Venkata Arya, Neelakantan addressed four meetings and met few youth.

44
Padmanabhan, R.A. Op.cit., p.61.
45
Interview on 19-04-1989 with Lakshminarayana Sastrigal
46
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.63.
11
Among them he chose Ramandha Sharma a member in his revolutionary inner
circle47.
When he came back to Madras by train he realised that the spies were
watching him. He came to known from one of them that they were assigned
with the duty of preparing a report on his activities. To prevent them from
following him and preparing a true report on his activities Neelakanta
Brahmachari made an agreement with them by which the spies were not to
follow him and in turn Neelakantan was to report them every evening48.

In May 1908, Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Tirunelvely once again

after the riot. He was moving about between various placed such as Tenkasi,
Ambasamudram, Tirunelvely and Tuticorin. He also delivered some seditious
lectures in the Chengalput District after the riots49. In Tirunelvely District, he
stayed in Vakil Sadhu Ganapathi Bandhuly’s house. Bandhulu had built many
rooms in his house for his party men. As more men would be coming and
going, Neelakantan thought that no one could watch him, when he stayed
there.50

At that time a case was going on against V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and
Siva in Tirunelvely sessions court. One day both of them were taken back to
jail from court by judge, on the way V.O. Chidambaram saw Neelakantan
walking on the street, he told him, “Don’t go anywhere, you should be here.”
By then the jadka passed on, he could not tell him anything more.

Next day morning, an unknown person came to Neelakantan and said

that V.O. Chidambaram Pillai sent him to bring him to Turicorin and from
Tuticorin another man would take him to Adhanoor, to meet an important
native leader. Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Tuticorin and then reached

47
Interview on 19-04-1989 with Lakshminarayana Sastrigal
48
Padmanabha, R.A., Op.cit., pp.66-67.
49
History of Freedom Movement (H.F.M.-110 ), Abstract of Bundle No.2, Ashe
murder Case, p.320. (TNA)
50
Interview with lakshminarayana Sastrigal on 20-04-1989
12
Adhanoor, where Panchalamkurichi Zamindar’s uncle Mappilaisamy was
living51.
Mappilaisamy was the leader of Kambalathar Nayakkar. They belonged
to the ruin of Kattabomman. They were about 30,000 to 40,000 in number.
They were originally warriors. After the down fall of Vijaya Nagar Kingdom,
these Telugu soldiers came to South and settled down. Since they came from
the capital of Vijaya Nagar Kingdom, “Kamppli”, they were called as
Kambalathar in Tamil52.

Mappilaisamy showed great interest towards the revolutionary activities.

Kambalathar hated the British, because the British hanged Kattabomman. So
they welcomed the plan to drive away the British from India. Mapplilaisamy
told him, if there were enough weapons, they were ready to give 20,000
soldiers to the revolutionary army. His words encouraged Neelakanta
Brahmachari53.

But a problem arose regarding the war weapons. But Neelakantan said
that very soon the essential war weapons would be getting from Germany.
Then Neelakanta Brahmachari returned to Madras54.

Neelakanta Brahmachari dedicated himself to the revolutionary

movement, from, that time onwards he cut off all his connections with this
family. In 1908, he received a letter from is father in which he informed him
that he had lost all tier family property except a house. His father knew no
other job than to teach Vedas. So he expected monetary help from
Neelakantan. But Neelakantan did not even send a reply to him. At that time
he had a large sum of money under his custody as the fund they had collected
for revolutionary movement. But he did not misuse it. So his father shifted his
family from Erukkoor to Mayavaram and there he started teaching Veda 55.
51
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.68-69.
52
Ragami, Op. cit., dated 7-6-1985, p.7
53
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.72.
54
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 14-06-1985. p.4
55
Interview on 19-04-89 with Lakshminarayana Sastrigal.
13
Neelakantan gave prior importance to National cause and not to his personal
interests56.
Neelakanta Brahmachari collected funds from rich people for the
revolutionary movement. S.N. Thirumalachari, the publisher of “India” was
the continuous supporter refused to contribute money for the fund.
Neelakantan never hesitated even to threaten Thirumalachari to collect the
money from him. Finally Thirumalachari was forced to contribute money at
gun point57.

The Then village Munciff of Dhanchanalloor Suggested that

Neelakantan could collect a huge sum very easily by one or two robberies
instead of taking so much pain. But Neelakantan refused to do so since he was
a man of principles. He was a man of high principles even when was
starving58.

Once he was travelling from Tirunelvely to Madras by train. In the train

he met a C.I.D. Official. To escape from him, Neelakantan got down at Trichy
and met Rev. Father Billow of Saint Joseph’s College. Father Billow gave him
shelter in “Saint Mary’s Garden” a catholic colony. When he stayed in Saint
Mary’s Garden, a parcel came to him. But it was received by Rev. Father
Billow. It contained a book titled, “The Rise and Influence of Rationalism in
Europe”. Father Billow was shocked and asked Neelakantan to vacate.
Neelakantan left Trichy and reached Madras with the help rendered by Rev.
Father Billow59.
Germany resolved to give many weapons to Indian revolutionaries
against British in the beginning of 1910. Neelakantan got the news through
Calcutta leaders. So he made several tours in Southern districts of the Madras
Presidency to provoke the people in support of the movement60.

56
Padmanabhan, R.A. Op.cit., p.72.
57
Ibid, pp.72-73.
58
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 14-06-1985. p.4
59
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.76-80.
60
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 14-06-1985, P.4.
14
 In 1909, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai’s family friends S. Nellaiyappan
went to Coimbatore jail where V.O. Chidambaram was serving his sentence,
and met him. When he returned to Pondichery, he described his friends about
the cruel attitude of the Government towards V.O. Chidambaram Pillai who
was suffering in the jail. By this time, Rajapalayam Subbiah Mudaliar came to
Pondichery where he met Madasamy, the relative of Madathukadai
Chidambaram Pillai and an intimate friend of V.O. Chidambaram Pillai and
Neelakantan. To both of them Subbiah Mudaliar revealed that he would
reward Rs.1000/- to anyone if he killed Ashe61.
But Neelakantan was against killing an individual. His main aim was to
expel the British from Indian soil with the help of a revolutionary army. So the
urgent task was to collect members for that army and not to kill and individual
which would definitely put end to their revolutionary activities62.
In April 1910, Neelakantan made tour to Coimbatore, Kerala and many
other places with his friend Sankarakrishnan. Both of them went to
Mettupalayam, Ernakulam, Kollam ande Punalur to give lecturers and enlist the
members for the revolutionary movement.
At Punalur, Sankarakrishnan introduced his sister’s husband,
Vanchinadhan, who was the son of Ragupathy, Iyer, was employed as a forest
guard at Punalur (Travancore State). As usual Neelakantan propagated the
ideals of extremism to Vanchinadhan also. Neelakantan liked him very much.
So he enrolled him as a member of the revolutionary (secret) inner circle
Vanchinadhan took oath to join the secret society63.
Varaganeri Venkatesa Subramania Iyer popularly known as V.V.S. Iyer
64
and was also known as Maha rishi was for some years in Europe working in
close collaboration with Vinayak Savarkar, Shyaniji Krishnavarma and
Madame Cama. He was a learned person scholar in Sanskrit and a master of
fine English prose. On return, he settled at Pondichery. He was a great patriot

61
Padmanabhan, R.A. Op.cit., pp.91-92.
62
Vijayalakshmi, S., Op.cit., P,.18.
63
Ibid.,p.19.
64
Padmanabhan, R.A., V.V.S. Iyer, NBT, New Delhi, p.6.
15
and extremist in Indian nationalist politics. He believed in violence and
revolutionary method for winning India’s freedom. He was of opinion that
training to the citizens in the free use of arms and heroic deeds are necessary
for every Indian to free India65. In October 1910, V.V.S. Iyer established the
Dharmalayam where he taught boxing, wrestling, shooting practices etc to
young and able men. He was a believer in terrorism, the assassination of
individual Europeans and their helpers66.

Pondichery became a centre for the publication of seditious and patriotic

pamphlets and newspapers67. Both in London and later, the methods that
V.V.S. Iyer adopted compelled him to train a core of dedicated nationalists
whose activities necessarily had to be secret68.
Bharatha Matha Association
Between September 1909 and November 1910 Neelakantan was the
founder of the Bharatha Matha Association in Shencottah, of which Vanchi
Iyer, Jegannatha Iyengar, Harihar Iyer, Pichumani Iyer and Venkatrama Iyer
were members. The objects of this Association were the encouragement of
Swadeshi goods in addition to the reading of newspapers obtained from
Pondichery. This Association Eventually developed in to a secret society.
Though there was nothing illegal in its avowed objects, the unfortunate
impression that Swadeshi will be crushed as at Tuticorin and those who are
responsible for it will meet Chidambaram Pillai’s fate is the only explanation
fro the association being converted into a secret society. Almost all the member
of this association eventually became members of the secret society organised
by Neelakantan69.
Suppression of newspapers and conviction of important persons
compelled him to have his headquarters at Pondichery. He tried to adopt other
methods of spreading their propaganda and for this purpose the “Bharatha
65
TRCAM, Part-I, p.xVII. (TNA).
66
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.III.
67
Srinivasan, R., The Revolution heritage of V.V.S. Iyer, Madras, 1986, p.21.
68
Ibid, p.40
69
TRCAM, Part-III, p.824, (TNA).
16
Matha Secret Society” was formed on the 10 th April 1910 at Tenkasi70 and the
first meeting held by Neelakanta Brahmachri which had for its purpose the
starting of a revolutionary movement71.
The first meeting was held in the Madathudadi Chidambaram Pillai’s
house at Tenkasi. He was financing Neelakantan every now and then.
Neelakanta Brahmachari presided over the meeting. Sankarakrishnan Iyer, a
cultivator aged 22, Madathukadai Chidambaram Pillai, a grocer aged 24, K.V.
Arumugam Pillai, a young vellala clerk of Tuticorin, Vande Madharam
Subramania Iyer, a school teacher, aged 26, attended the meeting72.
Neelakantan explained his views that Chidambram Pillai, Subramania
Siva, Krishnaswamy Sharma lectured but nothing came out of it, that
Government arrested them and sent them to jail that some tried to publish in
newspaper but we have not obtained Swadeshi and Swaraj by that or by
lectures and in consequence we have devised a new plan for that purpose,
namely to hold secret meetings in all big towns and villages and arrange to kill
all Europeans as was done in the mutiny of 1857. Sankarakrishnan also spoke
at the meeting. Neelakantan mixed sandalwood paste and kunkumam in water
and after dipping some flowers in the mixture, he offered them to the Kali. He
said that the red liquid was the blood of the English and that was thrown as a
sacrifice to Baratha Matha. Some Vande Madharam songs were sung by
Sankarakrishnan from memory.

A half sheet of white paper was taken, some ten lines of Vande
Madhram songs were written on it, and underneath was written, “To establish
Swaraj in India, we should drive the English from India. For this purpose
sacrifice our bodies, souls and property. We should not marry as marriage
would be hindrance to the carrying out of these objects and that if anyone when
arrested by Government should divulge the names of the members of the
society or its existence he should be killed as Goshein of Calcutta was killed

70
TRCAM, Part - I, p.XIX.
71
Ibid.,Part-III, p.695.
72
Ibid.,Part-III, p.809. (TNA).
17
and would go to hell”73. Neelakantan asked them if they would join the new
movement. The persons who attended the meeting were assented to these views
and agreed to become members of the new movement. Then Neelakantan gave
them new names to carry on secret correspondence. These new names were
written below the Oath described above. Each of the member read the Oath
paper, drank the red solution saying that was the white man’s blood, cut his
thumb with a razor and affixed his thumb impression in blood opposite to their
new names. Neelakantan asked Arumugam to enlist recruits and to distribute
the Dharmam paper published at Pondichery. Arumugam agreed to do so.
After this, the meeting dispersed.
Arumugam left Tenkasi and reached Tuticorin. There, he met
Somasundharam who had consented to become a member. Neelakantan went
to his village and thence to Pondichery. There he met his old friend Mr.
Chakkravarthi Iyengar, a Cuddalore advocate74. When Chakkravarthi Iyengar
came to know about Neelakantan’s revolutionary activities, warned him that if
was dangerous path. But Neelakantan threw a book title “The war of Indian
Independence” and asked him to read it75. Chakkravarthi Iyengar had asked
Bharathi to advise Neelakantan against becoming an anarchist. But Bharathi
had said t6hat he was not in Pondichery to teach the sons of India like
Neelakanta Brahmachari, but to charge the views of the cowards like
Chakkravarthi Iyengar76.
About the middle of June 1910 Neelakantan went to Mettupalayam.
Just about this time Sankarakrishnan left Tenkasi on 2 nd June 1910, met Vanchi
Iyer on 3rd June 1910 on the Punalur Railway Station platform as previously
arranged, and spoke to him on some urgent and confidential matter, and
reached Alleppey the next day. From there Sankarakrishnan and harihara Iyer,
a merchant went to Cochin. Then Sankarakrishnan alone went to
Mettupalayam and met Neelakantan as previously arranged. Then both of them

73
H.F.M-110, Abstracts of Bundle No-3, Ashe Murder Case, p.23. (TNA).
74
TRCAM, Part-III, pp.809-811. (TNA).
75
H.F.M-110, Abstracts of Bundle No.3, Ashe Murder Case,p.22
76
Confidential Report on Ashe Murder Case p.321 (TNA)
18
visited Cochin and Aleppey77. All these places, Neelakantan first delivered
lectures on Swadeshi and Boycott and then preach on the evils they suffer from
or are assumed to suffer from. These were easily brought home to the mofusal
riots. He posses himself a vedantist not concerned in the material affairs of this
world, he tells them to disregard the body and sacrifice themselves for the
country. He deifies the country and makes it an object of worship78.

Harihara Iyer was introduced to Neelakantan at Alleppey and he became

so enamored of Neelakantan that he spent out of his pocket and described him
in one of his letters to Vanchi Iyer as the first born son of Mother Bharatha.
From Alleppey, Neelakantan and Shankarakrishnan went to Punalur via Quilon
where they met Vanchi. From there they went to Shencottah. After staying in
Shencottah for about a week they went to Tuticorin, one after the other about
the middle of July 1910. Arumugam made necessary arrangements for their
stay in Tuticorin. He engaged the upstairs portion of one Pattialammal’s house
in Tuticorin and arranged for their food and conveyance. Arumugam had
already enlisted the sympathies of Somasundharam and Madasamy79.
In Tuticorin, another Oath taking meeting (second meeting of the
Bharatha Matha Association) was held. At this meeting Neelakanta
Brahmachari, Sankarakrishnan, Muthukumarasami Pillai, a pot seller,
Subbayya Pillai, Vakil’s Gumastah, Madasamy, Arumugam and
Somasundharam took the Oath of blood precisely in the same manner as at
Tenkasi.

After a stay of about a week in Tuticorin Neelakantan went back to

Shencottah and stayed Courtallam in the Rama Roa;s bungalow for about a
fortnight till 9th August, 1910 when he left for Punalur. There he was met by
Ramaswami Iyer80.

77
TRCAM, part -III, pp.811-812. (TNA)
78
Ibid. p.750
79
TRCAM, Part - III, p.811-812 (TNA)
80
TRCAM, Part - III, p.812. (TNA)
19
 Neelakanta Brahmachari had a number of aliases, neelakanta Iyer,
Narayana govindadu Bai, Narayana Govinda Duboi, Govinda narayanan and
Neelakanta Datta81. As Narayana Duboi he was at Tirunelvely, Palayamkottah
and other places in Tirunelvely District in 190882.
Dharmaraja Iyer wrote a letter to Neelakantan to hold a meeting at
Shencottah. Neelakanta Brahachari accepted it and went to Shencottah.
Vanchi and Dharmaraja Iyer arranged Sivagaminatha Pillai’s house for
meeting. This meeting was attended by Sankarakrishnan, Vanchi, Jagnnatha
Iyengar, Pirchumani Iyer, Savadi Arunachalam Pillai, Ramaswamy and
Subramania Pillai. Every day, after meals in the night, Neelakantan delivered
addressee to the members. At that time Neelakantan delivered addresses to the
members. At that time Neelakantan told that it was their duty to see that native
industries were fostered, that trade should be developed and that English goods
should not be purchased at all but they should purchase only Indian goods83.

Neelakanta Brahmachari also delivered addresses on the attaining of

Swaraj. He told the people that machines and looms should be established and
that the English were ruining the country very much that disease was spreading
in the country, people were being oppressed with severe taxes and for that
reason they must be driven out of India. He also said the weapons necessary
for driving them out of the country were being prepared at Pondichery. Then
finally they took an Oath which was in many respects like that already taken at
Tenkasi and Tuticorin84.

Before this meeting Neelakanta Brahmachari got money from Vanchi,

who got it from Dharmaraja Iyer, for the publication of his books “History of
Japan” and “Sanathana Dharma” (In Tamil). Bharathi read the manuscripts of
his books, made some corrections, and published some of the essays in the

81
H.F.M-112, Diary of Important Events 1910-1947, p.319 (TNA)
82
TRCAM, Part-III, p.808
83
TRCAM, Part - III, p.668. (TNA)
84
Ibid.,p.669
20
“Dharma” newspaper. Then Neelakantan gave the manuscripts to the Madras
“Guardian Press” with small amount of advance for the publication85.
The meeting of the Bharatha Matha Association presided over by
Neelakanta Brahmachari was held at Shencottah “Kasppa” “Alagapillai’s
house. Dharmaraja’s friend Venkataraman joined the Bharatha Matha
Association. Many Swadeshi songs were sung by the members and finally
usual Oath was taken. After the meeting was over, Vanchi asked Neelakantan
about the publication of two books. Neelakantan said that he gave it to the
“Guardian Press” at Madras for publication. Vanchi told him to publish the
books within 15 days.

Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Pondichery from Shencottah 86. At

Shencottah, Vanchi reported to other members of the Bharatha Matha
Association about the publication of books and the activities of Neelakanta
Brahmachari. The members advised Vanchi, to go to Pondichery to inform the
leaders about Neelakantan’s failure to publish the books. They all suspected
that Neelakantan had misused the money.

Before going to Pondichery, Ottapidaram madasamy Pillai, Shencottah

Dharmaraja Iyer, Madathukadai Chidambaram Pillai and some other members
met Vanchi in his house; they discussed about the cruelty of Ashe. They
decided that, if they failed to kill Ashe, he would kill the members of the
Bharatha Matha Association. From that time on wards they were watching the
daily activities of Ashe to find suitable time to kill him 87 Madasamy already
sent a threatening letter to Ashe, it was as follows:
Vande Madharam
“We members of the Bharatha Matha Association do hereby warn you to the
following effect:

85
Ragmai, Op.cit., dt. 7-6-1985, p.6
86
Ibid., dt. 28-6-1985, p.5
87
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 5-7-1985. p.4
21
Don’t interfere in to any public concern. If you be stubborn, inspite of this
warning then your head will be smashed to pieces within a short time:

Your’s truly,

Bharatha Matha Association Members88

When Vanchi and Sankarakrishnan reached Pondichery, Neelakantan
left Pondichery to Erukkoor to attend his sister Valambal’s marriage 89. Vanchi
and Sankarakrishnan met V.V.S. Iyer found that Vanchi was the suitable man
for his principles. So he trained him to use a browning pistol (which was
received from Madam Cama) against Ashe, the Collector of Tirunelvely90.
Unexpectedly, Neelakanta Brahmachari came to Pondichery and stayed
in the usual residence, the Dharma office, where the newspapers India and
Dharma were printed. Bharathi met him and Neelakantan described him the
activities of his society members against him and also the money problem in
publishing his two books. Because of these problems, he thought of going to
North India and asked Bharathi to come with him. Bharathi could not
accompany him because of his wife’s sickness91.
Neelakantan came to know that Vanchi having revolver training from
V.V.S. Iyer, He did not like it. Because V.V.S. Iyer advocated individual
massacre and violence to the only means for ousting the Europeans from the
country. Through Bharathi Neelakantan met V.V.S. Iyer. Both of them
exchanged their own ideas and principles. But V.V.S. Iyer’s principles were
quiet contrary to Neelakantan’s views. Finally Neelakantan came out without
accepting V.V.S. Iyer’s views92.

88
H.F.M - 110 Abstract of Bundle No.2, Ashe Murder Case, P.329 (TNA)
89
Ragami, Op cit., dated 5-7-1985, p.4
90
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.,cit., p.111
91
Ragami, Op. cit., dated 12-7-1985, p.5
92
Ragmai, Op.cit., dated 19-07-1985, pp.8-9.
22
 In the Dharma office, Vanchi with some other friends discussed about
Neelakantan when they saw him, they showered praises on V.V.S. Iyer and
acknowledged him as the true patriot. They also told that V.V.S. Iyer would be
the leader of the Bharatha Matha Association and Neelakantan was no More
the leader of that Association93.
Then Neelakanta Brahmachari made arrangements to return the money
to Vanchi through Bharathi and told him that he would be going to North India
leaving Pondichery with broken heart94.
He went to Banaras in the last week of April 1911. He stayed with K.S.
Muthaiyah, who was Neelakantan’s Father’s friend and a owner of the ‘Silk
Trade Company’. He asked Neelakantan to stay there and gave him a new
name Maithreya. From there Neelakantan wrote a letter to his family. He
stayed there for a month95.

93
Ibid.,dated 26-07-1985, p.7.
94
Ibid.,dated 02-08-1985, p.8.
95
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 09-08-1985, p.8
23
 TIRUNELVELY CONSPIRACY CASE
OR
ASHE MURDER CASE

The terrorists decided to murder Ashe. Having trained in revolver

practice under V.V.S. Iyer at Pondichery, Vanchi and Sankarakrishnan were
entrusted with that job. At that time Ashe has succeeded Wynch as Collector of
Tirunelvely and the members of the Bharatha Matha Association had bitter
feelings96.
On the morning of 17th June 1911, Ashe the Collector and District
Magistrate of Tirunelvely left Tirunelvely Bridge Railway station with his wife
by the 9.30 a.m. train and reached Maniyachi at 10.30 a.m. He was seated in a
first class compartment in which he and Mrs. Ashe were the only occupants
waiting for the Ceylon Boat Mail. The station platform was almost empty. Here
and there, there were few passengers. The Maniyachi railway station master’s
two sons were standing almost opposite to the first class compartment in which
Mr. and Mrs. Ashe were seated. Just then two men went up to the first class
compartment, one in green coat and the other a young Brahmin wearing his
waist cloth like a Malayali. The Green coated man (Vanchi) peeped in to the
compartment and started at Mr. Ashe while the other went further up and stood
in front of the servant’s compartment. Mr. Ashe was annoyed at the green
coated man looking in to the compartment and frowned at him. The man then
pointed a pistol at Mr. Ashe. Mr. Ashe grew alarmed, stood up, took off his hat
and threw it at him. It missed him and fell down on the platform. But the man
fired at Mr. Ashe, who was hit on the right side of his chest. Mr. Ashe, tried to
get out of the compartment but was prevented by Mrs. Ashe, and both of them
fell on the floor of the carriage. Mr. Ashe died shortly afterwards.
Vanchi after shooting Ashe ran in to the latrine challenging any one to
approach him. The latrine was surrounded by the Railway Police and the

96
TRCAM, part-I, p.XVIII. (TNA)
24
crowd, but no one apparently attempted to enter it and the assassin (Vanchi)
eventually shot himself and died97.
On the body of Vanchi, a letter was found in Tamil. The translation of
the letter is as follows:
“The militias of England having captured our country tread over
Sanathanadharma of the Hindus and destroy them. Every Indians is trying to
drive out the English, and get Swarajya, and restore sanathanadharama. Our
Rama, Krishnan, Arjuna, Guru Govind, Shivaji ruled over land protecting all
dharmas, and in this land they are making arrangements to Crown George V, a
militia and one who eats the flesh of cows. Three thousand Madrasees have
taken a vow to kill George V as soon as he lands in our intention I, who am the
least in this association, have done this deed this day. This is what everyone in
Hindustan should consider as his duty to do”.
R. Vanchi Aiyar of Shencottah98
Sankarakrishnan who accompanied Vanchi, escaped from the scene. But
with the help of Vanchi’s letter he was arrested later and was identified by the
two sons of the Maniyachi Station master99.
With the help of Vanchi’s letter the police came to know that Vanchi
belonged to Shencottah. Then the police searched Vanchi’s house; they
discovered many letters, seditious pamphlets and extremists literature. Among
the letters many were sent by Neelakanta Brahmachari to Vanchi with
Erukkoor address.
On the evidence of these letters and pamphlets, the police came to know
that the connection between Neelakanta Brahmachari, Vanchi and other
members. The police had a statement from Vanchi’s father Ragupathi Iyer.
When then the police went to Erukkoor and searched Neelakantan’s house,
they discovered many letters written by Vanchi and Ottapidaram Madasamy
Pillai, and copies of India, Suryodhayam, Bala Bharatha and many other

97
TRCAM, Part-I, pp. XVIII - XIX (TNA)
98
TRCAM, Part-I, p.190 (TNA)
99
Ibid., p.XIX
25
proscribed newspapers. The police also discovered one letter under the name
‘Maithreya’ with the Varanasi address. Immediately they contacted Varanasi.
At the same time Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Calcutta. Because,
when he was in Varanasi, he read the newspaper reports of Ashe’s
Assassination. The newspaper reports also said that the police had rounded up
several of Neelakantan’s close followers including his right hand man
Sankarakrishnan. The Police were also said to be on the lookout for
Neelakantan100.
The Government offered a reward of Rs.1000/- each for the capture of
Neelakanta Brahmachari and Madasamy101. In Calcutta Neelakantan met
Surendranath Bhanerjee and consulted him whether to surrender voluntarily or
not. Surendranath Bhanerjee suggested him three ways; one was to surrender
voluntarily, second was to hide him in the country and third one was to go to
foreign country secretly. Neelakantan considered all the three ways and came
to a decision to surrender voluntarily to the police102.
Neelakantan stayed in Calcutta in Madarasi Hotel at Siyanda. From
Hotel, he wrote a letter to the Commissioner of Police, Calcutta. He also wrote
a letter to the Amrita Bazar Patrika for publication103.
Then Neelakanta Brahmachari surrenders himself before the Deputy
Commissioner of Police, Calcutta, and made a statement. He was arrested on
7th July 1911 by the Calcutta police and his belonging searched. Among the
papers seized, there was one paper in which he admitted that he was at one time
an anarchist. He was brought down to Tirunelvely on 11 th July 1911. He made
a voluntary statement on 12th July before Mr. Tampoe, Sub-Divisional First
Class Magistrate, Tirunelvely and another statement on 14 th July before the
very same magistrate. He admitted having formed societies in Tenkasi and
Tuticorin having with others under taken an Oath to devote his life and

100
Ragami, Op. cit., dated 16-08-1985, p.21
101
G.O. No.593, Judicial, dated 30-6-1911
102
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op. cit., pp.115-116
103
H.F.M - 79, p.303. (TNA)
26
property to the country, offered pujah to mother kali, written the condition of
their vow on a piece of paper and put thumb marks on that paper in blood104.
The first statement purported to give an account of Neelakantan’s life
since 1930 up to the time of his arrest. In the second statement, he states, “I
want entirely to unburden my mind. If any persons are to be punished for what
I say, I should be the first among them, but I believe I am innocent”105.
The King Emperor charged Neelakanta Brahmachari and other 13
accused, with having entered in to a conspiracy to wage war against the British.
The accused were:
1) Neelakanta Brahmachari, Journalist aged 21.
2) Sankarakrishnan Iyer, Cultivator aged 22.
3) Madathukadai Chidambaram Pillai, Grocer aged 24.
4) Muthukumarasami Pillai, Pot seller aged 45.
5) Subbayyah Pillai, Vakil’s Gumastah aged 43.
6) Jagannadha Iyengar, Cook aged 25.
7) Harihara Iyer, Merchang aged 21.
8) Babu Pillai alias Ramasami Pillai, Cultivator aged 24.
9) V. Desikachari, Merchant aged 30.
10) Vembu Iyer alias Mahadeva Iyer, Cook aged 23
11) Savadi Arunachalam Pillai, Cultivator aged 30.
12) Alagappa Pillai, Cultivator, aged 18.
13) Vande Madharam Subramania Iyer, School Master aged 26.
14) Pichumani Iyer alias Venkatachalam Iyer, Cook aged 26

All of them sere charged under section 121A, 302, 109 and 111 Indian
Penal Code (I.P.C). Neelakanta Brahmachari was the first accused in this case.
He was accused as the organiser of the conspiracy and the leading spirit
amongst the conspirators. The trial in the High Court commenced on 11 th
September 1911 and came to a close on 2nd February 1912 after 80 sittings106.
104
TRCAM, Parti-III, pp.825-926 (TNA)
105
Ibid.,p.605 and Swadesamitran, dated 12-07-1911 and 13-07-1911
106
Madras law Journal Report, Volume-XXII, part-XIV, 1912,p.490
27
 In this case K.V. Arumugam Pillai of Tuticorin, Somu alias
Somasundharam of Ottapidaram and Ramasami Iyer of Sundarapandiyapuram
became approvers107.
The family members of the other accused stood in the way of
Neelakantan and requested him to save the other accused. So at the trial, for
saving the other accused, Neelakantan made a statement on 23 rd October 1911,
to the court108 that the information contained in his statement of the 14 th of July
was false and that he did not make the statement of his own free will. He made
them under police influence109. If he did not gave. This statement, the other
accused would also be punished severely like him110.
The Judgment was delivered by the Special bench on 15 th February 192.
There were three counts of indictment. The first one was under section 121-A
Indian Penal Code (I.P.C), against all the accused, the second one under
sections 302, 109 and 111 Indian penal code was against all the accused and
the third under sections 302 and 114 Indian penal Code was against second
accused Sankarakrishnan only. The Judges who constituted the Special bench
were the Hon’ble Sir Charles Arnold White, Kt. Chief Justice, the Hon’ble Mr.
Ayling and the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sankaran Nair.
In the end of the Judgment the first accused Neelakanta Brahmachari
was sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment, second accused
Sankarakrishnan Iyer to four years rigorous imprisonment, seventh accused
Harihara Iyer to three years rigorous imprisonment, third accused
Madathukadai Chidambaram Pillai to two years rigorous imprisonment, and the
remaining accused, - fourth Muthukumarsami Pillai, fifth Suppiah Pillai, sixth
Jagannadha Iyengar, eighth
Bapu Pillai and fourteenth Pichumani Iyer alias Venkatachalam Iyer - to
one year rigorous imprisonment each in Special Bench Case number 1 of 1991.

107
H.P.M.110, Abstract Bundle No.2, Ashe Murder Case,p.304.(TNA)
108
Neelakanta Brahmachari’s letter, dated 30-09-1967 and 13-10-67
109
TRCAM, part-III, pp.607-608 (TNA) and Swadesamitran,
dated 23rd October, 1911
110
Neelakanta Brahmachari’s letter, dated 30-09-1967
28
The third count was withdrawn by the Government pleader and second accused
Sankarakrishnan was discharged111.
Two men of Bharatha Matha Association committed suicide. One of
them was Dharmaraj Iyer of Shencottah, knew that the evidence against him
was overwhelming. To prevent all disgrace he committed suicide.
The other one was Venkateshwara Iyer, a pleader of Punalur. He was
found with gashes on his throat and chest, which were self-inflicted. He died a
few hours later112. Madasamy absconded from the scene113.
Neelakantan was dept in the Madras Penitenshiar Jail, for enquiry. After
judgment he was sent of Coimbatore Central Jail. In the Jail a block consisting
of 21 rooms was vacated and Neelakanatan was put in the middle room of that
block. Because the Jail officers thought if he was put along with other prisoners
or the other prisoners were put in the same block, he might change them
against British. So they vacated all the rooms in that block.
In the Jail Neelakanatan gave trouble to the jail officers. Though he was
put in to a separate room, he was allowed to come out of the room for food and
other work which was given by jail warders as a punishment. He induced other
prisoner’s to refuse to obey the jail warders. Inside the jail he formed his group.
His words and activities attracted the prisoners very much. The Jail officers
were frightened about him and were confused and did not know how to control
him114.
When Neelakanatan was in Coimbatore Central Jail he made an
arrangement to send threatening letters to the three approvers and Cuddalore
Vakil Chakkaravarthi Iyengar an important Government witness, through his
friends who were in outside. The approvers and the witness sent petition to the
Government to safeguard them. The Government gave them enough security

111
TRCAM, Part-III, p.840 (TNA) G.O.No.1471, Judicial, dated 16-09-1912,
G.O.No.474-475, Judicial, dated 23-03-1912
112
H.F.M-110, Abstract Bundle No.2, Ashe Murder Case, Confidential (Judicial),
p.51(TNA)
113
TRCAM, Part-III, p.583 (TNA)
114
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op. cit., pp.124-125
29
and appointed Tampoe, the sub-Divisional Magistrate of Tirunelvely, a “single
person commission” to enquire in to these matters.
Tampoe made enquires and they went to Coimbatore Central Jail to
enquire Neelakanatan. Later Neelakanatan was transferred to Palaiyankottah
Jail in Tirunelvely District for easy enquiry. Neelakanatan described him about
the cruel punishment given to him and asked him to give him rice food,
permission to wear his own dress, to read books, he did not like to do any work
on compulsion and he wanted to be released shortly115.
Tampoe submitted his report to the Government. In the report he
mentioned “anything may happen inside or outside the Jail, till the Government
punished Neelakanatan severely.” At the same time rude
Governor Lali was transferred and Governor Lord Carmichael, a broadminded
man came. His Government took Tampoe’s recommendation116.
Neelakanatan’s 7 years Rigorous Imprisonment was subsequently
commuted to ‘simple imprisonment’ on 7th October 1912117.
The Government gave him rice food, permission to wear his own
dresses, to read books, they did not compel him to do work and they also gave
him an assurance if he behaved well, they should reduce his imprisonment
from 7 years to 4 years. Neelakanatan was transferred to Bellary Jail118.
As a political prisoner, Neelakanatan was the first South Indian who had
concessional imprisonment119. At the same time V.O. Chidambaram Pillai was
in Coimbatore Central Jail and Siva in Trichy Central jail. V.O. Chidamabram
Pillai gave application to transfer him from Coimbatore Central jail. But for a
long time he was not transferred from that jail. Siva asked the Government as
he was suffering from leprosy, he wanted to transfer from jail to the criminal
leprosy ward. But his application was also rejected120.

115
Neelakanta Brahmachari’s letter, dated 25-12-1973, pp.1-2
116
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.127
117
G.O. No.1643, Home (Judicial) Dept, Mis. Series, dated 18-07-1919, p.2
(Strictly Confidential) (TNA)
118
Neelakanta Brahmachari’s letter, dated 25-12-1973, pp.2-3
119
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op. cit., p.128
120
G.O.No.1604, Judicial, 02-11-1910
30
 In August 1914, while Neelakantan was in Bellary Jail, the First World
War broke out. So Neelakanatan set about preparing and affected his escape on
the night at 10.30 p.m. of 17th September 1914121.
After escaping from jail, he went through villages on foot and them
caught the train and got down at Dharmavaram Railway Station on 20 th
September at 6 a.m. But he was identified by a prisoner who was escorted by
two constables. Immediately the police constables captured him122.
He was rearrested and brought back to Bellary Jail and awarded an
additional sentence of six months rigorous imprisonment, for this offence by
the Second class Magistrate, Bellary - case No.380/4, under section 224 Indian
Penal Code (I.P.C.)123.
In the jail Neelakanatan lost his peaceful. Because his plan to have
weapons from Germany and to carry on a revolution like that of 1847, during
the first world, was broken to pieces by his rear rest. The failure of his hard
attempts made him miserable. He could not bear it. So, for mental peace, he
diverted his attention to God124. The First World War came to an end in 1919.
On the occasion of the “Signature of Peace”, all the political prisoners were
released. But Neelakanatan was not released. He served his full term 125. He was
released from Vizagapatam Central Jail on 14th August 1919126.

NEELAKANTA BRABMACHARI AND COMMUNISM

Neelakanta Brahmachari came out of the jail in 14 th August 1919, he

found that some of his friends were kept away from politics and some of them
were already died. His right hand Sankarakrishnan, after release from jail died
due to some illness.
Bharathi left Pondichary and came to Madras in 1920 and settled down
in Thelliya Chinga Perumal Kovil Street, Triplicane. Neelakanta Brahmachari

121
G.O.No.1643, Home (Judicial) Dept, Mis. Series, dated 18-07-1919, p.2 (TNA)
122
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.141-143
123
G.O.No.1643, Op. cit., p.2. (TNA)
124
Padmanabhan, R.A., op.cit., p.143
125
G.O.No.1643, Op.cit., p.10-11. (TNA)
126
Ibid.,p.2
31
stayed with his younger brother Lakshminarayana Sastrigal in Venkatarangam
Pillai Street, Triplicane127.
Neelakantan went to meet Bharathi in his house every now and then.
After his release from jail, he had no job. So he did not have food on many
days. Many times Bharathi gave him money for his food. Bharathi was upset
over the conditions of the great patriots like Neelakanta Brahmachari. As a
result of this, in his song “Bharatha Samudhayam Vazgaveh”, he wrote.
“Thani Oruvanukkunavilai enil Jagathinal Azhithiduvom” (If a single
man is not getting his food, let us destroy the whole world)128.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Communist Party (Bolshevik)
came to power in Russia. So the Bolshevik ideas and communist policies
gained support in India. Neelakanta Brahmachari was a first man to propagate
the “Communist” ideas in India129.
The Bolshevik Campaign against India had two aspects - the fomenting
of existing forms of unrest and the introduction of communist propaganda130.
At fist, Neelakanta Brahmachari met M. Chingaravel Chettiyar, in 1921
at Bharathi’s house and they became friends. Neelakantan was very much
attracted by the communist ideas. M. Chingaravelu Chettiyar was also a
communist. So Neelakantan liked him and made strong friendship with him 131.
He stayed with Chingaravelu and published “Communist Manifesto” in the
book form132. They formed an Association, “The communist Federal League of
India” and published many pamphlets.
In Madras, the C.I.D. seized a pamphlet entitled “The Communist
Federal League of India”. He sent a report to the Chief Secretary to the
Government of Madras on 10th June 1922. he stated that the ex-convict

127
Interview on 20-04-1989 with Lakshminarayana Sastrigal
128
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.146-147
129
Vijayalakshmi, S., Op.cit., p.23
130
G.O.No.403, Government of Madras, Under Secretary Safe Secret File,
dated 24-03-1923, p.10
131
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., p.151
132
Vijayalakshmi, S., Op.cit., p.23
32
Neelakanta Brahmachari involved in the Ashe Murder case had been traced o
be the author and distributer of this communist pamphlet133.
The Police had been endeavoring to trace him for sometime and they
were succeeded in arresting him from a Muslim burial ground at Triplicane in
Madras on 25th August 1922. After his arrest he made an attempt to shoot the
police constable who was taking him to the station with an old revolver. The
cartridge however failed to explode and he was charged under section 19(e)
and (f) of the ‘Arms Act’ for the attempted murder, and under sections 124A
and 153A in connection with the pamphlet. He was sentenced to three years
rigorous Imprisonment134. During the trial a copy of a pamphlet entitled “The
Communist Federal League of India - a Challenge” was produced in the
court135.
Neelakantan was charged, for attempting to murder a constable case
under section 307 Indian Penal Code (I.P.C.)136. The trial in the Madras High
Court commenced on 7th November 1922. Justice Value convicted rigorous
Imprisonment. He was totally sentenced to 10 years Rigorous Imprisonment.
He was sent to Madras penitentiary Jail137.
The Inspector General of Madras prison, reported to the Government to
make arrangements to remove Neelakanta Brahmachari outside the Province.
Being a prisoner of seditious character and likely to exert a bad influence
among other prisoners, the Governor-in-Council considered it advisable that
the convict Neelakantan should be removed from the Madras Presidency.
Accordingly the Inspector General of prisons, Madras, requested that the
Government of India may be pleased to arrange for him removal to another
province.

133
G.O.No.696, (Confidential) Public Department, dated 26-08-1922, p.7
134
G.O.No.7593-1, Extracts from Fortnightly Reports from 1914-1927, public,
dated 01-09-1922, pp.395-397 (H.F.N-71)
135
G.O.No.696, Public Department 1922, ordinary series (confidential)
Dt. 22-08-1922. (TNA)
136
G.O.No.2792, Law General Department, dated 13-11-1922, p.5
137
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.160-161
33
 Neelakanta Brahmachari confined at the Penitentiary was transferred to
the Central Jail, Rajahmundry, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of
Prisons, Madras138.
In his imprisonment period Neelakanta Brahmachari was treated as an
ordinary prisoner139. Neelakantan was transferred from Rajahmundry to
Montgomery Jail and then Multan Central Jail, which were in Punjab. (Now in
Pakistan) Then he was transferred from Multan Jail to the Central Jail in
Rangoon, Burma. After having served about 8 years of imprisonment, he was
released from Rangoon Central Jail on 30th June 1930140.

NEELAKANTA BRAHMACHARI, A JOURNALIST

When Bharathi realised Neelakanta Brahmachari’s ability, he appointed

him as a apprentice in his newspaper “India” in January 1908 141. In May, 1908
he became the assistant editor of “India”. He wrote many articles in “India”. In
July 1909 he became the assistant editor of the “Hindu Nesan”, a Tamil bi-
weekly142.
These news papers continue to provoke the people. So the Government
used the “Press Law” to tackle the newspapers. Under this law G. Subramania
Iyer who was always cautious about what he wrote, was arrested. M. Srinivasa
Iyengar was register as the Editor, Proprietor, Printer and publisher of “India”
was prosecuted for the seditious articles in the paper under section 124A, 153A
and 505 Indian Pen Code (I.P.C.). He was sentenced to five years
imprisonment on 13th November 1908143.
An arrest warrant was issued for Bharathi also. He left for Pondichery
on the advice of his friends. He was persuaded on the plan, that he could

138
G.O.No.3053-59, Law General Department, dated 08-12-1922, pp.1-7
139
Ibid.,dated 20-03-1923, p.9
140
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 15-11-1985, p.21
141
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 19-04-1985, p.9
142
Son, S.P., Dictionary of National Biography (DNB), Volume-I, p.231
143
G.O.No.1460, Confidential No.235, dated 23-10-1908. (TNA)

34
continue awakening the people by publishing the newspapers from Pondichery
which was somewhat a safe place fro revolutionary worker in Madras144.
Bharathi went to Pondichery on 14th November 1908. Bharathi sent
Sankarakrishnan to Madras with news. On Bharathi’s advice, Neelakanta
Brahmachari took the responsibility of publishing “India” from Madras. He
already had this experience. So he published “India” for two weeks.
In August 1908, Neelakanta Brahmachari went to Pondichery. Saigon
Chinnaiya Pillai, owner of the famous press in Pondichery, published
Suryodhayam, a Tamil weekly. He wanted to make Neelakantan as its editor.
Already Neelakantan was writing in “India” in his assumed name Kamala
Nayagi. According to Chinnaiya Pillai’s wish, he took the editorship of
Suryodhayam in April 1909. He appointed Barathi. S. Nellaiyappan as a sub
editor for suryodhayam145.
Neelakanta Brahmachari was also working as the sub-editor of Vijaya, a
daily newspaper146. He was the proprietor and editor of Dharmam, a
newspaper147. The Dharmam office was the venue for all seditious activities.
Two pamphlets found in the houses of the accused in the Ashe Murder case “A
Word of Advice to the Aryanas” and “the Oath of admission in the Abinav
Bharath Society” was published from the Dharmam officer. Dharmam was
published for the purpose of enlisting the sympathy of the readers and getting
recruits148.
The Government of Madras took steps to ban the seditious vernacular
(native) newspapers in the Madras Presidency. Later the Government of
Madras declared, the objectionable newspaper, India, Suryodhayam and Vijaya
were forfeitable.
Although the newspapers were seized at the borders, due to the efforts of
several young men working for Bharathi, those were smuggled across the

144
Padmanabhan, R.A., Chittira Bharathi, Amudha Nilayam, Madras, 1957, p.90
145
Padmanabhan, R.A., Puratchi Veerar Neelakanta Brahmachari, Bharathi Nilaya
Publication, 1978, pp.85-87
146
TRCAM, Part-III, p.680 (TNA)
147
Ibid.,p.736
148
Ibid.,p.811
35
borders. Neelakantan played an active role in smuggling seditious
newspaper149.
In 1910, the Government of Madras sent a secret order to the officers,
who were in Kandamangalam Check-post, to seize the prohibited newspapers
“India”, Suryodhayam and Vijaya, while they entered in the British Border.
Accordingly the officers seized the newspaper bundles and sent to Madras
Police Inspector General Office. The paper bundles of two weeks were seized
by the Government. So the publishers decided to stop the newspapers. In
January 1910, Suryodhayam was stopped; in March “India” and Vijaya were
stopped150.
In 1930, after released from Rangoon Jail, Neelakanta Brahmachari
returned to Madras and met K. Srinivasan, the editor of “The Hindu”, English
weekly and asked him a job. As Srinivasan knew well about Neelakantan’s
writing ability, he told him to write essays in his newspaper.
Neelakanta Brahmachari wrote English essays on 9 Sikh Gurus. They
were published continuously in “The Hindu” weekly magazine every week. On
3rd August 1930, “Gurunanak”, his first essay was published. “Guru Nanak’s
Religious Policy” was published next week. The continuation of his last essay
was published on 12th October 1930. It was on “Guru Govind Singh”. These
essays were published in the name of NB (Neelakanta Brahmachari).
Dhandapani, the sub-editor and supervisor of “The Hindu” encouraged him to
write more.
Neelakantan wrote a series of articles on “Woolen Handicraft in India”.
After this he wrote an essay under the title “Cleopatra, the snake of the River
Nile”. This was the last essay he wrote in “The Hindu” weekly151.
He started writing in old “Swadesamitran” weekly edition. This was a
Tamil Weekly. He wrote in the name of C.Nee, N.K. 152 He gave importance to
both social and philosophical aspects in his essays153. Through historical short
149
Sedition Committee Report, (Calcutta) 1918, p.116
150
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.88-89
151
Padmanabhan, R.A., Op.cit., pp.163-166
152
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 15-11-1985, pp.21-22
153
Sen, S.P., Op.cit., p.231
36
stories, he propagated the feeling of Nationalism among the people. His short
stories created tremendous interest. The most famous among these stories is
“Haidhar Valartha Kili”. He also wrote about the great warriors of the South
such as “Pichandi Thevar”154. His book “Aurobindo Ghose” was banned by the
British Government155. He wrote two books in Tamil “History of Japan” and
“Sanadhanadharamam”. But he could not publish these two books due to
money problem156.
He wrote his life experiences from 1909 to 1919 entitled, “Confessions
on the Way Towards Peace”157.
Neelakanta Brahmachari engaged in Journalistic work very largely of a
seditious nature158. The phase of Journalist activity of Neelakanta Brahmachari
enriched the Tamil besides furthering the cause of patriotism and Nationalism.
Through newspapers he violently condemned the cruel attitude of the British159.

154
Interview on 20-04-1989 with Lakshminarayana Sastrigal
155
Ragami, Op.cit., dated 07-06-1985., p.6.
156
Ibid.,dated 23-08-1985, p.9.
157
Padmanabhan, R.A., ., Op.cit., p.129
158
TRCAM, Part-I, p.V.
159
Vijayalakshmi, S., Op.cit., p.19.
37