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TAMIL
| LONDON

acy in
E. V. SINGHAN
5 S

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d Albert Museum.
CtOra an
By courtesy of the V
沁
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Lord Natara
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11th Century A
. Chola dynasty,
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From Tam
Bronze.
 

EDITORIA NOTE
"A man who is tired of London is tired of life."--Dr. Johnson.
London alone offers material to fill a library. Whichever way we turn, London is so vast and varied, so rich in what is interesting, one could wander day after day in its streets and among its treasures. There is not a little difficulty in deciding where to begin, and there is even greater difficulty in knowing where to end.
As our life in this world is a short one it will be difficult for us to go into the different aspects of other cultures and civilisations.
I hope this booklet, which is a result of many years of hard labour will help Tamilians and others who come and go out of London to learn or improve their knowledge of Tamil Culture through the sources of information, material and services available here.
It is an envy and a pride to see some of the 'masterpieces' and books preserved in a foreign country, whereas it has been neglected in the countries of its origin or in other states where the Tamilians have made greater contributions, it has been removed from museums and libraries, when political power moved from one hand to another.
Today popular words like rice, curry, papadam, mulligatawny, mango, in the English language are all of Tamil origin.
in order for you to try the food prepared by native chefs, I have given the names and addresses of some of the restaurants.
The most reliable sources of information available at the time of going to press have been consulted in the compilation of this booklet but neither the editor nor the publisher undertakes any responsibility for the accuracy of all the statements herein contained. The editor welcomes communications indicating any errors in the booklet or suggesting improvements in either form or content. Correspondence should be addressed to the editor at 46 Beechfield Road, London S.E.6.
I wish to express my gratitude and sincere thanks to all those who in one way or another have contributed to the success of this booklet.
aire AkkAM
1.5.1969 E. V. Singhan

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CONTENTS
Editorial Note
Contents
London Tamil Sangam
School of Oriental and African Studies
B.B.C.
India Office Library
London Public Libraries
Indian High Commission
Commonwealth Institute
British Museum and Library
Victoria and Albert Museum ..
Do you know?
Various High Commissions
Asia Publishing House and India Club
Restaurants
Book Shop and Restaurant
Order Form
Notes
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11
12
13-14
15
16
17
18
19
20

[]{ÎLff 0 [[) Ở ỨflũỦ
London Tamil Sangam
The first Tamil Sangam was founded in 1923. Since then, many other associations were formed, but the London Tamil Sangam was registered under the provisions provided by the Company Law Act of 1948 as a Cultural association.
Objects
(a) To propagate and to foster interest in Tamil Culture and to
encourage the study of the Tamil language and literature.
(b) To propagate the Tamil conception of universal brotherhood.
(c) To diffuse amongst its members by lectures, discussions, books, correspondence, and other information on all matters pertaining to the Tamil arts, culture and literature.
(d) To serve as a meeting place for the Tamils from various countries living in Great Britain and to foster social contacts among them.

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(e) To celebrate Tamil festivals and such other functions as may be
decided from time to time.
(f) To render into Tamil, books of knowledge relating to science,
philosophy and the humanities.
Membership
Open to all Tamilians by subscription.
Executive
Sixteen members-President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and eleven committee members.
Election
Annually.
Books
There is a good collection of books on Tamil Literature, History, Music, General and Thevaram records presented by Annamalai University with the Sangam.
Building Fund
The office of the Sangam moves with the office bearers. A permanent building is in great need. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated by the Association.
Donations should be sent to :
London Tamil Sangam Ltd. (account) The National Provincial Bank Ltd., 6 Fitzroy Scuare,
London, W.1.

SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDES University of London, Thornhaugh Street, London W. C.1
Underground: Russell Square, Goodge Street or Euston Square.
Courses of Study: For lectures, tuitions, classes in Tamil language, literature, leading to the School's Certificate or Diplomas-Inquiries at the above school.
Degrees: B.A. (General), B.A. (Hons) in Tamil. Details in the school's annual calendar, obtainable at the office of the Registrar.
Library: Possesses over 1,600 Tamil books covering the whole range of classical and modern literature, philosophy, history novels, periodicals and other general subjects.
Membership: For students of the school. The Librarian may admit (under rule 4) other persons as ordinary members of the library on production of satisfactory reference-the members admitted will be required to pay a deposit of two pounds.
The main Library and the Reading Room are normally open at the following times:
Monday-Friday during Term 9.30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday during Vacation 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m.-3.30 p.m.
"Whatever foreign languages a man meddles with," said John Locke, 'that which he should critically study and labour to get a facility of clearness and elegance to express himself in, should be his own".
*
Tamil is not an easy language. It takes much effort to gain even a moderate working knowledge of it. As the Tamil saying goes, 'The harvest called learning needs the rain called tears."

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BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION Bush House, Strand, London W. C.2
acknowledge with gratitude all help rendered to me by the B.B.C. Tamil Programme Organiser, Mr. D. J. Barlow and Mr. S. Shankaramurthi.
In my interview with Mr. Shankaramurthi the following questions Were answered.
... 1
:
5
5
6
7
8
Are the public allowed to participate in the programmes? All 'Tamil knowing' persons can participate in 'Tamizhosai', the only thing being that they have to appear for an audition. Are they allowed into the studios ? When the programme is on the air no-one is allowed to enter the studios, but visitors may come to the studios before the transmission starts and can listen and see silently. Can they watch the transmission programmes? Yes, they can watch the transmission programmes. ls it possible to listen to the programme in London?
Yes. Listeners in London can hear "Tamizhosai' relayed on the 25 metre band (short wave) between 4.45 and 5.15 p.m. BST. What are the days and times of the transmissions? B.B.C. broadcasts "Tamizhosai' twice a week, on Sundays and Thursdays, between 10.30 and 11.30 a.m. From June 1969 onwards we are having an additional 30-minute programme on Mondays also. So "Tamizhosai' can be heard from June 1969 on Sunday, Monday and Thursday, three times a week. ls it possible to get the programme of broadcasting? There is no specific programme journal for 'Tamizhosai' but you can get information about future programmes from B.B.C. Tamil Service, London W. C.2.
To what countries is it broadcast? The programme is mainly broadcast to India, Ceylon, Malaysia and Singapore.
Why is there a Tamil Section in London? As there is a large Tamil-speaking population in India and Ceylon, our aim is to project the British way of life and to provide listeners with up-to-date news of happenings in Britain and to establish better relations and good will through the media of broadcasting.

NDIA OFFICE LIBRARY 197 Blackfriars Road, London S.E.1
Transport: The building can be reached by underground to Waterloo on the Northern and Bakerloo Lines or by bus (nos. 17, 45, 63, 109, 155, 177, 185 pass the building).
Hours of opening: The Library and the Record Office are open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
t
Manuscripts: The Tamil manuscripts include a copy of the Christian epic poem Tembavani by the Italian Jesuit Missionary and Tamil Scholar Constantuius Beschi (1680-1746) written in the author's own hand.
The library is in a new building. It has the finest collection of Tamil books in London. It comprises more than 15,500 Tamil books covering a wide field of subjects-arts, religion, philosophy, science, literature history, novels and some current periodicals.
Membership: Formal recommendation. Non-members may use the library, but only members may borrow books.
By the same author
Why Tamil? (in preparation)
Contents include: Map of Tamil Empire, important dates in Tamil history, Why foreigners studied Tamil and their comments, etc.
Order your copy now

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LONDON PUBLIC LIBRARIES Kensington Central Library, Phillimore Walk, London W.8
Underground: High Street Kensington.
In the unified Public Library System in London, each Borough specialises on a subject. Kensington Central Library specialises in languages. In the Tamil collection there are a few books on Tamil grammar, dictionaries and a complete set of Tamil Lexicon (Volumes I-VI).
Membership: Non-members may use the library, but only members may borrow books.
Do you know?
Through any of the Public Libraries in London, you can borrow Tamil books by filling a request card.
The information required:
1. Title
2. Author
3. Publisher
4. Publication date
5. Price
6. Source of information

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER OF INDIA India House, Aldwych, London W. C.2
Underground: Nearest Holborn, Central Line.
For all services listed below please write to: Information Service of India.
Films: Catalogue on request; films lent free of charge (Tamil interests available). Documentary films screened at the above-India Houseat 2.30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission Free.
Reading Room: The Hindu, The Mail and other Indian papers available.
Library: In the reference and lending section there are limited stocks of books written in English, about Tamil history, literature, religion, etc.
Membership: Non-members may use the library, but only members may borrow books. w
Publications: Regular and ad hoc publications available for purchase: India News, weekly, 5d.
Visual Aids: Photographs covering various aspects of Indian life available on loan.
National Music: Records and tapes available free of charge to study groups and for private non-profit-making meetings.
Tourism: Booklets, maps and other information about Tamil Nadu can be obtained free from:
The Tourist Information Office, 21 New Bond Street, London S.W.1.

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COMMON WEALTH INSTITUTE Kensington High Street, London W.8
Underground: Kensington High Street. Buses (nos. 9, 27, 28, 33, 49, 73, and 207a).
ADMISSION FREE
Exhibition Galleries which are open to the visitors without charge, are permanent exhibitions which illustrate the scenery and resources of the countries of the Commonwealth and the life and occupations of their peoples-sketches of Tamil way of life in these eountries can be Seen here.
Cinema: Documentary films about the commonwealth are shown free (details obtainable on request).
Library: Good collection of books on Commonwealth. In the Indian Section there is a copy of Tirukkural translated into English by A. Chakravati.
Membership: Non-members may use the library, but only members may borrow books.
George Uglow Pope (1820-1908) was a Tamil Scholar and missionary. He translated many of the Tamil classics into English. He died at Oxford and is buried in St. Sepulchre's Cemetery.
His friends and pupils in India, the majority Hindus, placed, by subscription, a monument on his grave and founded a memorial prize for Tamil studies in the University of Madras.
1 O

BRITISH MUSEUM Great Russell Street, London W. C.1
Transport: The nearest underground stations are Holborn (Kingsway), Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road.
ADMISSION FREE
Hours of opening: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Special Interest: In the Indian Section, with other collections there are bronzes from Tamilnadu of the Pallave and Chola periods.
Lectures: Now and then free lectures are delivered e.g. Indian Antiquities. Programmes at the 'induiry'.
British Museum Library: The department has more than 15,000 books in Tamil. The catalogue covers a wide field of books on arts, Science, literature, drama, education, history, philosophy, theology, potery, novels, etc. The books cannot be borrowed. But the public are allowed to go there and read them.
Manuscripts: They are mainly religious works written by early missionaries. The Department of Oriental Printed Books and Manuscripts has 66 grants on copper plates (some in Tamil).
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VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM South Kensington, London S.W.7
Underground: South Kensington (bus routes to South Kensington station, nos. 207, 45 and 49) or Brompton Oratory (14, 30 and 74).
ADMISSION FREE
ܖܢ
Hours of opening: Weekdays, including Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Special Interest: INDIAN SECTION (Room 47B). In the Golden Age of the Tamil Empire, sculpture and bronze made an important contribution. A selection of the bronze of the Pallava, Chola, Pandaya and Vijayagnayar period can be seen here.
Books: Indian Art-a Brief Guide, published by the Museum. Five Shillings net.
Visual Aid: A tape recorded guide to the Indian Section could be hired at the counter. Cost 2s. 6d.
"Bronzes of the Chola Period, those splendid and amazing sculptures belonging to the best creation of humanity."
Dr. K. Zuelebi
12

DO YOU KNOWP
Tamil Race
'South India was probably the Cradle of the human race. Investigations in relation to race show it to be possible that Southern India was once the passage ground by which the ancient progenitors of Northern and Mediterranean races proceeded to the part of the globe which they inhabit."
Sir John Evans, Presidentia/ address to the British Association
'Tamils, the Sanskrit generic appellation for the South Indian peoples, and their languages which passed various stages-Dravida, Dramida, Dramaila, Damia-Dr. Caldwell explains this in his comparative Grammar of the Dravidian Languages' (2nd ed. 1875 p.10 seq).
"The punch marked coins of an early era point to connections that Ceylon may have had with Mohenjodaro and the Indus Valley Civilisation. Tamil poetry composed in Ceylon has been included in the earliest Tamil Anthologies, and the Tamil spoken in Ceylon represents a pre-Pallava period with its ancient morphological and grammatical forms and its repertoire of words considered obsolete for centuries on the neighbouring continent." − Xavier S. Thani Wayagam
Tamil Language
'The Tamil language is extraordinary in its subtlety and sense of logic. It is one of the most copious, refined and polished languages
spoken by man."
Dr. Slater
'Tamil is to be respected as having been the adopted tongue of Beschi, Ziegenbalg, Schwart and Fabricius. It was the first of the languages of India studied by Protestant Missionaries and is that with which the Jesuit propagandists have been mostly exercised, and Europeans have probably spoken and written more in it than in any other Eastern languages." V
E. R. Robinson
Tamil Literature :
"The Kural is the master-piece of Tamil Literature-one of the highest and purest expressions of human thought."
Mr. Arie/
'There hardly exists in the literature of the world a book which contains such lofty maxims."
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
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also
"Slivn Siddhanta Philosophy is the choicest product of the Dravidian in till)ct. The Saiva Siddhanta is the most elaborate, influential and undoubtedly the most intrinsically valuable of all the religions of India."
Dr. G. U. Pope
'The Tamil area in India is a Centre of traditional Hinduism.'
R. Radhakrishnan
Art
"Indian art and culture was a joint creation of the Dravidian and Aryan genius, a welding together of symbolic and representative, abstract and explicit, language and thought."
Dr. A. Coomararaswamy
Architecture
"The Pallava period (600-850) is that of sculptured rocks, the early Chola period (850-1100) that of grand Vimanas, the late Chola period (1100-1350) that of most beautiful Gopuras, the Vijayanagar period (1350-1600) that of Mandapas and the modern period after 1600 that
of Corridors.'
Arofessor J. Dubreuis
Tamil Empire
"The tiger was the emblem of the great Chola Kings of South India and it is fitting that the tiger should be Malayan's emblem today."
Sir Ro/and Bradde//
"The Cholas were great builders, building not only cities and temples, but also of useful irrigation works.'
Vincent Smith
"The Tamils have a long history of achievement; sea travel, city life and commerce seem to have developed early. Tamil trade with Greeks and Romans is verified by literary, linguistic and archaeological
evidence."
M. B. Singer
14

The following High Commission Offices may provide some assistance. A list of these offices and of the services provided is contained in the following section.
ΟEYLON
OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR CEYLON, 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W.2
For services listed below please write to information Officer. Films. Catalogue available on request. Films lent free of charge. Library. Reference only.
INDA (See page 9).
MALAYSIA
OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR MALAYSIA 45 Belgrave Square, London, S.W.1
For all services listed below write to Information Department. Films. Catalogue available and films lent free of charge. Library. Reference only.
MAURTIUS
THE MAURITIUS HIGH COMMISSIONER Mezzanine Suite, Grand Buildings, Trafalgar Scuare, London W.C.2
Films. Can be made available on free loan. Library. Reference only.
SINGAPORE
OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, 2 Wilton Crescent, London S.W.1
For services please write to Information Officer. Films. Can be loaned free of charge subject to availability. Library. Reference only.
Publication. Tourist literature and information brochures free on request (Tamil enjoys a unique position in Singapore).
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The India Club 143 Strand, London, W.C.2.
Telephone: Temple Bar 0650
Underground: Aldwych
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian: Rice, Curry, Rasam, Bhajias, Uppuma, Masala Dosai, Mango sweets, etc. Speciality: Idly & Dahi Vada available on Fridays. Restaurant Hours: 12.30-3 p.m.
6.30-10 p.m.
Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks available on request. Take-away meals available.
agra RESTAURANTS LIMITED
OPEN DAILY 12 NOON to 3 p.m. - :- 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. (INCLUDING SUNDAYS)
Specialities: Dosai, lddly, Mutton Tikka, Biryani, Tandoori Chicken, Nan etc.
PARTIES CATERED FOR TAKE AWAY PARCELS
135/137 WHITFIELD STREET,
LONDON W. 1
(Tube: WARREN STREET) Telephone: 387 4828, 8833 8 1855 Fully Licensed till midnight

EARLY CHOLA ART
by S. R. Balasubrahmanyam (80s.) Provides a detailed guide to styles of temple architecture of the period A.D. 850-985. Over 120 pages of illustrations and a chronological sequence of the temples.
Books THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS
Short Stories by K. Swaminathan et al (25s.) A collection of con
Ο Ύ temporary Tamil stories in English translation. Some of the greatest
writers are represented.
Tam i LANDSCAPE AND POETRY
Culture by Xavier S. thani Nayagam (20s.) A Study of Nature in Classical Tamil Poetry. “ . . . deep erudition in the Classics and English and his comparison with Virgil are of particular interest. . . .' Bull. of
School of Oriental & African Studies,
READINGS N TAMIL. CULTURE AND C|VILISATION
by Xavier S. Thani Nayagam Forthcoming. KANCHPURAM IN EARLY SOUTH INDIAN HISTORY
by T. V. Mahalingam (60s.) An authoritative history of the Pallavas
ASIA and their contributions to South Indian Culture (6th & 7th century
A.D.). Publishing SANGAM POLITY HOUSE by N. Subrahmanian (50s.) The Administration and Social Life of the Sangam Tamils. "Can be recommended to all those interested 447 Strand in Ancient Indian culture'. British Book News.
London WC2 CHRONICLES OF KED ARAM
A Novel by K. Nagarajan (18s.) The memorable adventures that hit a small district headquarters town when its motley crowd of characters come into conflict with each other.
LeeeLeeLeeLeeLeLeeLeLeeLeLeeLeLeeLLeSeAeAeAeSeSeSeSeAeSAeLeLeeLeeLeLeeLeLeeLeeeeeeSeeeeeeeeeeSeS
Malaysian and Singapore Restaurant
20 CHILDS STREET, EARLS COURT, LONDON, S.W.5 Underground. Earls Court Buses. 31 and 74
TAMIL AND MALAY SPECIALITIES
Mee Goreng O Mur Tabak O Mutton Soup O Tandoori Chicken O Masala Dosai O Sambar O Rasam
Mee Siam O Briani etc
OPEN 12 noon till 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. till midnight
Telephone. 01-370 2445
TAKE AWAY MEALS AVAILABLE

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matras
N D A R E S T A U R A N T
Open 11.3O a.m. - 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. - midnight.
:: TA VIL SPECIA ILITY ::
PAART/ES CA TERED FOR
325 GRAY'S INN ROAD, LONDON, W.C.1 (100 yds. from Kings Cross Main Station) Telephone: TER 4544 Proprietor: Mr. N. Vaidyanathan
BOOKS ON TAMIL and other Indian Languages
Books imported from India & Ceylon
IIIHIIII
ARTHUR PROBSTHAN OR/E/V TAL BOOK SELLER 41 Great Russell Street, London W. C.1
Te: 636 1 O96

Now Available
The only one of its kind
TAML LEGACY IN LONDON
by E. V. Singhan
The sources, materials and services of Tamil Culture in London.
Contents include: Interesting Tamil items in the Museums; Over 30,000 Tamil books, in London Libraries; B.A. (Hons.) in Tamil; Where to get Tamil food; and other valuable information.
Prepare for The Third World Tamil Conference in Paris (1970).
The handbook has been designed to fill in the gaps of bibliographies, reference books as well as to provide an easy-to-follow guide for visitors.
Price 5s. By Post 5s. 6d.
SS S S S S SSS S SSSLSSS SS SS SS SSSSSSSSSSSS SS SS SS SSSSSSSS SSSS SSS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS S SS S SS SS SS Please Detach ................................................................... . . . . . .
To: The Editor, ORDER FORM
46, Beechfield Road, London S. E.6
Please send. . . . . . . . . . . . copy/ies of the Tamil Legacy in London.
A remittance of f S. d. is enclosed.
Name
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Vijay India Restaurant
49 WILLES DEN LANE, LONDON, N.W.6
Telephone: 01-328 1087
(Wear to Kilburn State Cinema) Bus Routes 7, 8 and 776 stop outside the door
女
SOUTH INDIAN SPECIALITIES
o Avial o Sambar o Adai O Masala DOSai
o Thyar Wadai o Ulunthu Vadai
o Masala Vadai o Rаsam
lddly available on Friday and Sunday
女
Every day including Sundays
12 to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
女
TAKE AWAY MEALS AVAILABLE

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