"Dubashis in Tamil Nadu were local intermediaries who served as translators and brokers between European colonial powers, particularly the British and French East India Companies, and the local population during the 17th to 19th centuries.
The term "dubashi" is of uncertain origin, with debates over whether it derives from Hindi, Sanskrit, or Persian, though some suggest a possible Tamil origin in the term "dubakoor," meaning "born liar".
These individuals played a crucial role in facilitating trade, administration, and diplomacy, often leveraging their linguistic and cultural knowledge to amass significant wealth and influence.
The largest group of dubashis during the period from 1650 to 1850 were the Mudaliars and Pillaimars, with Tamil Vellalars, Pillais, Yadavas, and Chettiyars being prominent among them.
While Tamil Brahmins were initially reluctant to engage in personal service with Europeans, they later entered the system, though they were not the dominant group in this role.
Some dubashis, such as Vallal Pachiappa Mudaliar, became notable philanthropists, establishing educational institutions, temples, and charitable trusts, with his legacy enduring through institutions like Pachaiappa’s College and a trust valued at over Rs. 4,500 crores.
However, the role of dubashis was controversial. They were often accused of corruption, exploitation, and betrayal, with British officials describing them as "monsters" who enriched themselves at the expense of the state and even facilitated the downfall of local rulers.
For instance, Ramalinga Mudaliar is said to have revealed the secret passage of the Panchlankurichi Fort to British forces, enabling its destruction.
The actions of some dubashis contributed to internal divisions among local chieftains, such as the betrayal of Kattabomman by Ettappan and Vijaya Raghunatha Thondaiman, which facilitated British control.
The dubashi system also reflected broader socio-political changes in Tamil Nadu after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, a period marked by chaos, foreign invasions, and the rise of European influence.
The Tamil tradition of hospitality and accommodation was exploited by foreign powers, who used local intermediaries to consolidate their control over trade and administration.
This period also saw some dubashis converting to Christianity, and their descendants playing roles in shaping colonial-era institutions and narratives"
________________________________
List of dubashis on record, their heirs and relations who for the last three generations were eking out a living and available names are as follows:
Ananda Rangan Pillai – Dubashi & Trader – French Governor Joseph Francois Duplex – Pondicherry – 1726 – his diary is a worthwhile and important historical document –
Thiruvenkadam Pillai’s son – his close associate was Naina Pillai – he was punished for colluding with Governor and lost his life in jail –
a relative of this person is – Kuruva Pillai – in a similar accusation of conceit with Governor – escaped and sought refuge in France and converted to Christianity –
Bharathi and many other poets have eloquent praise about Ananda Rangan Pillai.
Petro Kanakaraya Mudaliar – Broker & Dubashi – French East India Co. – for 24 years (1722 to 1746) – converted to Christianity – his bust is installed in Pondy St. Andrews Church – he was the builder of the church also – he has arranged common community feast many times – his coffin was imported from France and carried him in his last procession – the mansion built by him is now maintained by ASI –
father Danappa Mudaliar – first dubashi of French – Christian convert – translated Thirukural in French
Vallal Pachiappa Mudaliar – Dubashi & Trader – Philanthropies – between the ages of 16 to 21 amassed huge fortunes in his profession –
Henry Pony, Thomas Pony were Mayor Brothers for whom he had worked – first Indian to write a WILL for his property/wealth – he had two wives from different castes – his property was locked for 40 years in legal battle – then a trust was created for a value of approximately Rs. 4500 cores – so say Wiki: “As the 1990s dawned, it was reported that the Trust was worth over 4,500 cores, one of the biggest in that part of the world. Apart from administering religious charities from Kanyakumari to Varanasi, it ran six colleges, a polytechnic and 16 schools in Tamil Nadu, helped several medical facilities and owned several properties in the State.” Without any Christian influence started first Hindu college (Pachaiappa’s). ¶ Ramanuja Kavirayar has written a Panchatchara Maala about him – A simple man in life, he bathed in Cooum River and worshipped Komaleeswarar routinely – Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar Temple received enormous funds from him; his form etched in a pillar can be viewed even to-day – he was also trustee of several temples – a facsimile stamp was released by Indian Postal Department – donated Rs. 4.5 lacs for Hindu religious entities – Rs. 7.5 lakhs for Hindu student English education – every day free food distribution to poor people and Brahmins was one of his routine charity at Komaleeswarar Temple – he built choultry and agraharams – gave donation for the renovation of Chidambaram Temple – he helped Brahmins to visit religious places like Kasi, Rameswaram – in his WILL he mentioned about 30 charitable houses built by him –
his friends Iyaa Pillai and Muniya Pillai were also dubashis – one of his student Narayana Pillai was the dubashi for Mayors Henry Bouni and Thomas Bouni.
Avadanam Pappaia – Telugu Brahmin with knowledge of Persian and French – 1789 – worked under John Holland and Edward Holland the Governor’s brothers – his collusion with the Governor was exposed – lost his position along with Governor – a street in Choolai is named after him as “Pappa Theru” – Scotland’s one Walter wrote about his misdemeanors in a novel called The Surgeon’s Daughter – has worked for Thomas Parry as well – was in a good terms with Arcot Nawabs – the case went on but no record of punishment is there.
For over 66 years a Telugu Brahmin Rayasum Pappaia, his brother and his son Vayasum Venkatachalam were chief dubashis of the St. George Fort.
Likewise Nal Vellala Manali Muthukrishna Mudaliar’s family were the dubashis from mid 1700 to the beginning of 1800 – he was assistant to Governor Picot – his son Venkatakrishna Mudali also continued to serve as dubash – the Britishers demolished a temple in the present high court complex – thereafter he brokered with British and earned a lot from it – then he bought a land and invested money and then built the Chennakesava Perumal Temple in Flower Bazar – also the Mallekeswarar Temple in nearby area.
In 1785 Manali Muthukrishanan invited carnatic singer Ramaswamy Dikshadar to Madras – he patronized the family as well – his sons were Muthuswamy, Chinnaswamy & Baluswamy – of the three Muthuswamy Dikshadar later became famous as one of the three carnatic musical stalwarts – Muthuswamy Dikshadar has written 40 Sanskrit kirtans – because of his influence with British rulers, Venkatakrishna Mudaliar used to take Dikshadar along with him to the Fort – after watching the band performance the Dikshadar brought out the idea of including violin in Carnatic music – Muthuswamy Dikshadar beginning to observe keenly the violin music format – only thereafter he wrote the 40 Sanskrit kirtans – these Sanskrit kirtan are till date called the English Notes – Muthukrishan Mudaliar died in 1792 – however his son Venkatakrishnan continued the support to Dikshadar family and rendered all help.
Raja – Sir – Chevalier – Rao Bahadur – S. Ramaswamy Mudaliar – Dubashi – Dymes & Co – amassed wealth within a short span of time – but his father was a building contractor gave yellow notice on insolvency and died – Ramaswamy Mudaliar was a member of Indian National Congress – went to England – he served as the 158th Madras Sheriff – he was also member of the facilitation committee of the 50th anniversary of King Edward (7) & Queen Alexandria – but he did not go to London – he established a choultry near Chennai Central – built health centers at Royapuram and Thirukazhukundram – built a children’s hospital at Cuddalore.
Kovur Sundresa Mudalior – Dubashi – East India Co. – his mansion-house is in Black Town – he was an ardent lover of Thiga Iyer kirtanas – he invited him to his house – there he wrote 5 kirtanas – the starting stanza of Kovur Sundaresa song is very famous – this is the name of Lord Siva of Kovur – but still some controversy lies about whom for this song was sung.
Kumarappa Mudaliar – Dubashi – Governor Thomas Sanderson (1749).
Poondamaali Thuluva Vellala – Dubashi Family – Subu Devanyaka Mudaliar was the trustee of Chennai Nunkambakkam Agasthiar Temple – a big framed portrait work of him is still in the temple hall –
his grandfather has served as dubash under Iyarcoat an army officer (1720).
Ramalinga Mudaliar – Dubashi – Major Bannerman – the one who sent Kattabomman to the gallows.
Vandalur Venkatanarayana Pillai – Dubashi – Charles Bouchier (1767) and also George Strattaon (1776).
Thuluva Vellala Kesava Mudaliar – Dubashi – Temple Trustee – 1700.
Elam Babu Vellala – Dubash Family – acquired many villages and formed estate
Thottikalai Kesava Mudaliar family – Dubashi & Jamindars
Vayalur Kulantee Veera Perumal Pillai – Dubashi – Governors – Thomas Rumbolt (1778) – Lord George Macartny (1781) – Sir Archibold Cambel (1786) – in his WILL of 1793 has written about the Sri Hari Kota estate and Indamdar lands.
Ponna Pillai – Dubashi – 1804 – lost his family in fire accident in cotton stock-up godown.
Nota Vayal Narayana Pillai – Dubashi – Madras Council – Governor Charles Bouchier – also for some more time under George Powney (1750) – he was also called Powney Narayana Pillai.
Venkatrangan Pillai – Dubashi – George Powney – was accused of corrupt practices – a grain godown at Black Town – a Garden House at Thondaiyarpet – a series of tenements at Muthaialpet & Triplicane.
One Thuluva Vellala family man of Ponneri Taluq Mootia Mudaliar (probably Muthaiah Mudaliar) – he has served as dubashi in East India Company’s military secretariat for 40 years – his sons were also served as such for some more time – in the beginning of the 18th century one of his son was awarded the title of “Principal Native Manager & Record Keeper”.
Vandalur Venkatachalam Pillai – Dubashi – (1687) – Governor Elhi Yale – his son dubashi – (1740) – Governor Morse – two of his uncles were dubashis at the time of Warren Hastings – Venkatachalam Pillai was also in the good terms with Nawab Mohamed Ali – there is a written family biography of their servitude.
The first dubashi of Binny & Co. was Challappa Vekatachala Mudaliar.
Paappa Pillai – Dubashi – Madam Duplex – French East India Co. –
Kuruva Pillai – French Dubashi –
Alakanada Pillai – First dubashi of East India Co. – has donated profusely to Mallikeswarar & Ekambareshwarar Temples.
Some other dubashis are – Sunka Rama Cheey, Kalavai Chetty, Kalastri Chetty & Thibu Chetty.
Beri Dimmappa – Dubashi – Governors – Francis Day – Andre Gogan – he has donated to Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple and Mallikeswarar Temple – his son Beri Venkatadri built the Guindy Lodge i.e. the present Raj Bhavan.
Chinna Tambi Mudaliar – Dubashi & Trader – Madras Port – his three wives had each two children – all were dubashi & jamindar.
Kupuswamy Mudaliar & Sons (1840 – 1911) – Dubashi & Traders.
Devan Bahadur V.Shanmuga Mudaliar (1874) – Dubashi & Trader.
Muthu Mudaliar (1790) – Dubashi – Nawab Umarathullah.
Chidambaram Ramaswamy Mudaliar -Purasawakkam – Dubashi & Liquor Trader – London Gazatte.
Divan Bhadur C.Natesa Mudaliar – Doctor – served as dubashi at Gorden Woodroffe Co. for some time – fore runner of the Dravidian Movement.
P. T. Lee Chengalvaraya Naicker – Sabedar Major in British Army – conferred the title of “Lee” – Dubashi – Chand & Co. – there are many schools and trusts in his name.
Vempakkam Krishna Iyer (his nickname is Kabal Krishnan) – Dubashi – Grain Merchant – in 1820 engaged in salt business near Masulipatinam – his son Vempakkam Raghavachari (1834) – got high post in police as deputy superintendent.
Even C. N. Annadurai first joined as dubashi to support EVR – more details about the various dubashis is not readily available. If we get it it will be a very long list"