Its evening. And on the banks of the lake, in Kodai, i spot this memorial structure. In the name of Sir Vere Henry Levince Baronet.
‘ I haven’t heard of that name before’. I think. And so, whats written at the base of the memorial perks my eyes. And i peer through the evening dusk. And read. ( and reproduce from the photograph with minor punctuation changes)
“In memory of Sir Vere Henry Levince Baronet of Knockdrin Castle, Westeath, Ireland and formerly of the Madras Civil Service, born 26th Nov 1819, died at Madras 22nd March 1885
After a long service in the districts of Tinnevely and Madura where he won the sincere respect and affection of the people, he settled in 1867 at Kodaikanal and lived at Panmbar house until within a few weeks of his death.
To him are due nearly all the improvements which this settlement possesses
A true friend to the poor, no one however humble appealed to him in vain, while his upright character, his love of justice and his kindly heart endeared him to all classes of the community European and native. And thus he bore without abuse, the grand old name of Gentleman.”
I shake my head in disbelief and think that he must have been some man. I wonder, how it must have been in the early part of the 18th century. To travel all the way from Ireland. Set up base here. Work in Madurai and Tirunelveli. And the, trek all the way up into the Kodai hills and live there for many years
( It took us all of metalled roads, a Japanese engine, Italian tyres and Indian ingenuity and two hours to reach this place. I shudder to think of the 1845 effort !!)
The disbelief stays. What must have driven the likes of Sir Vere Henry Levince Baronet ? I don’t know.
His memorial inscriptions are carved in stone. And don’t bother answering that question.
I would not know what the exact personal circumstances were there that drove Sir Baronet to Kodaikanal,but anybody who spends the bloody winter and rain sogged autumn,spring and sometimes even the summer in Ireland would probably understand.And in lesser men, Greed, perhaps?
I so admire your curious eye and querying brain.
This was such a wonderful post, especially to me, as I have always been fascinated by history, esp colonial interactons between the so-called centre (Europe) and us, the so-called margin.
Kavi always the best but yes at the same time few question answer do not exist. May be it is spiritual.
Interesting post. Inspired This…….:-)
Many explore or exploit foreign lands, but to give back (and respect) the native people is not so common. I’m grateful that my travels have opened my heart/eyes to the common needs we all share.
Wonderful thought kavi! I too saw this monument but haven’t thought to note like u. he is great indeed!