1. Enacting of Rajaraja Naadagam (Drama RRC) in the Complex.
2. Sadhaya Vizha / Temple preservation processes
3. Initiating Chidambaram Natyanjali.
I queried :
" There was a mention that a skeleton was identified as that of Kovalan by you .. Can you elaborate ?"
He smiled..
" In MADURAI there is a place called KOVALAN THIDAL.. Popular belief was that this where Kovalan body was cremated. As Department Head of State Archeology I was asked to conduct excavation. A burial Urn with human bones was unearthed. This was reported by the State Archeology in the Media as Ancient Thazhi (Urn) with human bones unearthed at Kovalan Thidal... "
He also added :
It has also been reported by me as early in 1961 that the popular belief of Dharmaraja Rathams at Maamallai carved by Narasimha I was found to be wrong and it was actually RAJASIMHA who carved them. Though several books were released subsequently hardly they acknowledged this fact !
I told him I remember to have read this in Thamaizhaga Koilkalaigal released by Tharamani Tamizh Kazhagam.
He said he had extensively studied various dances forms of Ancient Tamilnadu and wrote as OVIA PAAVAI which is also a forerunner for several research books on Dances .. !
Asked him: Since you have served under Arignar Anna, Dr. MGR, Dr. Kalignar and Dr. Jayalalitha, how to you find development of Tamil Arts and History under them ?
Though it is a sensitive, he replied ::
FORTUNATELY FOR OUR STATE, None of them interfered with Tamil History or devedlopment of Ancient Arts.
Arignar Anna was a very understanding & matured Leader and election Victory did not go into his Head. His Party Beliefs did not interfere with State Archlgy functions at all and was very much encouraging.
Dr. MGR sanctioned very much useful equipments and lab facilities to develop more scientific approach at par with Foregin nations even twenty years back !
Dr. Kalignar had discussions with him even outside office hours / premises and has True love for Tamil History - Tamil Culture. Brilliant personality to work under who recognises knowledge.
Tenure under Dr. JJ was minimum but she was appreciate of the efforts of the Department and has shown keenness in bringing out more and more Tamil inscriptions to light.