The Private Diary of Ananda Ranga Pillai - VOLUME 2

Abstract

Volume II covers a period commencing with the 23rd April 1746, and ending with the 18th October of the same year — something under six months — and yet the record of this brief space of time forms a volume as large as that of the preceding nine years and seven months, and contains but little in the way of petty details. The central point of interest in the portion of the Diary now placed before the reader is the capture of Madras by the French. Close around this lies the record of what occurred in connection with that event, immediately before and after it took place, and of the quarrels and jealousies which the appearance of de la Bourdonnais on the scene caused between him and Dupleix. I venture to think that the vivid descriptions of these latter which this contains, and the apparently truthful accoimts which Ranga Pillai gives of his conversations with Dupleix regarding de la Bourdonnais, will prove of interest ; and may, perhaps, in a measure assist in clearing points upon which history seems uncertain. Apart from the seizure of Madras, of which, as the diarist was not a spectator of it and had no one on the spot to furnish him with particulars, lie has given but a brief account, much that is interesting, and in some cases amusing, is recorded by him.