R. Subbier

(From Gomathy)

RAO BAHADUR(A HONORIFIC TITLE BESTOWED BY THE BRITISH)R.SUBBIER.(the IER is the shortened form of IYER attached directly to the name which gives it the Brahmin caste identity). He hailed from the village now a big town called AMBASAMUDRAM. The river TAMABARAPARNI the source of prosperity and wealth to this region, flowed by these two villages. There is a hydro power dam built over this river near the town of Tirunelvelli where R. Subbier settled down to practice law, as an advocate. In those days you did not have to go to Law College to practice law, you learnt the profession as you practised, and observed. You needed to read and keep abreast with the various cases that the British in the courts were passing as judgments,and the INDIAN PENAL CODE was being developed by the colonial masdters. and to have a sharp tongue and quick wits was essential. I think our ancestor had both and his practice grew and he was bestowed the title of RAO BAHADUR , basically as I now understand it for serving his British superiors faithfully! He bought huge tracts of agricultural lands both in Tirulnelvelli and the neighbouring villages. He sent all his 4 sons to Madras to graduate from college, which they did brilliantly.