the day-to-day official transactions in the form of a diary. This diary is the wealth of information on the status of the eighteenth century Tamil land. This diary was in the form of manuscripts for quite a long time. Subsequently it was printed in the form of book in eight volumes. This has become part of history since many of the confidential dealings which are not available from any other source are found only in this diary.
The diary of Anandarangam Pillai was not written in chaste Tamil, because it was not written for the purpose of publication. The language used in the diary is very much colloquial. The influence of French language in writing the diary could not be avoided. This area can very well be investigated by socio-linguistic scholars.
The diary reveals that the history would have changed in Tamil Nadu, but for the personal rivalry between the Pouduchery Governor M. Dupliex and the French Naval Captain M. de la Bourdonnais. The French Council at Pouduchery resolved to capture the Madras city and has entrusted the task to the Navy under the captainship of M. de la Bourdonnais. He sought all powers in decision-making. It was decided to install Mr. De Espremenil as soon as the fort at Madras was captured and the French flag was hoisted.
The ships had landed at Madras and the fort was captured. But the decisions of the Council was not implemented. M. de la Bourdonnais took arbitrary decisions. He did not care for the other officials. He made an agreement with the English Governor, which provided the following:- 1. The English people at Madras city will part with the money, cloth and other wealth to the French army. 2. The treasure in the Fort will be shared equally between the French and English. 3. The arms and ammunitions in the Madras Fort will also be shared equally. 4. The English army will not enter into any war with the French army in the future. 5. The English Company will pay eleven thousand Varahans to the French Government for which a Bill be drawn, payable at Paris. This agreement was enforced by M. de la Bourdonnais and he informed this to the French Government at Pouduchery. The objections raised by other officials were ignored by him. He said that he had the authorisation to take decisions.
When M. de la Bourdonnais was ready to leave Madras with all his booty, he came to know that two lakh varahans were buried under the flag post. He got angry and torn out the agreement and imprisoned the English Governor Mr. Morse. He took charge of the fort and handed over it to the French officials M. de Esperemenil. This
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