Renowned epigraphist and archeologist Dr. R Nagaswamy, passed away yesterday in Tamil Nadu, at the age of 91. Born in 1930, Dr. Nagaswamy graduated in Sanskrit from the University of Madras, and then decided to pursue his masters in Sanskrit as well. After obtaining his PhD in arts and archeology, he received his training from the Archeological survey of India and joined the Chennai Government Museum in 1959 as an art and archeology curator.
He was not only all this, but much more. Apart from being a great field archaeologist, he was also a epigraphist and conservator of heritage and a relentless warrior for a cultural awakening among Tamils. He was a prolific writer, producing several scholarly works. Nagaswamy, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2018, is widely regarded as a guru for a generation of archaeologists in Tamil Nadu. He was also known for taking Temple Architecture classes for free, online, offered by the Shankara Mutt Heritage and Agraharam team.
His passing is truly a loss for the country, as he is known for creating an entire generation of archeologists and historians. Sharing his condolences, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, “The coming generations will never forget the contributions of Thiru R. Nagaswamy towards popularising the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu. His passion towards history, epigraphy and archaeology were noteworthy. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.” The Prime also shared messages of condolences in Tamil, given that Dr. Nagaswamy was from Tamil Nadu.
The coming generations will never forget the contributions of Thiru R. Nagaswamy towards popularising the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu. His passion towards history, epigraphy and archaeology were noteworthy. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2022
அவரது குடும்பத்தினருக்கும் நண்பர்களுக்கும் அனுதாபங்கள். ஓம் சாந்தி.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2022
Dr. Nagaswamy was also pivotal in starting the annual Chidambaram Natyanjali festival back in 1980. Dr. Nagaswamy has published several books including “Master pieces of South Indian Bronzes”, “Siva Bhakti”, Tantric Cult in Tamilnadu, “Uttaramerur” in French with Dr.Francoise Gros (1970) and “Facets of South Indian Art and Architecture”. Nagaswamy’s articles have been translated into 23 languages and published in UNESCO’s journal.
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