V. Ramiengar

Who was V. Ramiengar?

Vembaukum Ram Iyengar CSI was an Indian civil servant and administrator who served as the Diwan of Travancore from 1880 to 1887.

Ram Iyengar was born in 1826 at Vembakkam in Chingleput district and had his education at Madras University. On completion of his education, he was employed as a translator in the Maratha Cutcherry and gradually rose to become Naib Sheristadar and then, Head Sheristadar. He was eventually appointed Sub-Collector in 1861 and then, promoted to Deputy Collector. In 1867, Ram Iyengar was nominated to the Madras Legislative Council and served from 1867 to 1879. In 1880, he was appointed Diwan of Travancore and served until 1887. Ram Iyengar returned to Madras in 1887 and died on May 10, 1887.

Ram Iyengar is remembered for his administrative acumen as a civil servant in the Madras Presidency and later, Diwan of Travancore. He was appreciated for his methodical ways. At the same time, Ram Iyengar was also criticised for favoring Tamil Brahmins in government appointments in Travancore.