‘Sahana’ is an isle of serenity on a busy road

‘Sahana,’ a gracious house located almost opposite the office of All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, is an island of serenity on the busy road that connects Poojapura and Vazhuthecaud. The entrance to the spacious front room is flanked by a gable supported on two graceful pillars. Portraits in oils, Ravi Varma oleographs, old photographs and antique cabinets stacked with books, elegant furniture, and artefacts give it a cozy look.

“I have preserved the house the same way my father had maintained it during his time,” says 88-year-old Indira Ramakrishna Pillai, matriarch of the family and daughter of GP Sekhar BA (1895-1984). Sekhar was the son of journalist, orator, and nationalist barrister G Parameswaran Pillai (1864-1903).

“This house was originally built by R Srinivasan (1887-1975), a renowned mathematics professor at University College. The professor was a friend of Dewan CP Ramaswamy Aiyer and therefore constructed his residence right opposite the Dewan’s official residence,” recalls the octogenarian. Srinivasan’s love for traditional Carnatic music, literature, and arts was known throughout South India.

“During his days, the house resonated with melodious recitals by well-known vocalists such as MS Subbulakshmi, ML Vasanthakumari, Chembai, Ariyakudi, Musiri Subramanya Iyer, and Semmangudi. Srinivasan’s daughter Kamala Krishnamurthy was also a talented singer whose rendering of Vanjeeshamangalam was popular in erstwhile Travancore. MKK Nayar, the disciple of Srinivasan, has recorded that those who visited the Professor’s house “would hear the droning of thamburu and lovely music emanating from there.”

In 1948, after Professor Srinivasan and family left for Madras [Chennai], the house was bought by Justice TK Joseph. It was only in 1957 that Sekhar and his family moved in as the new occupants. “My father’s love for Carnatic music is apparent in the new name he chose for the house.” A patron of music, dance, and arts, Sekhar is still remembered for his contribution towards the academic sphere. Starting his career as a teacher, he later left his job and authored numerous textbooks that became popular in schools in Travancore and Madras. He also wrote guides for students. G.P. Sekhar’s Guide was one of the earliest of its kind in Kerala. Beside his busy schedule, Sekhar donned the role of a much sought after socialite who was instrumental in organising Trivandrum Arts Festival.

“I still recall my father’s association with talented vocalists and dancers. MS Subbulakshmi sang during my wedding celebrations (1951) and maintained a cordial relationship with my father,” Indira recalls.

“This Nataraja idol,” she points to an idol adorning the hall, “was a gift from Guru Gopinath, the well-known dancer.”

The house reminds one of a harmonious marriage between the traditional and colonial architectural styles. Within its colonial demeanour – spacious rooms, high ceiling and large windows and doors – the house seems to have a traditional soul.

A rectangular courtyard and the spacious inner courtyard separate the residential unit from the kitchen; the window shutters are also crafted in wood, devoid of any trace of glass.

(The author is a conservation architect and history buff)

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> History & Culture> Hidden Histories / by Sharad Sunder Rajeev / Thiruvananthapuram – February 24th, 2017