A. Seshayya Sastri

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Sir Amaravati Seshayya Sastri (22 March 1828 – 29 October 1903) was an Indian administrator who served as the Diwan (prime minister) of Travancore from 1872 to 1877 and as the Diwan of Pudukkottai from 1878 to 1894. He also acted as Regent of Pudukkottai from 1886 to 1894 and is remembered for modernizing Pudukkottai town.

Early life and education
Seshayya Sastri was born in Amaravati, in the Tanjore district, to a poor Hindu family. He moved to Madras at age nine with his uncle, Gopala Aiyer. He studied at Anderson’s School and Pachaiyappa’s College, graduating in 1848. He married Sundari in 1847. He began his career as a clerk in the Revenue Department and rose through several administrative roles, including Tahsildar and Head Sheristadar.

Career as Diwan
In 1872 he became the Diwan of Travancore under King Ayilyam Thirunal. His firm approach led to clashes with the king, and he resigned in 1877. During his time in Travancore, the Varkala Tunnel was opened, and the first systematic census of Travancore was conducted in 1875.

In 1878 Sastri became the Diwan of Pudukkottai and later served as Diwan-Regent from 1886 to 1894, when the ruler Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman came of age. He modernized Pudukkottai, rebuilt the town, and created Pudukkulam Lake. He also helped Ramachandra Tondaiman adopt the name Brihadambaldas. He retired from public service in 1894.

Honors and death
Seshayya Sastri received several honors from the British Crown. He became a Fellow of the University of Madras in 1868. He was made Companion of the Order of the Star of India (CSI) in 1878 and Knight Commander of the Star of India (KCSI) in 1901, with a subsequent knighthood in 1902. He died on 29 October 1903 at the age of 75.