<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>SA&#7748K&#256RN&#256TH PA&#7750&#7692IT (1789-1858)</TITLE>
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<p class="C1">&#65279SA&#7748K&#256RN&#256TH, PA&#7750&#7692IT (1789-1858), astrologer and diplomat, belonging to the village of Karivall&#363r, in north Kerala, was a celebrated scholar of ancient lore. His reputation especially as an astrologer spread far beyond the confines of his native Kerala and he was in 1816 invited by R&#257j&#257 Sa&#7749s&#257r Chand of K&#257&#7749g&#7771&#257 to become his spiritual adviser. From K&#257&#7749gr&#257, he came to Lahore as Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 Ra&#7751j&#299t Si&#7749gh's counsellor and astrologer. It is said that besides the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 and his courtiers, even the English consulted him on matters of diplomacy. He was held in high esteem by Lord William Bentinck, the governor-general, and Sir Claude Wade and other English officials. In recognition of his services, the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 granted him a <i>j&#257g&#299r</i> worth 3,000 rupees per annum. At the time of the intrusion of Muhammad Akbar <u>Kh</u>&#257n into the frontier area, Sa&#7749karn&#257th accompanied the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257's armies despatched to punish him. He was wounded in one of the encounters with the Af<u>gh</u>&#257ns.</p>
<p class="C1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sa&#7749karn&#257th had a large number of disciples at Lahore where he performed numerous penances and <i>yajnas</i>. He stayed in the Punjab for nine years and left in 1827 to join the Mah&#257r&#257j&#257 of Travancore who gave him appointment as chief justice of the Sadar Court. In 1834, he returned to Lahore where he resumed his old position at the court. He continued to serve until 1844 when he rejoined Travancore service. He died in 1858 after having served as Faujd&#257r&#299 Commissioner for several years.</p>
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BIBLIOGRAPHY<p class="C1"><ol class="C1"><i>The Tribune</i>. Chandigarh, 9 August 1981<BR>
</ol><p class="CONT">Sard&#257r Si&#7749gh Bh&#257&#7789&#299&#257<br></p><BR>
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