T. Subha Rao

Thanjavur Subha Rao (also known as Subharao Tanjavarkar, also spelled Subba Row) was an Indian administrator and musician who served as the dewan of the state of Travancore in the 1830s.

Thanjavur Subha Rao
Diwan of Travancore
In office 1830–1837
Monarch	Swathi Thirunal
Preceded by	T. Venkata Rao
Succeeded by	R. Ranga Rao
In office 1839 – June 1842
Monarch	Swathi Thirunal
Preceded by	T. Venkata Rao
Succeeded by	Krishna Rao

Subha Rao was a native of Thanjavur and was born into a Thanjavur Marathi Deshastha Brahmin family. He was so fluent in English that he was also known as "English" Subha Rao. He tutored the Maharaja of Travancore Swathi Thirunal in Sanskrit, Marathi, political science and Carnatic music. In 1830, he was appointed Dewan of Travancore.^[1] His Western knowledge and refinement in the English language led to East India Company officers attempting to send him away, as he was "not unacquainted" with the policies they were pursuing in conquering India.^[2]