T. Subba Row

By Victor M Fontane

Tallapragada Subba Row was an Indian Theosophist from a Hindu background and originally worked as a Vakil within the Indian justice system.Tallapragada Subba Row (1856–90) was an outstanding member of The Theosophical Society in its early years in India. Madame H. P. Blavatsky had originally planned to collaborate with him in the production of The Secret Doctrine, but this plan did not bear fruit.  Col. H. S. Olcott’s tribute to Subba Row was that, 

‘there was none equal to him in bright genius for grasping the spirit of the Ancient Wisdom’. 

Subba Row’s philosophy was essentially Vedântic, although he was also greatly stimulated by the Theosophy of Madame Blavatsky.  He was highly respected for his wide-ranging erudition and knowledge of esoteric philosophy and practice, and was one of the most outstanding Hindu members of the early Theosophical Society.He said: “Those who penetrate the mysteries of Bhagavad Gita have studied and penetrated the true teachings of Christ.”

The quote suggests a profound spiritual connection, asserting that understanding the esoteric truths of the Bhagavad Gita leads to an understanding of the true teachings of Christ, implying that both contain universal spiritual wisdom. This perspective comes from the Theosophical tradition which sought to synthesize Eastern and Western spiritual concepts.