G.V.Juggarow was one of the early pioneers of observational astronomy in India who built his own observatory in 1840 at Vizagapatnam. His legacy was continued by his son-in-law A.V.Nursing Row till 1892, his daughter till 1894, Madras Government till
1898, and his grandson till it became inactive in early 1900s. Observations of comets, planetary transits, stellar occultations etc have been continued along with meteorological observations. Celestial photography was also started at the observatory. After 1898 the observatorys activities were re-oriented towards meteorology. The establishment of the observatory, the personalities involved and the final closing of the institution are described here.
C. Ragoonatha Chary, the first assistant at Madras Observatory during 1864 to 1880 was not only a celebrated observational astronomer but also a person who emphasized the need for incorporating modern observations based improvements into the traditio
nal methods of astronomical calculations. He was one of the first few people who argued for establishment of independent modern Indian observatory for education and training. He was credited with the discovery of two variable stars R Reticuli and another star whose identity is uncertain. The person and his variable star discoveries are discussed.
