What’s common between Robert Fellowes Chisholm and Henry Irwin? Well, these are leading British architects who are majorly responsible for planning out some of the best buildings in the city that have stood the test of time. On Independence Day, we take a look at five such beauties…

Presidency College

That it is expedient that a Central Collegiate Institution or University should be established at Madras – this was part of the proposals passed, which later led to the establishment of this college. This landmark building, which houses one of the oldest government arts colleges in the country, was completed in 1870.

Victoria Public Hall

Built to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, it came about as a result of generous contributions of many prominent citizens of the city. The reason? They all wanted a hall to hold public events. Plays by the stalwarts of Tamil theatre, including Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar, have been staged at this prestigious venue that has also witnessed talks by leading national personalities like Swami Vivekananda.

Senate House

Visitors to the University of Madras cannot help but marvel at this piece of art, built during the British colonial period. Robert Chisholm, considered to be the pioneer of the Indo-Saracenic architecture, is said to have been instrumental in designing this opposite the world-famous Marina Beach around 1873.

Museum theatre

If you’re a lover of plays, then chances are that you would have definitely been to this place. The Museum Theatre is a well-known landmark in the city even today for holding plays and performances. It was built in the 19th century in a semi-circular structure for stage, primarily for the British to stage plays for the elite in the city. The theatre is located in the museum campus, where, around 1854, tiger and lion cubs were kept for visitors to see!

Central Station

Built on a combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles, this grand building – which greets everybody who arrives by train to the city – was initially said to be built with four platforms and then redesigned. The station, and the clock tower, are regular features even in Tamil movies, to mark the arrival of someone to Madras.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Travel> Presidency College / by Srinivas Ramanujam, TNN / August 15th, 2013