Madurai:

Built in 1916, the Madurai District Collectorate – the palatial stone building near Anna Bus stand – is a fine example of Victorian-era architectural style. The 100-year-old building was constructed in random rubble masonry style and flaunts stone work with huge corridors and arches. The colonial-era stone structure as seat of the Madurai district administration is a feast to the eyes.

Situated on a 30-acre plot, the building houses the Madurai North and South tahsildar offices, supply office, Tamil Nadu Medical Services warehouse, government workshop, fire station and the Madurai RDO office.

Madurai fell into the hands of the British around 1750. Nayak rule ended in Madurai in 1736 as the last Nayak Queen Regent, Meenakshi sought help of Chanda Sahib who was eyeing for throne of Carnatic. She was deceived by him. After shuffling hands between Chanda Sahib, Arcot Nawab and Muhammed Yusuf Khan alias Marudha Nayagam for a while, Madurai Kingdom smoothly ended in East India Company’s rule. British formally established Madurai district and A Mc Leod was the first collector of Madurai, assuming charges on September 6, 1790.

During that period, Madurai was within the four walls of Nayak fort. In 1837, Madurai collector John Blackburn decided to bring down the walls and expand the city. Most of the British or European settlements were outside the city towards Teppakulam, including missions established by the American missionaries.

Sadly there is not much detail available about the building. Apart form a stone tablet on the portico, there is not even a single stone inscription narrating its inaugural or people behind it like the ones found in other colonial buildings.

Madurai district collector K Veera Raghava Rao said that the district administration is planning a centenary celebration of the building.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Madurai / by Arockiaraj Johnbosco / TNN / June 12th, 2016