Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Get romantic during this Madras Week

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Tired of taking your special one to swanky malls or movies? Well, this  Madras Week , TOI lists out some places you could take him/her to get a real feel of Chennai we love so much…

Take a walk!
When was the last time the two of you took a walk and spoke with each other? Walks can be awesome as they help you notice little details about our city. While the Theosophical Society is a place that’s frequently-visited, the Semmozhi Poonga is a place where peace and greenery seem to almost co-exist with the bustling chaos associated with the roads in Chennai. Colleges in the city are a wonderful place to just take a stroll — campuses such as the IIT, Anna University and Madras Christian College are some examples. While at IIT, if you’re lucky, you might spot a deer or two as well. But, please do keep in mind that these are educational institutions — and we hope you understand what we’re referring to!

On a science trip
We’re sure that your loved one would have mentioned at least once how he/she top-scored the last in science in, perhaps, class 4B or 5C (isn’t that how we used mention them?). Now, this is your chance to get back. Take him/her to the Planetarium near Kottupuram or the Museum at Egmore. Before doing so, just search the Internet and find out about the stuff they usually talk there. That way, you can show off in front of him/her and have your loved one in awe.

The view from the top
A bird’s-eye view of Chennai is something one cannot describe well in words — you have to experience it. So, why are you waiting — what better time than now to do that? While some of the swanky hotels do offer a breathtaking view of the city, there are other places where one can get the same experience without burning a hole in the pocket. The St Thomas Mount (or Parangi Malai, as referred to by locals) is one such place where you can even see aeroplanes taking off, considering its proximity to the airport. This is a place of worship, so please do bear that in mind while going there. The lighthouse at the Marina, which will be open to the public, is another option. From here, you can see the entire city and the sea too. Now, what could be more romantic  than that?

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Life & Style> Travel / by Srinivas Ramanujam, TNN / August 25th, 2013

Looks tough, serves sweet

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Dinesh Soni's lassi shop on Mint street / . Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu
Dinesh Soni’s lassi shop on Mint street / . Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam / The Hindu

His rugged physique has earned Dinesh Soni the moniker ‘Sowcarpet don’. But the former wrestler spreads sweetness through his lassi shop, says Vipasha Sinha

Everybody in Sowcarpet seems to know Dinesh Soni. He acknowledges everyone as he arrives at his shop on 343 Mint Street – Anmol Mohit Lassi.

A food stall owner introduces him jokingly as ‘Sowcarpet’s Don.’ As he has a daunting physique, rugged looks and rides a massive bike, I almost believed it. It’s his punch dialogue that breaks the awkward silence. He says, “Jab jab garmi ne mara hai, Anmol Mohit chaanch aur lassi ne sanwara hai (whenever the heat kills, Anmol Mahit buttermilk and lassi comes to the rescue).”

“I am a wrestler-turned-lassi walla,” he explains his rugged look.

He has named his shop after his son Mohit and his friend’s daughter Anmol, whom he treats like his own. Dinesh was born in Chennai but moved to Rajasthan for a few years, where he fought as a professional wrester. “After a point, my body gave up and my career came to an end. I had to support my family. I came back to Chennai and started this business. I have been selling my speciality, kesar lassi, for the past 21 years,” says Dinesh, who hails from a family of goldsmiths.

The reason he chose to venture into this business was to give the city, which is known for its hot summer, a taste of cool Indian drink. “My lassi is different from the ones that usually sell here. This is the reason why I have all kinds of customers come here regularly. Also, a wholesome glass of lassi provides my customers with the energy to keep them going through the day,” he says.

Apart from lassi, he also sells Mohit shampoo and hair oil, which he claims can cure all problems. But lassi will always be his first love. He hopes his son Mohit will join the business after he finishes engineering. “Ask anyone about Anmol Mohit lassi, and he will show the way to my shop. This is the brand I have built for years.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai> Down Town / by Vipasha Sinha / Chennai – August 24th, 2013

HIDDEN HISTORIES : To sing like Mastan Sahib

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All
Mastan Sahib’s dargah in Royapuram./ by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Mastan Sahib’s dargah in Royapuram./ by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Mastan Sahib’s songs greatly enriched Tamil poetry, in particular the Islamic genre.

That is a wish expressed in a film song. Ever since then, the musical mystic has intrigued me. Planning for a heritage tour of Royapuram, Karthik Bhatt and I are standing in front of the Rajah Sir Savalai Ramaswami Mudaliar Lying in Hospital. We have been told by our good friend Anwar that the Kunangudi Mastan Sahib Dargah is nearby. After asking around quite a bit, we go into Raman (earlier Rama Naicken) Street. It is a thoroughfare of indescribable filth but we trudge along.

We cross a St Mary’s School. The next big landmark is the Renukadevi temple. We pause to ask again and are told we have crossed the dargah. We retrace our steps to find it in a vast, unkempt compound. But once inside, it is a haven of peace and remarkably clean. The structure is simple; a verandah with rounded pillars fronts a vestibule behind which, are chambers with sepulchres. The principal one, facing the entrance, is that of Kunangudi Mastan. On either side are those of his disciples – Pulavar Nayagangal (Hazrath Sheikh Abdul Qadir), Hazrath Qadir Mastan Sahib, Madhar Bibi and Hazrath Ibrahim Sahib.

Kunangudi Mastan Sahib, who was given that name owing to his ever being steeped in spiritual bliss, is believed to have lived between 1792 and 1838. Born at Kunangudi near Thondi in Ramanathapuram district, he was named Sultan Abdul Qadir at birth. His parents, Nainar Mohammed and Fathima Bibi were wealthy but the son chose to give it all up, seeking the supreme truth. He became a Sufi, taking to the Qadariya order. His love for God he expressed in the form of songs. To him, God was the beloved and in some of the songs, in keeping with the Sufi tradition, he depicts the supreme being as feminine.

Songs of his songs such as ‘Manonmani Kanni’ and ‘Rehman Kanni’ could have been the inspiration for Subramania Bharati in depicting God as his Kannamma. Mastan Sahib’s songs greatly enriched Tamil poetry, in particular the Islamic genre. The 20th century veena artiste VS Gomathisankara Iyer even set them to Carnatic tunes, making them suitable for concerts. A compilation was published by Professor Abul Rahman in 1980.

At the dargah, an aged servitor welcomes us in. We pray in silence and just as we are leaving, are asked if we saw the subterranean chamber. An opening in one corner of Mastan Sahib’s shrine accesses this. You need to crawl and then literally fall into it. The space, where you can only squat, can accommodate just about two people. Mastan Sahib is said to have meditated there. Local legend has it that it was once an underground passage leading to Tondiarpet. It is believed that Mastan Sahib was referred to as Tondiar owing to his having come from Thondi. The area of Tondiarpet is therefore said to be named after him.

Despite the squalid surroundings, and the difficulties in getting there, Mastan Sahib’s dargah is well worth a visit.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai> Hidden Histories / by  Sriram V / September 03rd, 2013

15th century paintings found hidden in Tiruvarur temple

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence
A painting depicting Narada found inside Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple at Nallur village in Tiruvarur district | Express
A painting depicting Narada found inside Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar Temple at Nallur village in Tiruvarur district | Express

Rare paintings of the Vijayanagar period, said to be date between the 15th and 16th century were discovered in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple recently.

The paintings came to light when renovation works in the Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar temple in Nallur village of Tiruvarur district was taken up ahead of the Maha Kumbabisekam of the temple, slated for August 30.

Kudvayil Balasubramanian, noted historian and archaeologist, who was informed about the historic find, visited the temple and made a study on the painting.

Based on his analysis, he said the temple is located near the ancient city of Pazhayarai, the capital city of Cholas. He also said the temple finds specific mention in the hagiographies of Tirunavukkarasar and Amarniti Nayanar. There was evidence to show the temple was renovated and consecrated by Chola queen Sembian Mahadevi.

The paintings in the sanctum sanctorum were done during the period of the Vijayanagara kings. Though many of the paintings have faded, four figures are still clearly visible, Kudvayil Balasubramanian said.

The paintings depict Naradar who plays Veena, an artiste who keeps a pair of cymbals and child Skanda holding the lotus flower. The paintings have been done with natural colours. He also appealed to the authorities that these paintings should be preserved, as they are vital to write the history of the paintings of Tamil Nadu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by Express News Service – Thanjavur / August 19th, 2013

MADRAS 374 – College of Engineering, Guindy, a 219-year journey

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All
The College of Engineering moved to its current location in 1920 / Photo: R. Ragu / The Hindu
The College of Engineering moved to its current location in 1920 / Photo: R. Ragu / The Hindu

Unlike many heritage buildings in the city, the stately, yet functional arches and corridors of the college do not seem like an anachronism

Unlike many heritage buildings in the city, the stately, yet functional arches and corridors of the College of Engineering, Guindy do not seem like an anachronism. The rectangular scarlet structure of one of the country’s oldest technical institute effectively encases not just an architecturally fine courtyard and corridors, but also the evolution of technical education in the city.

On a brisk Monday morning, this busy institution, it seemed, had no time for nostalgia. Under the high ceilings, and arched passageways, students huddled in groups with books, and professors stood on pedestals in classrooms naturally lit by the spacious windows.

What started as a survey school with eight students in 1794 at Fort St. George, shifted to several campuses including Kalas Mahal in Chepauk before moving to its current premises on what is today the Anna University campus in 1920, according to ‘Glimpses of 200 years of history of the College of Engineering, Guindy’ by Er. C.S. Kuppuraj. Today, nearly 10,000, students study here, said dean, C. Chellappan. The original survey school became a civil engineering school, civil engineering college and an engineering college before becoming the College of Engineering, Guindy.

The active alumni of the college take heart in the fact that the main building still retains its heritage character. B. Karunakaran, secretary, Alumni Association, College of Engineering Guindy who passed out in 1969, said that as students, they loved the spacious campus. A lot of things have changed too, he noted. “For instance, there was only one girl in my batch. Now, of course the ratio has drastically changed,” he said.

Mr. Chellappan, said that maintaining the heritage nature of the building was a top priority and they planned to convert the clock tower into a heritage centre. “The college has a rich history and has produced notable alumni. We want to showcase the evolution of the college to the students,” he said.

82-year old N. T. Swaminathan, who passed out in 1955, said the clock tower was the main time-keeper for students. “Few wore watches and when we heard the bell toll, we rushed to class, which began at 7 am. Back then, there was a tennis court very close to the main building. As it was far away from the city, it used to be calm and green,” he recalled.

“The masonry arches, interspersed with stone and brick, are identical. Even with modern equipment, it would be difficult to construct something similar.,” said M. Sekar, former dean and president of the alumni association.

Chennai Central at The Hindu celebrates Madras Week

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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Asha Sridhar / Chennai – August 20th, 2013

MADRAS 374- A taste of Madras in curry powder

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

 

Madras curry powder -- Photo: Apoorva Sripathi / The Hindu
Madras curry powder — Photo: Apoorva Sripathi / The Hindu

Who would’ve imagined Madras curry powder would eventually turn out to be one of England’s best-loved spice mixes?

Comprising humble ingredients such as turmeric, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek, black pepper, red chillies and others, the spice blend first travelled all the way to London from Fort St. George in Madras.

According to ‘Notes from Madras’ by Arthur Robert K. Wyvern, Madras curry powder (as well as mulligatawny paste) was first sold by Barrie’s in Leicester Square. By corollary, any dish that included the above-mentioned curry powder was duly named as ‘Madras’ something.

In the 1890s, P.V. Condiments’ brand of curry powder became famous in England thanks to a Mr. Sharwood. So famous that even the Buckingham Palace purchased it from them.

Believed to have originated from the Tamil word kari meaning sauce or relish, the frangrant Madars curry powder now has many variations.

Chennai Central at The Hindu celebrates Madras Week

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Apoorva Sripathi / Chennai – August 19th, 2013

Kumbakonam coffee

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

There is neither a challan for over charging nor a morcha against this robbery.

An exhilarating taste lingers on the tongue as you drive into Chennai on the so called Express Highway but while returning from Jayalalita’s republic the feeling, if not the taste, will be bitter. It is the degree coffee, or to be more precise Kumbakonam Degree Coffee, that will have invigorated you but the mood spoilers are the notorious auto drivers of Chennai who are a law unto themselves. The KDC is available on the highway with roadside flexies drawing your attention to this special cup of cheer. As a coffee buff I had heard of and savoured fresh, filter and instant coffee. Degree coffee? Well, it was a different cup. And what is Kumbakonam’s role here? 

After gulping down the hot brew, served in a copper cup, I chatted with the owner to get to the bottom of the coffee mystery. As he explained in Tamilinglish pure milk is used in preparing the degree coffee. The milk’s strength is in degrees as measured by the lactometer. Hence it is christened degree coffee. The brownish white froth at the cup’s surface is a sure proof that the milk is undiluted. Fine. But why Kumbakonam? Well, it was first marketed in Kumbakonam years ago by an enterprising Iyer. And now KDC has gone places.

Refreshed with this brew you reach Chennai where the auto driver is waiting to fleece you. The three-wheelers are officially fitted with meters but the contraption is in Manmohan Singh mode. The meter does not talk but the driver dictates. He fixes the rate and if you know the lingua franca of the terrain you can haggle and get 10 to 20 per cent discount. If not you shell out the fare as demanded by the driver. If it is to the US consulate for visa then they charge you airfare!

It is a thriving business in Chennai aided by and abetted by the police. An auto driver from Vannarpet in Bangalore, who has now relocated to Chennai, spilled the beans. In pure Tamilgannada he explained that his day’s earnings (loot?) equalled what four of his counterparts in the Silicon City earned in the same period. That’s why she shifted his gear to Chennai. Its climate may not be salubrious like Bangalore’s but the earnings are and he is making merry.

Tamil Nadu netas promise freebies galore to the electorate but no one promises a metered auto service in Chennai. If only Jayalalita pays half the attention that she pays to demand Cauvery waters she can perhaps discipline them. The grapevine has it that the three wheelers are owned by either the policemen or politicians.

So there is neither a challan for over charging nor a morcha against this 24×7 robbery. The meter is thus an honorary gadget fitted to the vehicle. The driver can as well discard it and save money. Compared to them not all of Bangalore’s automen aren’t that bad. Are they?

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Right in the Middle / by H N Ananda / August 09th, 2013

From today, Senate House to showcase history

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All

Chennai :

From Thursday, the historic Senate House, the first building of University of Madras, will have a permanent exhibit of photographs that highlight the contributions of the university to education in south India.

At least 320 photographs in A3-size, including 16 folios with inscriptional details of the education system in the past, have been put up in the main hall of the building. Each picture has a story to tell, beginning with a paper folio of inscriptions from ghatikas (seats of higher learning during the Pallava period) and mutts (monasteries ) as educational centres in medieval Tamil Nadu.

The exhibition is also a pictorial recollection of the people and events that contributed to the university, which is one of the oldest in India along with University of Calcutta and University of Bombay.

The photographs have been arranged in 25 sub-divisions. Each division has at least 10 to 15 pictures with detailed captions. “We have exhibited photographs of dignitaries, Indians as well as foreign nationals, who were part of the institution and education in the city as a whole. We have also included the old buildings, particularly schools that were later converted into colleges. Presidency College, Government Arts College and Madura College are the best examples,” says P D Balaji, head of the department of ancient history and archeology, whose team took almost a year to collect the photographs from various sources.

Constructed between 1869 and 1873 by British architect Robert Fellowes Chisholm, the Senate House was where the first meeting of the Madras Legislative Assembly of the then Madras Presidency took place in 1937. With its colourful glass windows, stucco work and frescoes on the ceiling, it is a wonder of the Indo-Saracenic style with Byzantine and European architectural features.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Chennai> Senate House / by M T Saju / February 23rd, 2012

Whimpering fuddy-duddy loco impresses with verve to run

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technologies
EIR 21 over the Saidapet railway bridge across the Adyar river on Thursday. (Albin Mathew/EPS)
EIR 21 over the Saidapet railway bridge across the Adyar river on Thursday. (Albin Mathew/EPS)

The 158-year old chugging beauty, EIR 21, was the pride of the Railways ever since it was restored at Perumbur Loco Works and put on tracks in 2010. But, on its 6th dream run, the world’s oldest working steam loco gave passengers and officials tense moments as it came to a halt near Chetpet station, shortly after it was flagged off from Egmore.

Much to the dismay of travellers and officials, the train refused to budge for over half an hour. “There was a leak in a steam pipe joint that brought the train to a stop. Since it is a very old train, such issues are expected,“ said one of the senior staff. The water level in the boiler had reportedly gone down, preventing the production of steam, said a staff of the Perumbur Loco Works.

Finally, much to the relief of Railway officials, the train revived. “Senior officials announced an award of Rs 30,000 for the engineers and technicians who revived the train,” said the staff.

The Railway denied allegations that the train had been pulled by a diesel train after it broke down in Chetpet.“The diesel train is always kept as a stand-by in case of an emergency. But today, the train was revived immediately and the journey continued,” said a Railway spokesperson.

The train, built in 1855, was brought to India from Leeds, UK, where it was built. According to Railway archives, the train was used by the East India Company to transport troops from Howrah to Raniganj to quell the 1857 freedom struggle. After serving for over over 55 years; it was withdrawn from service in 1909. For over a hundred years, it lay at the Jamalpur workshops and Howrah station as an exhibit, where it was exposed to the elements. The damaged and corroded engine reached Perumbur Loco Works, where it was finally restored and put back on tracks.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / August 16th, 2013

Celebrating Chennai landmarks from the colonial era

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

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…

(Celebrating Chennai landmarks…)
(Celebrating Chennai landmarks…)

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