Would any of us know that the city of Madurai not only encompasses the monumental remains but also the graves of the important persons belonging to the history? Therefore it comes as no surprise that the city has been nicknamed the ‘Athens of the East’.
The St. George’s cemetery located in Kakathoppu (crow’s grove) houses some of the graves of the British that date back to the time of East India Company’s regime in Tamil Nadu. The oldest graves in the cemetery dates back to 1773 and it is said to have belonged to Captain Christopher Theophilus and Samuel Evas. Sulaimaan, Retired Assistant Director of the Art and Culture Department of Madurai, sheds light on the historical evidences that have been revealed through studies conducted at the cemetery. “When the East India Company was entirely established, they decided to allot an exclusive graveyard as the population grew manifold. They selected this area in Kakathoppu and buried the war heroes of those times including their friends and relatives. The cemetery is more than two hundred years old and houses the bones — including that of the famous General Alan who was the first British person to raise the tax claim to the then ruler Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
The graves in the cemetery are built in a European style. An old hearse that was used to carry the bodies still exists on the premises. Pooja Venkatram, a college student, who came to know about the cemetery, recently says, “After my friends told about this old cemetery and history associated with it, my curiosity was piqued. I visited it with few of my friends for a college project and delved deep to study the history of the place. It was shocking to know that most of the graves belonged to the babies of those times. We were told that it was due to the unbearable heat that led to the death of these little ones. It is such an overwhelming feeling to cross the place every time and it gives me a feeling that the glories of the centuries that was once roaring with praises have been now locked and laying silent inside.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Travel / DC / byu Teena Limitton / March 20th, 2013
Over a 100 cars were in attendance at the annual rally of the Madras Heritage Motoring Club. / Photo: R. Ragu / The Hindu
Morris cars might have stolen the show, but many other vintage and classic vehicles had their set of admirers too, at the MyTVS Heritage Rally held recently
Prejudices among vintage vehicle owners are sometimes carryovers from the past. In the inter-war years, a rivalry was brewing between Morris Motors Limited and Austin Motor Company. Austin and Morris owners took the fight to British taverns, bitterly dissecting the rival cars in slurred conversations. Comparisons continued to be drawn even after the two car majors merged into British Motor Corporation in the early 1950s. The war of words continues to rage, but truces also happen.
A truce was once again reached on August 4 in Chennai, when the Madras Heritage Motoring Club (MHMC) gathered at Don Bosco School grounds for their annual MyTVS Heritage Rally, the club’s ninth on the trot. Austin owners — there are many of them in MHMC — had to put their prejudices on hold, because the day belonged to the Morris camp.
Cars at the Madras Heritage Motoring Club rally. / Photo: R. Ragu / The Hindu
As part of an MHMC exercise to commemorate the ‘Centenary of Morris’, around 20 machines, which included the marques Morris 8 ‘E’ Series, Morris Z-Type and Morris 1000, were prominently displayed at the rally. Cognates of the Morris Oxford, Hindustan 14 cars also joined in the honour.
S. Kylas, MHMC secretary and a Morris 8 owner, observed, “Austin is as iconic as Morris. Austin’s engines and pricing were its attractions.”
Wondering how Kylas, a Morris man, could bring himself to take a detached view of the age-old rivalry?
Well, he owns an Austin 8 as well.
Special categories to judge German, French and Italian cars were introduced in this edition of the rally /. Photo: R. Ragu / The Hindu
Widening the range
Special categories to judge German, French and Italian cars were introduced in this edition of the rally. The move was aimed at showcasing these cars, which rarely make it to the podium simply because the open field teems with British and American machines. A Volkswagen Karmann Ghia from the 1960s was adjudged the best German car. Karmann Ghia was a hand-crafted sportscar. A Peugeot from the 1970s made the cut in the French category. There was a slip between the bonnet and the grille for the lone Italian machine up for judging: a Fiat 125. Just when it appeared that the car would make it without any competition, the judges decided to scrap the category.
Family drive
There were some surprises in store, the biggest of them being the entry of a 1954 Dodge Kingsway (powerhood) convertible for judging, by two girls bearing the Guhan surname. M.S. Guhan has over the years lent silent support to MHMC rallies, bringing in a fleet of cars but refraining from entering any of them for judging. “This time, his daughters Aruna and Aparna were in the fray with their Dodge Kingsway convertible. The car was adjudged best restored in its category; C.S. Ananth had restored it for the Guhans,” says Kylas.
Public participation
Viewers’ Choice Award was another fresh introduction. “We have created this category to enhance public participation,” says Kylas. Visitors chose the Guhans’ Dodge Kingsway and Sumanth Chaganti’s 1952 BSA Star Twin as the best car and bike. Sumanth’s son Siddharth did a victory lap with the Twin Star, and how! Actor Priya Anand, who had earlier flagged off the rally, rode pillon as he did a round of the school grounds.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metro Plus> Motoring / by Prince Frederick / Chennai – August 06th, 2013
Some of the items found near Dharmanallur village | Express
An urn and grave goods believed to be of the Megalithic period were excavated at Dharmanallur village near Sethiathope in Cuddalore district by the History Department of the Annamalai University. A terracotta well ring believed to be dating back to 800 years was also found at the same village.
Assistant professors of Annamalai University Dr Sivaramakrishnan, Dr Kalaiselvan and Dr Ramar along with five research scholars have been conducting research in the village for the last five years as they had a hint that the site belongs to Megalithic period.
On Saturday, the researchers team stumbled upon an urn, parts of grave goods, 15 cm long iron sword that are believed to be of the Megalithic period and also a 235 cm circumference terracotta well ring.
Explaining about this in detail, Sivaramakrishnan said, “Urn and parts of grave goods could probably belong to 2,200 years ago. The well ring could be 800 years old. In the past five years, we have found many urns from this site. But this is the first time in Cuddalore district that we have found black and red grave goods with graffiti marks on it. We believe that the scripts found on these goods might be similar to that of the Indus Valley script. The things and marks on it are similar to the ones that we had excavated in Tiruchi Uraiyur, Erode Kodumanal and in Palani Porunthal.”
The details of all the things that were excavated could only be ascertained after a detailed examination, he added.
“We also found a leg bone from the site. We would send it to Bangalore for DNA test. After getting the result, we are planning to advance our research,” he added.
Speaking about the Dharmanallur village, Sivaramakrishnan said, “ From the same site, we had found many urns. Now we have found one more. In addition to that, we found a terracotta well dated some 800 years ago. This well had the facility to filter water. From the same site, we had already found a stone inscription that belonged to Nayaks of Gingee. We also found several other goods like century-old bricks from here. All these findings show that the site was an active habitat for many centuries.”
Sivaramakrishnan further said, “Marks and scripts on these goods are similar to Indus valley scripts. This shows that this place had some links to Indus valley civilization.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Tamil Nadu / by K. Ezhilarasan – Cuddalore / September 02nd, 2013
Oppanakara Street always meant business. The street that stretches from Prakasam bus stop to Mill Road has been a commercial hub for centuries despite the urban legend that the street got its name because many make-up artists lived here. The hustle and bustle of the street has remained constant though the nature of institutions housed here has changed. The financial firms and tax collector’s abode of old have been replaced by textile showrooms and modern banks.
“Oppanakara Street could be one of the oldest and busiest commercial stretches in the country considering that right from the time when it was part of the Vijayanagara Empire and Madurai Nayak rule right into the 15th century,” says Rajesh Govindarajulu of INTACH.
There is no consensus on how the street got its name. Most attribute it to the presence of tax collectors, oppanakarars of Balija Naidu community. In ‘Ithuvo Engal Kovai’ (Is This Our Kovai) published in 1951, Kovai Kizhar C M Ramachandran, who was vice chairman of Coimbatore Municipality, it is mentioned that tax collectors were based here. “Ithuvo Engal Kovai could be seen as one of the earliest historical account of modern history of Coimbatore city. About a century back, Oppanakara Street was to Coimbatore what Mount Road is to Chennai. Apart from Oppanakara Street, the only major commercial centre and seat of public offices was Raja Street,” says C R Elangovan, a local historian.
The Coimbatore guide and directory edited by R Ramalingam in 1954 bears a testimony to the commercial vibrancy of Oppanakara Street as it reveals a long list of banks and private finance firms that were functioning out of the street. These include the then Coimbatore Bhagya Lakshmi Bank Ltd, Madras City Bank Ltd, Dhravya Sahayanidhi Bank Ltd, Modern Bank Ltd and finance firms, Moolchand Kishandas Financiers and Motilal Madhavdas Financiers.
The Athar Jamaath mosque on Oppanakara Street is a heritage structure that was built and maintained by the descendants of perfume sellers who migrated here from Pettai in Tirunelveli after plague stuck their native district. “It was a privilege to have a business establishment on Oppanakara Street and some of the basic amenities like electricity were first provided to this street in Coimbatore city,” says Govindarajalu.
Both Govindarajulu and Elangovan dismiss the claim that Oppanakara Street was a major centre of make-up artistes for drama and theatre groups. The claim is that the street’s name is derived from oppanai kaarar, which means make up artists. “That’s wrong. Oppanakaarar means tax collectors in Tamil and in Telugu, it is oppana vaaru,” Elangovan adds. Perur K Jayaraman, another chronicler of Coimbatore, also says there is no historical evidence to back the claim that Oppanakara Street was a hub of make-up artists. Perhaps, it is an urban legend that grew out of the presence of a devadasi’s residence near the present Oppanakara Street some 200 years ago.
(Beginning this week, TOI takes you through the hidden history of Coimbatore’s interesting and famous streets)
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / by Binoy Valsan, TNN / September 01st, 2013
Cosy living: A house built in the traditional Karaikudi style off ECR, Chennai. — Bijoy Ghosh / The Hindu
Nestled in a corner of a small lane that branches off from East Coast Road, Ramesh and Priya’s (names changed) house reminds one of ancestral homes in Karaikudi. “Some of our friends ask us if this house is hundred years old,” smiles Priya as she greets me at the door.
There are raised platforms or “thinnais” near the steps leading to the doorway, reminding one of scenes from R. K. Narayan’s novels. Sunlight streams in from the roof down to the central courtyard, which is bounded by thick pillars. “The courtyard is a common feature not only in traditional Indian homes, but also in Italy and France,” says Ramesh, Priya’s husband.
Ramesh and Priya lived in the US for several years before deciding to move back to Chennai. About five years ago, the couple asked an architect based in Pondicherry to create the blueprint. The house was built over three-and-a-half years.
STUMBLING BLOCKS
Finding skilled artisans who would stick to a timeline proved to a big problem. Often times, says Ramesh , the workers would suddenly drop the job on hand and go back to their village for a couple of days. “Staying abroad while the work was going on was a good thing. We weren’t so upset about things not moving on certain days. Had we been here, it would have been more difficult to handle the stress,” he adds.
There were other challenges as well. One of the unique features of the house is the lime plastering that has been used on the interior walls of the house – a building technique that is slowly fading out.
Very few people know this art, and they are extremely secretive about the formula. “When they are mixing the lime, they didn’t want anyone else to work on the house for fear of others finding out. So work had to come to a halt on other areas while this was ongoing,” says Ramesh.
Authentic touches
Windows and wood were salvaged from old houses in Karaikudi. Several trips were made to villages to secure and transport the materials, which ran to a few tonnes in weight. “We got the horse cart that was used to transport the stuff as a bonus!” says Ramesh pointing to the vehicle, which is placed in a corner of their spacious garden. Some block-printed tiles were sourced from Rajasthan.
Traditional aesthetic elements abound in every corner. The pillars in the central courtyard are made of rosewood and polished with linseed oil. Coloured oxide is a unique feature of this home – the side room boasts a large platform, floor and walls made of blue oxide, while one of the front rooms has a large square platform of green oxide, which complements a brown leather sofa.
NO EMBELLISHMENTS
The natural patterns in the oxide enrich the rooms, which otherwise are kept simple and free of embellishment. Little block-printed tiles and patterned niches have been discreetly added to the walls to lend a touch of colour and art.
The kitchen, which was Priya’s pet project, is an open space with a counter that runs along the walls, open shelves, and a ledge for storing mugs and other small cutlery.
An antique almirah with wire netting occupies one corner. Even as the daily cooking is going on, the sounds of pots and pans being used filters out to the rest of the house, lending it a very cosy feeling.
NATURAL HARMONY
The central courtyard is open all the way up to the roof, creating a “chimney effect” for the hot air to rise – hence, temperatures within the house are a couple of degrees lower than the outside. Also, the family relies on ground water for all purposes – even drinking and cooking. “The water goes through so many layers in the ground that it is naturally purified, and fortified with minerals. We actually don’t need RO or artificial purifiers to ‘treat’ the water,” says Ramesh.
As with any eco-conscious home, the garden is an important part of the house. Several plants and trees are being raised in the space outside the home.
And efforts are made to ensure every square foot is put to good use.
For example, Priya points to two beautiful lily ponds in the garden – “Those were formerly pits dug up to mix the lime in. When the work was finished, we converted them into ponds.”
source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Real Estate / by Yamini Vasudevan / August 24th, 2013
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
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
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
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.
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.
