Madras to Chennai: Evolution in Pictures, #MadrasDay

Take a look at series of pictures which will tell you just how much Madras has changed.

Chennaiites are going all out in celebrating their love for Chennai or Madras 376 years after it was originally formed.

As week-long celebrations continue across the city in the spirit of this day, a community page “I am Madras” has hosted a series of photos detailing the city in quite a different way.

According to Deccan Chronicle, Raunaq Mangottil, who handles the Facebook page “I am Madras” came up with the idea during a traffic jam and took two days to get all the shots and match them correctly.

From Madras to Chennai

Then: Casino was one of the first few theatres of Madras, and screened only English films for a long time. In the old image you can see ‘The Virginian’ playing at the theatre.

Now: The theatre now sports a striking portrait of Madhubala, and a bit of its old-world charm.

Then: Twelve years after Thomas Munro, an official of the East India Company died in 1827, his statue was unveiled on October 23, 1839.

Now: It feels like bliss to take an evening walk in this area. As the area is being controlled by military, no vehicle is allowed to park here.

Then and Now

Then: Old ambassador taxis plying in and out, while the rest of the commuters preferring to take a cycle.

Now: A symbolic landmark of the city, Chennai Central looks as majestic as it ever was.

Then: History says that, ‘Madras Egmore’ was previously a fort called the Egmore Redoubt, a place used to store ammunition for the British.

Now: Even with CCTV cameras and round-the-clock security, Egmore Station still retains its old-world charm and calm.

Changed Times

Then: Started by an English librarian named Abel Joshua Higginbotham, Higginbotham’s, arguably India’s oldest bookstore opened its doors around 1844.

Now: Even today a visit to Higginbotham’s is like stepping into a whole other world.

Then: There was no Burma Bazaar back in the day, yet, First Line Beach Road was one of the main commercial centres of Madras. Right opposite was the Beach Station and the harbour.

Now: Traffic speeds by between the iconic SBI Buildings and Burma Bazaar, the haven for smuggled goods.

Then: The Neoclassical style Madras Corporation building was one of the finest structures in Madras, with its own pond that you can see.

Now: Off-limits to passers-by, it is now impossible to even stop and stare at the Ripon Building which is now shielded by the Metro Construction blue sheets. 

More Traffic, Less Planning

Then: In the 60s, apart from Ambassadors and bullock carts frequented Mount Road. You can even see the Kashmir Art Palace, the Old Curiosity Shop and Agurchand Mansion leading to the LIC Building.

Now: Do we really need to talk about the frustrating one-ways?

Then: Commuters stop by to check ongoing Test Match scores on the manually-operated scoreboard on the balcony of The Hindu office.

Now: Today there’s no stopping near the building as the traffic won’t allow it.

(The story originally appeared in The News Minute. ‘Then and Now’ descriptions are available on Facebook.com/IAmMadras)