Electric Tram Near Miller’s School, Esplanade Road, Madras, 1900 Photo
A 1900 photograph features an electric tram on Esplanade Road near Miller’s School, Madras (Chennai). Although misspelt in the photo, “Miller’s School” was such a popular name that many residents recognised it more readily than the institution’s official title, Madras Christian College. It is shown partially visible in the right foreground. The nickname honored the prominent Scottish missionary and educationalist, Dr William Miller. He was responsible for transforming the institution into a college in 1877.
After several decades, the college moved to Tambaram in 1936, while the school relocated to Chetput in 1950. Both were on the outskirts of the city at the time. Next to the Madras Christian College stands Anderson Hall, while the spire of Anderson Church can be seen adjacent to it. Anderson Hall was where the educational institutions’ assemblies and functions were held. Although not pictured, the Madras High Court would be on the left side. The electric tram appears to be on its regular journey along Esplanade Road (now NSC Bose Road), while numerous pedestrians and horse-drawn carts are also visible. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know – Esplanade Road was one of colonial Madras’s busiest thoroughfares, linking important educational, commercial, and administrative buildings.
