First Line Beach Area From The Pier Madras, 2 Postcards 1900.
Two 1900 postcards with a view of the First Line Beach area in Madras, now Chennai. First Line Beach is now known as the Rajaji Road. It is said that the first business address of Madras was centered on this thoroughfare. Likewise was the case of Mount Road. Probably the primary shopping center of the city in its formative years.
Commercial businesses were at first located inside the vast St Fort George. But by the early 1800s businesses were asked to move out of the Fort. Because of the proximity to the harbour merchants were provided with establishments on the First Line Beach road. Which was north of Fort St George, as shown in the area it faces the pier or harbour. Distinctly visible are the General Post Office (GPO), high court, Bank of Madras, Bentinck building, etc. Click on the photo for better view.
See also The Madras that was.
Did you know – Chennai is also known as the ‘Gateway to South India’.
From the collection – Raja Ravi Varma Commemorative Stamp Folder., Chepauk Palace Chennai From The River, Old Photo 1880., Lord Kitchener of British Indian Army, 1909 Print., One Of The Earliest Cars In Mumbai – Old Photo 1932.
