British Governor’s Country Residence In Guindy Madras, 2 Photos 1880
The photographs are from the 1880s. The first photo captures the imposing country residence of the British Governor in Guindy, Madras (now Chennai), with a distinguished lineup of the Governor’s bodyguards. The second image presents a wider and more expansive view of the massive residence. A faint outline of the flagmast is visible on the roof in both photos.
The history of this estate dates back to the 1670s, when William Langhorne, the British Governor of Madras, personally acquired a piece of land from the forested stretches of Guindy. He developed it into a garden house that also served as a shooting lodge, a retreat away from the bustle of Fort St. George. After Langhorne left India, he sold his property to his dubash (Indian assistant). Over time, the Guindy Lodge passed through multiple hands until 1821, when Governor Thomas Munro convinced the Madras Government to purchase it.
The idea was to provide the Governor with a spacious country house outside the city limits. After the acquisition, Governor Munro undertook several additions to the estate. Followed by further alterations and additions under his successor, Governor Elphinstone, in the early 1840s. Since then, the structure has remained largely unchanged. Today, this historic residence stands as the Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Click the first image to enlarge.
Did you know – the area of the British Governor’s Country residence had over 300 acres before it was converted for other public purposes from 1958 onwards. Today, the Raj Bhavan property is around 150-60 acres.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s “Birth of Shakuntala” Oleograph 1894., Native Chiefs At Delhi Durbar – Old Postcard 1911., The Dutch Capture of Cochin – Antique Plan 1702
