1888 Photo of the Government House, Madras During the British Era
An 1888 photograph captures a rare interior view of the Government House, Madras (Chennai), during the British colonial period. The image shows a tastefully furnished section of the grand residence, adorned with lush indoor plants, hanging oil lamps, and a beautifully carpeted walkway leading to the upper floor.
The Government House, now known as the Raj Bhavan, serves as the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. During the British era (from the 1820s onward), it was occupied by successive British Governors of Madras. Formerly, there was a Government House on Mount Road, purchased from Mrs. Madeiros in the 1750s, who had previously resided there. The first official residence was located inside Fort St George.
Later, a building located at Guindy was purchased on the insistence of Governor Munro in 1821. It was known as Guindy Lodge, the Governor’s Country Residence, and also as Government House. A vast and elegant colonial complex surrounded by greenery. At that time, Guindy lay on the outskirts of Chennai, and access to it was via Mount Road. Over the years, Government House underwent several additions and architectural modifications, expanding the structure to its current form. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know- that the location of IIT Chennai is in proximity to the Raj Bhavan, in fact, the Raj Bhavan provided the campus land in the 1950s.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#8)., Oldest Church in The Deccan St Mary’s Pune, Old PC 1914., Eden Garden & Harbour In Kolkata – Old Print 1905., British Indian Railway Push Trolley – Old Postcard 1905.
