Interior Of The Government House, British Era Madras, 1888 Photo
An 1888 photograph shows the interior of the Government House in Madras (Chennai). The image displays potted plants, oil lamp chandeliers, and a carpeted walkway with steps leading to the upper floor. It offers a rare glimpse of the interior of the Government House at the Government Estate in Madras.
Government House, the title conferred upon it in 1753, in which year it was bought from the widow of Luis Madera or Madeiros, a wealthy merchant. Before the acquisition by the Madras Government, the property was raided by the French in 1746. When Madras was again declared the seat of Government in 1752, it was decided to purchase the house from Mrs Madeiros.
The main gate opens into Mount Road. To the north flows the Cooum River. Wallajah Road bounds it to the south. Since then, till 1947, this was the residence of the British Governors of Madras Presidency. Guindy Retreat was later acquired as the weekend country house for the British Governors; it later became the Raj Bhavan. Click image to enlarge.
Did you know- the name Madera or Madeiros, which probably gave the name to Madras.
