Madras Central Railway Station View From General Hospital, 1890 Photo

Chennai Central Station View From Hospital 1890

An 1890 photo of the iconic Madras Central Railway Station view from the General Hospital. Now officially known as “MGR Chennai Central Railway Station.” One of the most magnificent railway stations after Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. This beautiful photograph was taken from the Government General Hospital that lies opposite in 1890. It is now known as the Rajiv Gandhi General Hospital.

See earlier post Chennai Central Railway Station Without Clock 1874.

The ground where the station stands today was once owned by a Portuguese merchant Joao Pereira. He was in fact a merchant based in the trading port of Nagapattinam. But by 1660 he settled down in Madras, now Chennai, and had a house with a garden in the area. Further details are a little sketchy but the railways apparently bought the land and the house from Pereira to construct the station building which opened in 1874.

Although only partially visible the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital also has a rich history behind it. Opened in 1664 in Fort St George by the British East India Company as an infirmary. Primarily to treat the injured and sick soldiers of the British India Company. Within 25 years it bloomed into a full-fledged medical center.

After the Anglo-French war, Fort St George and Madras city were occupied by the French for three years. The city was returned back to the British after a treaty was signed. The importance of this medical center grew. After expanding phenomenally it needed more space. Thus moved out to the present location in 1772 from whence it has been operating till now. Click on the photo for better view.

Did you know- the first train in the south ran along the completed line from Chennai to Wallajah road in 1856. 

From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Laxmi” Oleograph., 1974 News Photo Cochin Fishing Nets., Star Of India Flag & United Service Club – Old Postcard 1900., Ruins Of Purana Qila Delhi, Old Print 1909

The images are of the actual items from my collection. And Not a photocopy, pirated, reproduced, stock photos, or taken from other sources.