Rare View of Marine Drive In Ernakulam (Kochi), 1935 Photo
A 1935 photo with a rare view of Marine Drive in Ernakulam (Kochi). It offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the city during the rule of the Maharaja of Cochin. The image captures Shanmughom Road (or Marine Drive colloquially) in its original form. Long before the strip of land that is now on the left of Marine Drive was created through land reclamation from the backwaters. The land seen beyond the waters is the lush Bolghatty Island.
The tiled-roof buildings on the right mark the area of the present-day City Police Headquarters. Towards the far end, one can faintly see the outline of the old Boat Jetty arch, later known as the High Court Boat Jetty. Named after the nearby High Court of Kerala, established in 1956, occupying the heritage Ram Mohan Palace. However, the Kerala High Court shifted to its new complex in 2006. The new, modern multi-storied building replaced the old Ram Mohan Palace.
Though the iconic arch was dismantled over time to make way for urban development, the boat jetty remains active even today. This rare vintage view seems to be taken from the Shanmughom Road bridge that spans a canal leading to the Ernakulam Market area. The canal once served as a vital waterway for country boats ferrying goods to and from the market. It showcases the bustling trade and connectivity of old Cochin. Click image to enlarge.
See old images of Kochi.
Did you know- Shanmughom Road was named after R. K. Shanmukham Chetty. Who was the Diwan in the princely state of Cochin from 1931 to 1945.
From the collection- Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print.
