Rare Views Of Ernakulam (Cochin) During British Era, 2 Photos
Two rare 1930 photographs offer glimpses of Ernakulam (Cochin) during the British colonial era, capturing a less-developed, quieter townscape by the backwaters. These small vintage photos provide a window into the past, showing early urban features before large-scale reclamation and modernization reshaped the city’s waterfront.
The first photo likely depicts either Durbar Hall Road or Boat Jetty Road (Park Avenue Road), two of the most significant thoroughfares of Ernakulam. These roads were known for their tree-lined avenues and colonial buildings that once served administrative and civic purposes during the Cochin State’s rule under the British Resident.
The second photo appears to show the Foreshore Road in its original form, before the area was expanded through reclamation. The road once had a shoreline of the Vembanad Lake waterfront, which later receded after land reclamation projects made way solely for the oil tanker terminal. The Foreshore Road was originally designed as a scenic coastal route leading toward Thevara, offering a scenic view of the Ernakulam Backwaters.
Later, the construction of the oil terminal and Cochin Shipyard curtailed the route. The Boat Jetty Road connects directly with this reclaimed stretch, where quaint colonial-era homes and offices faced the backwaters. The adjoining reclaimed land eventually gave rise to some of Ernakulam’s most iconic public spaces — Subhash Park, Rajendra Maidan, the Ernakulam Boat Jetty, and the oil terminal area. Click first photo to enlarge.
Did you know- the Boat Jetty was once the gateway to the city because the surrounding areas were dotted with habitable islands. But after the construction of bridges, boats became less in use.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#7)., Madras Fort St George – Old Print 1840., 2 Old Postcards – Railway Station Pune 1907
