Secretariat & Statue Fort St George Madras, 1880 Photo

Secretariat & Statue Fort St George Madras, 1880 Photo

 

An old 1880 photo of the Fort House & Cornwallis Statue in Fort St George in Madras. You will spot a canopy with columns housed with Lord Cornwallis’ marble statue. The canopy is positioned right in front of the Fort St George Secretariat (Fort House), see image. Lord Cornwallis was honored with this statue of him when he was alive.

In fact, he was asked to inaugurate this statue of him in a ceremony, which he did in 1805. It was erected in gratitude for defeating Tipu Sultan in the Third Anglo-Mysore War. A number of canons are noticeably placed in front of the canopy. These were part of Tipu Sultan’s armoury and were seized as war trophies by the British.

The Secretariat is the handsomest building in Fort St George today. It dominates the architectural landscape and vies with St Mary Church in beauty. The two side wings were added in 1825. The new Secretariat Building built in front in 1958 completely hides this classical structure now. The empty space in the front is the Parade Ground. Also vaguely noticeable are Indian natives in the foreground. The officer’s mess is perhaps located towards the left of the Secretariat.

Did you know – that the marble statue of Lord Cornwallis was the first monument exported to India from England. 

Past posts – Vintage Raja Ravi Varma “Shivaji” Oleograph Print., Parliament House New Delhi – Old 1930 Postcard., A Peek Into British Era Ooty, Old Print 1913., Overland Route To India Before Suez Canal, 1851 Map.

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

Photo Details

Year -

1880

Photograph Size -

11 x 9 inch

Photographer -

Nicholas & Co