The Majestic Chepauk Palace In British Era Madras, 1895 Photo
An 1895 photo of the majestic Chepauk Palace during the British era in Madras (Chennai). The Chepauk Palace looked magnificent during its time, as seen in the photo. The magnificence seems lost today simply because it looks like any other government office building.
The Palace was the first Indo-Saracenic-designed building in Asia. Built by Mohammed Ali, the eighth Nawab of the Carnatic (1749-95). It included two blocks arranged in the form of an “L”. The south wing was double-storied and was known as the Khalsa Mahal or Treasury. Another consisted of a single floor and was styled Humayan Mahal.
The complex contained the Dewan Khana, a magnificent audience chamber. In 1804, the chamber was described as “extremely handsome, of large dimension and divided by pillars”. The property originally belonged to Mahfuz Khan, brother of the Nawab. He had acquired it in 1767. Three years later, he obtained a further grant of land from the Governor of Fort St George.
Consequently, erecting a boundary wall around the entire 117-acre property, extending southward from the bar of the Cooum River and along the bank of the river. The thirteenth and the last successive Nawab of Carnatic, Ghulam Mohammed Ghaus Khan, was childless. The British Government took over the palace after his death in 1856. New additions included the central tower, the Palace was then converted into public offices, notably the Board of Revenue and PWD, by the British.
See post The Massive Chepauk Palace, Madras, 1880 Photo. Read more This guided heritage walk through Chennai is inspiring young students.
Did you know- initially, the Nawab was granted permission to build the Palace inside Fort St George by the Governor. The foundation stone was laid with pomp and ceremony, but was overruled by the Madras council.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Lovers (#5)., Vintage Wirephoto WW2 Escaped Indian Prisoners.
