View of GPO & North Beach Road From Madras Harbour, 1890 Photo
This 1890 photograph captures a striking view of the Madras General Post Office (GPO) and North Beach Road (First Line Beach, now Rajaji Salai) as seen from the Madras Pier. The beach bustles with masula boats, people, and grain sacks stacked here and there. This was probably the time of the Great Madras Famine.
The iconic twin-capped building of the General Post Office dominates the left side of the frame. While other prominent British-era structures, such as the Bentinck Building, Best & Co., and Arbuthnot & Co. are also visible. These were among the leading British business houses that defined the commercial landscape of colonial Madras.
Just before the GPO lies the historic Parry’s Corner and the Madras High Court (not visible in this frame). Further down stands Fort St George, the seat of British colonial power and the first major stronghold of the East India Company in India. In the vicinity of the GPO was the Beach Railway Station, a colonial-era railway stop that functions to this today.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, North Beach Road (First Line Beach) became the mercantile hub of Madras. After businesses were ordered to relocate from within Fort St George. The Madras Government provided space for businesses along this stretch, transforming it into one of the busiest commercial districts of the city. Today, Rajaji Salai still carries the legacy of its British-era mercantile importance, though many of the historic buildings have vanished or repurposed over time. Click photo to enlarge.
Did you know – the basic Madras Pier was transformed into India’s leading harbour with world-class facilities.
From the collection – Raja Ravi Varma Paintings Depicted In Postcards
