View Of The Backwaters From Rajendra Maidan Cochin, 1950 Postcard
A 1950 postcard of the view of the backwaters from Rajendra Maidan in Ernakulam/Cochin (Kochi). The Rajendra Maidan is an indispensable part of Kochi, once the city’s most popular open space. But its gate seemed to be locked quite often denying a spectacular view of the backwaters.
The Maidan had its historic moments, during the independence movement, it was used for agitations opposing the British Raj. The ground was named after one Rajendran who was involved in India’s freedom struggle and became a martyr. The Cochin Maharajah Rama Varma’s statue stood adjacent to the ground where Mahatma Gandhi’s statue now stands.
Ernakulam has a history of its own, it had links with the Chera Dynasty during the Sangam era between 350 BC to 200 AD. The dynasty ruled Kerala and Tamil Nadu during this period. Fort Cochin a part of Ernakulam had historical significance. The Portuguese arrived here from Calicut setting up their post in the 16th century.
After more than a century, the Portuguese were forced out by the invading Dutch colonialists. Later, the Dutch in turn would be dislodged by the British. It should be remembered this eventful period was for the sake of today’s common pepper. In Europe, it was worth its weight in gold at that time.
Read more- History of Ernakulam. See post Fort Cochin & City Antique Map Plan Of 1761.
Did you know- that Ernakulam district has centuries-old six Synagogues indicating the cosmopolitan environment and culture prevailing in a bygone era.
From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#15)., Government House Calcutta – Old Photo 1890., The Madras Iron Pier – Old Print 1863., Madras Central Railway Station – Rare Advertisement 1940
