As you all know every building has its own History and like wise the Public buildings
built by the British in Chennai City has now become historical monuments worthy of study.
Since it has survived for 100 years it has good claim to be called historical monument.
Beautiful buildings like Spencers and Moore Market cannot be rebuilt. Thanks to the
effort taken by the INTACH, Government and other Non Government bodies that the Senate
House is back in form. There are many buildings like the Royapuram, Railway Station,
National Art Gallery, Bharat Insurance building, Chepauk Palace Presidency College, Ripon
building, Government Fine Arts College etc, that cry for restoration. It is up to the Government
to restore these buildings to its former glory and it is the duty of the Citizen to see that no
damage is done to these buildings.
In this paper I have listed a brief history of the Historical Buildings in and around
Chennai in a chronological order. All the Buildings were designed by British Architects who
served as Consulting Architects to the British Government. I have arranged it in the following
order – Name of the building, period of construction, Name of the Architect, Design / style of
the building, Present condition and the last unit is a comparative study of similar buildings in
other British presidency towns.
.jpg)
Memorial Hall – 1860
As thanks giving to God for saving Madras
from the Revolt of 1857
Designed by Colonel George Winscom and
modified by Col. Horsley
Classical style with Greek Overtones.
Resembles temples in Greece. It is purer in
form.
Traces of deterioration. Now used for film
shootings and sales. Hall if maintained well can be used for social gathering and
conducting Lectures.
Memorial Hall in Quetta was designed in 1905 by James Ransome in Indo – Saracenic.
Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta was designed by Vincent Esch in1880
Madras Museum - 1862
.jpg)
To Preserve Geological specimen and
archaeological artifacts
Designed by Herny Irwin in Indo scenic
style
It is maintained well but several additions
have taken place. The front view remains
untouched.
Prince of Wales Museum (Bombay) 1904
was designed by George Wittet. It has mixed element of Hindu Brackets. Mughal arches
and European classical design.
Indian Museum (Calculta) 1875) Italianate style and classical style.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay 1862, Palladian work designed by William
Tracey.
Napier Museum Thiruvananthapuram by chisholm in Keralite and British Style.
Public works Department 1865
Robert F. Chisholm
Pure Saracenic style. The front facade
has not changed but additions have
spoilt the beauty of the building.
Regular maintenance can prolong the
life of the building.
Bombay PWD building was built by
Henry St. Clair Wilkins in 1869.
Board of Revenue – 1768
The first building was constructed in by Paul Benfield
Later additions were done in 1870. by Robert F Chisholm
It has a mixture of tropical Gothic and Indo Saracenic style.
Consist of two blocks Humayan Mahal and Khalsa Mahal
Humayan Mahal - close to Wallajab Road, and Khalsa Mahal
facing the beach road. The building though in constant use
still it lacks maintenance. The authorities concerned should
take steps to prevent it from deterioration
.jpg)
Post and Telegraph office – 1884
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm
Saracenic style with projecting eaves in stone as in
Bijapur. Arches and columns as in Gujarat.
Inspite of fire accident it still remained to be a
landmark. Though in use it needs proper
maintenance by regular inspection.
John Beg in 1909 designed Bombay Post Office in the style that existed in Bijapur
Calculta G.P.O built in 1864 was designed by Walter Granville in classical style.
In Luknow the GPO was designed by Henry V.Lanchester in 1928.
Victoria Public Hall / Town Hall – 1887
Designed by Rober F. Chisholm but built by
Namberumal Chetty in Romanesque style
It is in a very bad condition and cannot be used
any more. At present it is being renovated.
Bombay Town Hall designed by Col. Thomas
Cowper in 1820 in Neo – classical Greek Revival
style.
Calcutta Town Hall was designed by Col.John Garstin in 1815 in the classical style.
Lahore town hall was designed by F.W.Stevens in Indo – Saracenic
Town hall in Hyderabad was designed by Vincent Esch in the Rajasthani and Mughal
style in 1913
High Court - 1892
.jpg)
Design prepared by J.W.Brassington and later by
Henry Irwin who completed it with the assistance
of J.H. Stephens in Indo Saracenic style.
It is well maintained.
Bombay High Court designed by Col. James A
Fuller in 1876. It has a mixture of Venetian
Gothic and early English style.
Calcutta High Court designed by Walter Granville in 1864 in Gothic Style.
Hyderabad High Court was designed by Vincent Esch in 1914 using narow neck lotus
petal rings as special features
Bank of Madras – 1896
Henry Irwin adopted styles from Col.Samuel
Jacob. Constructor was Namberumal Chetty in
Indo Saracenic style resembling Mughal structures
of Fatehpur Sikri
Condition of the building is fairly good. Regular
maintenance can prolong the life of the building
Chartered Bank in Calcutta was designed by
Martin in 1906.
Bank of India in Bombay was designed by Claude Battey in 1944
State Bank of India in Bombay was designed by Gregson in 1918 in simple classical
style with Indian elements
.jpg)
Connemara Library – 1896
Designed by Henry Irwin and constructed by
Namberumal Chetty in Indo Saracenic style
It is well maintained and a lot of improvement has
take place.
Public Library (Calcutta was designed by
C.K.Bobison in 1844.
Bombay Library was designed by Sir George
Gilbert Scott in 1874.
Punjab Public Library designed by Wittet in Indo Saracenic in 1905.
Reza library was designed by W.C. Wright in 1904 in Indo-Saracenic style.
National Art Gallery – 1909
Henry Irwin designed this Gallery in Indo -
Saracenic in a well orchestrated combination of
Mughal, Hindi and classical elements. Main front
echoes Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri.
At present it has been closed to public. The ASI has
taken up the work of restoration.
Calcutta Art Gallery was designed by William Emerson in 1921.
Baraoda Art Gallery was designed by Mant and later by chisholm in 1894.
Archives - Record Office - 1909
Designed by G.S.T. Harris and built by P.Lognatha Muddaliar in Indo saracenic style
It is well maintained and a lot of facilities have been done to safeguard the records.
Better facilities for researchers to carry out their research work. One more floor is added
to the Library. Due to the Centenary celebration it has received a new face lift.
.jpg)
Ripon Building - 1913
Designed by G.S.T. Harris was assisted by
Loganatha Mudaliar in Classical style
Looks good from out side but due to alterations
and additions there are cracks which has to be
cemented. It is still able to retain - G.S.T.Harris’s
“vision in white.”
Bombay Municipality office was built by
F.W. Stevens in Oriental Gothic style.
Bombay Municipal Corporation building was designed by John Adams in 1893 in
Gothic style.
Royapuram Station - 1853
Designed by William Adelpi Tracey
Resembled like a Regency Mansion in a Quasi
Classical style of the Renaissance Period.
Put to minimum use gives a deserted look – a faint
echo of its original handsomeness
Central Railway Station-1873
Originally designed by George Hardinge and later
additions by Robert F. Chisholm
Originally in the Gothic Revival style with
Itatianate and Hindu overtones Later additions of
Chisholm was country towers in the sides and
central clock tower in the middle.
Fresh coats of paint and casual maintenance at
regular intervals and full occupancy have prolonged the life of the building.
Howrah station by Halsay Ricerdo in 1890 was of Romanesque Moorish style. Calcutta
station 1859 was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Hyderabad railway station of 1914 in Indo – sarecenic was designed by Vincent Esch
Egmore Railway Station – 1908
Designed by Henry Irwin and built by Samynatha
Pillai
Indo Saracenic style with more Dravidian
elements
It is in good condition with a lot of facilities
provided for the passengers.
Railway Head Office – 1922
Designed by N.Grayson
Built for the first time in India in reinforced
concrete in an elegant fashion of classical and
Dravidian style
Well maintained but further additions should not
mar the beauty of the building
Bombay Central India Railway Office was
designed by F.W. Steven’s in pure Gothic Style.
Lahore railway office was designed by James Ransome in 1905 – Indo – Saracenic.
Madras Medical College -1892
School of Medicine in 1835 and later Medical
College in 1851
Designed by Henry Irwin in Indo Saracenic
style
The building still remains to be as it was in the
past.
Calcutta Medical College 1852 was designed by
Col. John Garstin in Classical style.
Lucknow Medical College 1912 was designed by Swinton Jacob in Indo – Saracenic
style.
Government College of Arts & Crafts 1850
School of Arts in 1850 later upgraded as College
in 1961.
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm in Indo-
Saracenic style. First school of Arts in India and
in Asia.
Though it still functions it lacks proper
maintenance. Library remained closed for a long
time. Of late renovation work is going on.
128
Sri J.J. Jamesdji Jeejeebhoy school of Arts in
Bombay was designed by William Burges in 1866
Senate House – 1864
Designed by Robert F Chisholm
Leaning towards the Byzantine with the blend of
Indo saracenic
Due to the effort of the INTACH this beautiful
building of the by gone days has come back to
life. Hall is used for conducting Lectures and
Seminars.
Convocation Hall inside Bombay University was
designed by Sir Gibert Scott in true Gothic style untouched by the Hindu or Saracenic
Calcutta Senate Hall 1864 was designed by P.W.D. Engineers in classical style.
Presidency College - 1870
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm in pure
Italian style derived from Renaissance
Classicism
Lectures and Seminars are held in the hall
Mayo College of Mant at Ajmer was built in
Indo - saracenic.
Elipinstone College at Bombay was in Gothic
style.
Muir college 1886 in Aallahabad was designed by William Emerson in Indo - saracenic
style.
Law College 1884
Designed by Henry Irwin in Indo Saracenic style. It
appears in the same style as the High Court.
It appears to be in good condition and it can remain
to be the same if the students reserve the building
without causing any damage.
Madras University – 1913
Designed by Edward Reid and Booth and
the Contractor was Somasudaram in Indo
– Saracenic style integrating itself with the
Senate House
Well maintained except for few alterations
done in the interior
Bombay University designed by Sir Gillbert
Scott, in pure Gothic style in 1874.
Calcutta University designed by Walter Granville in 1864 was designed in classical style.
University of Allahabad was designed by Swinton Jacob in Indo saracenic style in 1887
Lucknow univeristy 1910 was designed by Jacob in Indo saracenic style
Anna Engineering College - 1920
Originated in 1858 as Government School of Survey in Fort St. George then transferred
to Khalsa Mahal in Chapuk palace in 1859 as Civil Engineering College and then to
Guindy in 1920.
Designed by W.H. Nicholls consulting Architect and later by F.J. Wilson Chief
Engineer.
Classical style in Red Facade of exposed brick work with definitions in grey granite
The building is full of life and extensively used and is also properly maintained
Bihar Engineering College was designed by W.C. Wright in Indo - Saracenic in 1890.
General Hospital – 1890
First building was built in 1690 and later extended
in 1771 and further extended in 1859.
Designed by Col. Patrick Ross, and later by John.
Sullivan
First Building was in Tuscan style
The British constructed Hospital has been
demolished and the new hospital was built during
the reign of Miss. J.Jayalalitha when she was as
Chief Minister in Hindu style.
In Bombay Cama and Albless Hospital 1887 was designed by John Adam in Gothic style
130
Zenana Hospital in Delhi was designed by Swinton Jacop in 1887.
Osmania General Hospital 1921 in Hyderabad was designed by Vincent Esch in Indo –
Saracenic
Jacob’s K.G. Hospital Lucknow was built in Indo – Saracenic
Albert hospital Kolhapur was master piece of Mant – 1878 Indo – Saracenic style.
Maternity Hospital – 1808
Designed by Major General Gifford and
constructed by P.S Ramaswamy Mudhaliar
along .
Masonry structure’s inspiration was drawn
from the architecture of the Himalayan region
The hospital is in full use but not well
maintained.
The side block has been demolished and new
block is under construction.
Bombay Obstetric Hospital 1891 designed by John Adam in Gothic style.
Lady Dufferin Victoria Hospital in Calcutta was designed by Sudlow Ballardie and
Thompson in International style.
Conclusion :
Buildings that survive from the past are fossils of civilization. For certain early cultures
that left no written records or whose records have not been well preserved and accessible,
monumental remains are the principal source of information.
Hence the present attempt has been made to conserve the Historical monuments of the
British Raj in Chennai City.
built by the British in Chennai City has now become historical monuments worthy of study.
Since it has survived for 100 years it has good claim to be called historical monument.
Beautiful buildings like Spencers and Moore Market cannot be rebuilt. Thanks to the
effort taken by the INTACH, Government and other Non Government bodies that the Senate
House is back in form. There are many buildings like the Royapuram, Railway Station,
National Art Gallery, Bharat Insurance building, Chepauk Palace Presidency College, Ripon
building, Government Fine Arts College etc, that cry for restoration. It is up to the Government
to restore these buildings to its former glory and it is the duty of the Citizen to see that no
damage is done to these buildings.
In this paper I have listed a brief history of the Historical Buildings in and around
Chennai in a chronological order. All the Buildings were designed by British Architects who
served as Consulting Architects to the British Government. I have arranged it in the following
order – Name of the building, period of construction, Name of the Architect, Design / style of
the building, Present condition and the last unit is a comparative study of similar buildings in
other British presidency towns.
Memorial Hall – 1860
As thanks giving to God for saving Madras
from the Revolt of 1857
Designed by Colonel George Winscom and
modified by Col. Horsley
Classical style with Greek Overtones.
Resembles temples in Greece. It is purer in
form.
Traces of deterioration. Now used for film
shootings and sales. Hall if maintained well can be used for social gathering and
conducting Lectures.
Memorial Hall in Quetta was designed in 1905 by James Ransome in Indo – Saracenic.
Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta was designed by Vincent Esch in1880
Madras Museum - 1862
To Preserve Geological specimen and
archaeological artifacts
Designed by Herny Irwin in Indo scenic
style
It is maintained well but several additions
have taken place. The front view remains
untouched.
Prince of Wales Museum (Bombay) 1904
was designed by George Wittet. It has mixed element of Hindu Brackets. Mughal arches
and European classical design.
Indian Museum (Calculta) 1875) Italianate style and classical style.
Victoria and Albert Museum, Bombay 1862, Palladian work designed by William
Tracey.
Napier Museum Thiruvananthapuram by chisholm in Keralite and British Style.
Public works Department 1865
Robert F. Chisholm
Pure Saracenic style. The front facade
has not changed but additions have
spoilt the beauty of the building.
Regular maintenance can prolong the
life of the building.
Bombay PWD building was built by
Henry St. Clair Wilkins in 1869.
Board of Revenue – 1768
The first building was constructed in by Paul Benfield
Later additions were done in 1870. by Robert F Chisholm
It has a mixture of tropical Gothic and Indo Saracenic style.
Consist of two blocks Humayan Mahal and Khalsa Mahal
Humayan Mahal - close to Wallajab Road, and Khalsa Mahal
facing the beach road. The building though in constant use
still it lacks maintenance. The authorities concerned should
take steps to prevent it from deterioration
Post and Telegraph office – 1884
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm
Saracenic style with projecting eaves in stone as in
Bijapur. Arches and columns as in Gujarat.
Inspite of fire accident it still remained to be a
landmark. Though in use it needs proper
maintenance by regular inspection.
John Beg in 1909 designed Bombay Post Office in the style that existed in Bijapur
Calculta G.P.O built in 1864 was designed by Walter Granville in classical style.
In Luknow the GPO was designed by Henry V.Lanchester in 1928.
Victoria Public Hall / Town Hall – 1887
Designed by Rober F. Chisholm but built by
Namberumal Chetty in Romanesque style
It is in a very bad condition and cannot be used
any more. At present it is being renovated.
Bombay Town Hall designed by Col. Thomas
Cowper in 1820 in Neo – classical Greek Revival
style.
Calcutta Town Hall was designed by Col.John Garstin in 1815 in the classical style.
Lahore town hall was designed by F.W.Stevens in Indo – Saracenic
Town hall in Hyderabad was designed by Vincent Esch in the Rajasthani and Mughal
style in 1913
High Court - 1892
Design prepared by J.W.Brassington and later by
Henry Irwin who completed it with the assistance
of J.H. Stephens in Indo Saracenic style.
It is well maintained.
Bombay High Court designed by Col. James A
Fuller in 1876. It has a mixture of Venetian
Gothic and early English style.
Calcutta High Court designed by Walter Granville in 1864 in Gothic Style.
Hyderabad High Court was designed by Vincent Esch in 1914 using narow neck lotus
petal rings as special features
Bank of Madras – 1896
Henry Irwin adopted styles from Col.Samuel
Jacob. Constructor was Namberumal Chetty in
Indo Saracenic style resembling Mughal structures
of Fatehpur Sikri
Condition of the building is fairly good. Regular
maintenance can prolong the life of the building
Chartered Bank in Calcutta was designed by
Martin in 1906.
Bank of India in Bombay was designed by Claude Battey in 1944
State Bank of India in Bombay was designed by Gregson in 1918 in simple classical
style with Indian elements
Connemara Library – 1896
Designed by Henry Irwin and constructed by
Namberumal Chetty in Indo Saracenic style
It is well maintained and a lot of improvement has
take place.
Public Library (Calcutta was designed by
C.K.Bobison in 1844.
Bombay Library was designed by Sir George
Gilbert Scott in 1874.
Punjab Public Library designed by Wittet in Indo Saracenic in 1905.
Reza library was designed by W.C. Wright in 1904 in Indo-Saracenic style.
National Art Gallery – 1909
Henry Irwin designed this Gallery in Indo -
Saracenic in a well orchestrated combination of
Mughal, Hindi and classical elements. Main front
echoes Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri.
At present it has been closed to public. The ASI has
taken up the work of restoration.
Calcutta Art Gallery was designed by William Emerson in 1921.
Baraoda Art Gallery was designed by Mant and later by chisholm in 1894.
Archives - Record Office - 1909
Designed by G.S.T. Harris and built by P.Lognatha Muddaliar in Indo saracenic style
It is well maintained and a lot of facilities have been done to safeguard the records.
Better facilities for researchers to carry out their research work. One more floor is added
to the Library. Due to the Centenary celebration it has received a new face lift.
Ripon Building - 1913
Designed by G.S.T. Harris was assisted by
Loganatha Mudaliar in Classical style
Looks good from out side but due to alterations
and additions there are cracks which has to be
cemented. It is still able to retain - G.S.T.Harris’s
“vision in white.”
Bombay Municipality office was built by
F.W. Stevens in Oriental Gothic style.
Bombay Municipal Corporation building was designed by John Adams in 1893 in
Gothic style.
Royapuram Station - 1853
Designed by William Adelpi Tracey
Resembled like a Regency Mansion in a Quasi
Classical style of the Renaissance Period.
Put to minimum use gives a deserted look – a faint
echo of its original handsomeness
Central Railway Station-1873
Originally designed by George Hardinge and later
additions by Robert F. Chisholm
Originally in the Gothic Revival style with
Itatianate and Hindu overtones Later additions of
Chisholm was country towers in the sides and
central clock tower in the middle.
Fresh coats of paint and casual maintenance at
regular intervals and full occupancy have prolonged the life of the building.
Howrah station by Halsay Ricerdo in 1890 was of Romanesque Moorish style. Calcutta
station 1859 was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Hyderabad railway station of 1914 in Indo – sarecenic was designed by Vincent Esch
Egmore Railway Station – 1908
Designed by Henry Irwin and built by Samynatha
Pillai
Indo Saracenic style with more Dravidian
elements
It is in good condition with a lot of facilities
provided for the passengers.
Railway Head Office – 1922
Designed by N.Grayson
Built for the first time in India in reinforced
concrete in an elegant fashion of classical and
Dravidian style
Well maintained but further additions should not
mar the beauty of the building
Bombay Central India Railway Office was
designed by F.W. Steven’s in pure Gothic Style.
Lahore railway office was designed by James Ransome in 1905 – Indo – Saracenic.
Madras Medical College -1892
School of Medicine in 1835 and later Medical
College in 1851
Designed by Henry Irwin in Indo Saracenic
style
The building still remains to be as it was in the
past.
Calcutta Medical College 1852 was designed by
Col. John Garstin in Classical style.
Lucknow Medical College 1912 was designed by Swinton Jacob in Indo – Saracenic
style.
Government College of Arts & Crafts 1850
School of Arts in 1850 later upgraded as College
in 1961.
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm in Indo-
Saracenic style. First school of Arts in India and
in Asia.
Though it still functions it lacks proper
maintenance. Library remained closed for a long
time. Of late renovation work is going on.
128
Sri J.J. Jamesdji Jeejeebhoy school of Arts in
Bombay was designed by William Burges in 1866
Senate House – 1864
Designed by Robert F Chisholm
Leaning towards the Byzantine with the blend of
Indo saracenic
Due to the effort of the INTACH this beautiful
building of the by gone days has come back to
life. Hall is used for conducting Lectures and
Seminars.
Convocation Hall inside Bombay University was
designed by Sir Gibert Scott in true Gothic style untouched by the Hindu or Saracenic
Calcutta Senate Hall 1864 was designed by P.W.D. Engineers in classical style.
Presidency College - 1870
Designed by Robert F. Chisholm in pure
Italian style derived from Renaissance
Classicism
Lectures and Seminars are held in the hall
Mayo College of Mant at Ajmer was built in
Indo - saracenic.
Elipinstone College at Bombay was in Gothic
style.
Muir college 1886 in Aallahabad was designed by William Emerson in Indo - saracenic
style.
Law College 1884
Designed by Henry Irwin in Indo Saracenic style. It
appears in the same style as the High Court.
It appears to be in good condition and it can remain
to be the same if the students reserve the building
without causing any damage.
Madras University – 1913
Designed by Edward Reid and Booth and
the Contractor was Somasudaram in Indo
– Saracenic style integrating itself with the
Senate House
Well maintained except for few alterations
done in the interior
Bombay University designed by Sir Gillbert
Scott, in pure Gothic style in 1874.
Calcutta University designed by Walter Granville in 1864 was designed in classical style.
University of Allahabad was designed by Swinton Jacob in Indo saracenic style in 1887
Lucknow univeristy 1910 was designed by Jacob in Indo saracenic style
Anna Engineering College - 1920
Originated in 1858 as Government School of Survey in Fort St. George then transferred
to Khalsa Mahal in Chapuk palace in 1859 as Civil Engineering College and then to
Guindy in 1920.
Designed by W.H. Nicholls consulting Architect and later by F.J. Wilson Chief
Engineer.
Classical style in Red Facade of exposed brick work with definitions in grey granite
The building is full of life and extensively used and is also properly maintained
Bihar Engineering College was designed by W.C. Wright in Indo - Saracenic in 1890.
General Hospital – 1890
First building was built in 1690 and later extended
in 1771 and further extended in 1859.
Designed by Col. Patrick Ross, and later by John.
Sullivan
First Building was in Tuscan style
The British constructed Hospital has been
demolished and the new hospital was built during
the reign of Miss. J.Jayalalitha when she was as
Chief Minister in Hindu style.
In Bombay Cama and Albless Hospital 1887 was designed by John Adam in Gothic style
130
Zenana Hospital in Delhi was designed by Swinton Jacop in 1887.
Osmania General Hospital 1921 in Hyderabad was designed by Vincent Esch in Indo –
Saracenic
Jacob’s K.G. Hospital Lucknow was built in Indo – Saracenic
Albert hospital Kolhapur was master piece of Mant – 1878 Indo – Saracenic style.
Maternity Hospital – 1808
Designed by Major General Gifford and
constructed by P.S Ramaswamy Mudhaliar
along .
Masonry structure’s inspiration was drawn
from the architecture of the Himalayan region
The hospital is in full use but not well
maintained.
The side block has been demolished and new
block is under construction.
Bombay Obstetric Hospital 1891 designed by John Adam in Gothic style.
Lady Dufferin Victoria Hospital in Calcutta was designed by Sudlow Ballardie and
Thompson in International style.
Conclusion :
Buildings that survive from the past are fossils of civilization. For certain early cultures
that left no written records or whose records have not been well preserved and accessible,
monumental remains are the principal source of information.
Hence the present attempt has been made to conserve the Historical monuments of the
British Raj in Chennai City.
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