Photography: Glimpses Of Old Madras

I reproduce here some vintage photography of Chennai or Madras as older generations still like to call the city.

These photos have appeared elsewhere before and in my understanding the copyrights on them have expired. Quite nostalgic they give glimpse into the city that still lies beneath the modern high-rises, concrete flyovers and shopping malls.

The old Madras is still present to a certain extent but for how long? Recently there have been plans announced to bring the demolition workers to some buildings of distinct heritage value. Voices of concern and a call for more aware development policies have been raised also.

Development is essential, as is constant change, yet one still hopes for some restraint and patience so that Chennai will continue to be the jewel among cities that it is if you have the eyes to see.

Higginbotham's Bookstore

Aerial View of Marina Beach

Mount Road

Esplanade during busy hour

Madras Central Station

Egmore Station Exterior

Egmore Station Interior

Egmore Station Waiting Room

Old Mosque of Madras

Old High Court of Madras

Spencer's Departmental Store

The Old Esplanade

The Madras Ford Showroom

Bank of Madras

The Map of Madras 1909 (click to enlarge)

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11 Responses to “Photography: Glimpses Of Old Madras”

1. Thomas says:

   March 2, 2011 at 13:45

   Very nice photos! Thanks for posting them.

   Egmore station looks slightly different these days
2. rajesh says:

   August 17, 2011 at 12:40

   nice to see all these pics.. good job. happy to see these pics… need much more pics about madras.. old madras seems to be better than the present chennai.
3. Chandramohan says:

   November 6, 2011 at 13:42

   Thank you so much for this photographs.
4. Aparna says:

   December 5, 2011 at 09:23

   Thank you very much Aleksi for the post. I have goosebumps looking though the pictures
5. junaid says:

   December 19, 2011 at 19:16

   nice picture can you addmore
6. jakkiriya says:

   January 5, 2012 at 19:17

   nice photos and well enjoyed.,
7. jakkiriya says:

   January 5, 2012 at 19:17

   well old photos.,
8. Dr Ajit Bhalla, Geneva says:

   February 22, 2012 at 14:57

   Interesting photos of old Madras. I would like to use the image of Madras High Court in my forthcoming book on the Glimpses of Imperial India. Would you be able to provide a high-resolution image?
9. Aleksi Lausti says:

   February 22, 2012 at 15:12

   In my understanding they should be in public domain by now…lovely photos indeed!
10. S.prakash says:

    April 14, 2012 at 10:52

    Always old is Gold and also best for ever.

    Thanks for sharing a Awesome photos.
11. rex says:

    May 15, 2012 at 09:44

    Very nice pictures. Thanks