வள்ளுவர் கோட்டம், 1976

Valluvar Kottam in Nungambakkam was constructed as a tribute to ancient Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Valluvar Kottam was the conception of then chief minister M. Karunanidhi and it was inaugurated on April 15, 1976.One of the stunning features of this complex is the 101 feet tall magnificent granite chariot weighing around 2700 tonnes. There is a life-size statue of Thiruvalluvar seated in the chariot, is the replica of the famed temple chariot at Thiruvarur. The bottom portion of the chariot is sculpted in bas relief and depicts the 133 chapters of Thirukkural. More than 3000 blocks of granite from Thiruvannamalai were used in the construction of this structure. There is also a central auditorium which can seat upto 4000 people. It was supposed to be the biggest in Asia at the time of construction. The Thirukkural’s 133 chapters and 1,330 verses are immortalised by being inscribed in the 133 pillars in the second-level corridor above the hall. On its roof is a terraced garden with two large pools in which one can observe the reflection of the chariot. The entire construction was orchestrated by acclaimed Architect Ganapati Sthapati who incidently also constructed the Thiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari.
The once majestic complex is now a sorry state of affairs owing to a variety of political and financial reasons. The valluvar kottam thrives on the meagre allowances which come from the handicrafts and clothes exhibitions. It is saddening that a monument for one of the greatest poets of tamilnadu is left unattended. It is high time we set aside political differences and revive Valluvar Kottam as the art and culture stronghold it was meant to be.
Source: Madras Rediscovered | The Hindu

People’s Park, 1861

The people’s park was the brainchild of Governor Charles Trevelyan during his brief 1859-60 tenure. Behind the Ripon Building, 116 acres in extent it had 11 ponds, 5 1/2 miles of roads , a bandstand, a public bath and two tennis courts . It was home to the Madras Zoo till 1985, hosted the annual Park Fair and several other entertainments, and in a park within a park, had one of the prettiest gardens in the South. My Ladye’s Garden was a beautiful little green patch rich with fountains and ornamental sculpture. Several black-and-white Tamil films feature the garden in its full glory.

People’s park in its hey days comprised of Ashok Vihar garden, My Ladye’s Garden, Pavilion of the Ashley Biggs institute and the Nehru indoor and outdoor stadiums. Today it is home to the Ripon Building where the Corporation of Madras functions and an extension of the central railway station.

The oldest zoo in the country, thanks to Edward Green Balfour, Director of the Government Museum, Madras, who in 1854 persuaded the Nawab of Arcot to hand over his menagerie to the Museum. The Zoo was founded officially a year later in the Museum premises. In 1863, the Zoo was shifted to People’s Park, where it was to remain for almost 125 years.

The Madras Zoo, which was located next to My Ladye’s Garden, was relocated to Vandalur in 1985. In the same year Moore Market complex was razed in a fire and subsequently hawkers started encroaching upon the approach road to the park. Slowly it began losing its patronage.

In a city that has lost its green cover to Vardah and unscrupulous human greed. It is astonishing to even think of such a lush green park right in the heart of Madras. Or should I say Lungs of Madras?

Source: Madras Rediscovered | Madras Musing.