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Vol. XXIV No. 23 MUSINGS March 16-31, 2015

G An open letter Madras Landmarks The Fort at 375 – 50 years ago deserves better To about, the seat of government Chennai. It was also where the The Chief Secretary is once again where it ought to health facility that we recognise Government of Tamil Nadu be, namely within the Fort, as the General Hospital was set Fort St George which is where much of what up in 1644, leading to our city Chennai 600 009 we call modern India had its ori- today being an acknowledged Dear Sir, gins. capital of medical tourism. Of The following facts may not course, it goes without saying Re: Fort St George at 375 be new to you but we are once that modern governance as we his is to greet you on the again bringing them to your know of it, and of which you Toccasion of our beloved kind attention as they are worth and the Government are in Fort turning 375 years which recalling and establish the charge, took shape here as did ne of the best known landmarks of North Chennai, this building is synony- landmark date will be on April greatness of our Fort – this was the oldest archive in the world Omous with the promotion of Tamil as a musical language. Strange though 23rd of this year. We are sure where the Indian army was for Governmental records, to- it may seem, that was not the view of the scholars and practitioners of Carnatic that several celebrations and born, this was where modern day the Tamil Nadu Archives. music till the 1930s. That was largely a circumstance of history, for much of commemorative events are be- India’s first bank (the Madras The list of the Fort’s claims to Madras Presidency had, after the Cholas, been ruled by Telugu-speaking ing planned by the Government Bank) was set up, this was the greatness is practically inex- Vijayanagar rulers and Nayaks and, after them, the musical heartland of to mark this historic milestone. birthplace of one of the oldest haustible. It is a record that Tanjore came under the control of the Marathas. It is heartening that at the time When a group of thinkers, writers and musicians tried to set this imbalance civic bodies of the world, the behoves the Government to right in the 1930s, they met with stiff opposition, especially from the Music this anniversary has come Corporation of Madras, now work at getting the Fort recog- Academy and the Indian Fine Arts Society (IFAS), the two established sabhas. nised as an UNESCO-listed However, the Tamil lobby had the support of stalwarts such as T.K. Chidam- World Heritage Precinct. A baranatha Mudaliar, Kalki R. Krishnamurthy and the singer M.S. Subbu- welcome attempt to achieve lakshmi. Most importantly, the movement was bankrolled by Rajah Sir this was led by the Government Annamalai Chettiar. Lessons for & from a couple of years ago, and The Tamil Isai Sangam came into existence in 1943 as the vehicle for this though that failed there is no cause, the name being given by Rajaji. From its first year, it began hosting a reason why it should not be concert season in December, challenging the monopoly of the Academy and the Pondy Festival campaigned for with even IFAS. The songs performed had to be only in Tamil. A suitable venue proved to be a problem and, for the first few years, it held its programmes in the Parish greater vigour now. Hall of St Mary’s Cathedral on Armenian Street. It later conducted programmes (By A Special Correspondent) Given this context, we also at the Museum Theatre. feel it is our bounden duty to In 1948, 23 grounds of land at the eastern end of the Esplanade were taken ast month saw the launch of what promises to be an annual bring to your notice that there on lease for fifty years from the Corporation of Madras. Work began in 1949, Lfixture – a celebration of Pondicherry’s heritage. Directly are several aspects of the Fort’s by which time the Rajah had died. The design was by L.M. Chitale and the inspired by the Madras Week celebrations, it was spurred on by the present condition that call for auditorium was the first of its kind in the city. Closely supervised by the Rajah’s recent collapse of the historic Mairie building in that city. The immediate action. The general sons, Rajah Sir M.A. Muthiah Chettiar and M.A. Chidambaram, whose offices festival was very successful as far as a beginning went, with excel- level of upkeep has fallen over were located next door to the site, the auditorium rose quickly. The architect in lent participation by residents, conservationists and, above all, the years, especially in parts an article also gave much credit for several elements in the design to Sir R.K. elected representatives. While this calls for deserved congratula- Shanmukham Chetty, the first Finance Minister of independent India, who had that are directly under the become President of the Tamil Isai Sangam after the Rajah’s passing. tions all around, it is also time for some reflection on how the event Government’s purview. The car The Raja Annamalai Mandram, a two storeyed building with constructed can be improved and taken forward in the future. parking facilities within the Fort space of 20,000 square feet on the ground floor was ready in time for the music Unlike Chennai, where the battle for heritage conservation is are completely haphazard and season of 1952. It was declared open by Rajaji on October 31st that year. It is a more often than not a lost cause and the occasional victory is of there are very few clearly mark- lavishly constructed structure with generous use of fine timber and perhaps one the pyrrhic variety, Pondicherry has much going for it. For one, ed pedestrian areas. With a of the first buildings in the city to use mosaic instead of the more traditional heritage enthusiasts and conservationists are not forever set on a huge parking lot in front of the granite. It is noteworthy for its combination of art deco with the traditional collision course with the Government. That was reflected in the Fort itself, and which lies Chettinad style of architecture, the latter predominating in the woodwork in presence of the elected representatives at the festival. And, what’s unused for most of the year, it is particular. more, the Government has promised all possible help for the indeed a pity that so many The auditorium was designed keeping acoustics in mind and soon became a conduct of future festivals of this kind. That is not something that favourite of performing artistes. The first floor hosts the Sangam’s music college vehicles need to come into the and also a gallery of instruments. The entrance has a statue to the founder has happened in Chennai, despite Madras Week having seen eight Fort itself. It is time Govern- unveiled in 1964 by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, the Maharajah of Mysore, who editions thus far. ment vehicles too used that lot, was the next year to become the Governor of Madras. Secondly, owing to its never having expanded into a full metro, and made the Fort only a drop Some major modifications were undertaken in 1968, to coincide with the Pondicherry has retained a lot of its heritage. Most of the old build- or pick-up area. silver jubilee of the Sangam. These were undertaken by S.L. Chitale, son of the ings are still standing, especially in the White Town. There is also Secondly, the number of man who had designed the original edifice. These changes, largely in the interior, a strong realisation that tourism is a source of income for the city posters and hoardings that have were done to keep out the ambient noise, which had increased sharply in a decade. and this is being encouraged. While this may have resulted in an come up within this heritage The seats, 866 in number, were padded and arranged in a circular fashion with

(Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 3) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2015 The Fort at 375 deserves better Much ado over nothing he telephone rang and The lieve that. He wanted to know give it a nice contrast. The (Continued from page 1) distresses us is that construction T Man from Madras Musings who else was on the committee compound wall, however, re- debris has still not been cleared answered it. A most diffident and what ideas MMM would mained a prominent eyesore. from its rear. We felt strongly voice piped up, wanting to bring to the table. To all of this It always had posters on it and precinct in recent years is truly know if it was Sar speaking at MMM replied, when he got a some were of such a lascivious alarming. These have been in- about the presence of a highrise the other end. MMM was not word in edgeways, that it was nature that many a motorist discriminately put up on all inside a heritage precinct, but so sure as to which Sar was early days yet and there was no would pause to gaze raptur- available surfaces and greatly now that it is there, can we at wanted. In these days of official communication of any ously at them, only to be col- detract from what is a unique least hope that debris from it H1N1, the last thing anyone kind. The reporter rang off, lided with at the rear by some- historic enclave. We are sure will be cleared forthwith? wants is an outbreak of SARS. deeply incensed that MMM one who did not pause to stand you agree with us that the Fort’s While we are highlighting But the voice at the other end had not offered a bite of any and stare. then asked if it had the plea- sort. Such accidents were more dignity as a seat of governance these issues with the parts that fall under the Government’s sure of speaking to MMM Sar. The next day, the voice was or less commonplace here and is much impaired by these. To this MMM agreed, where- back, with double the dose of the locals had perfected a rou- We are also deeply con- direct scrutiny, we are by no upon the conversation pro- diffidence. It begged Sar’s par- tine. The police would con- cerned with the proliferation of means stating that the parts ceeded rather on the lines of a don but what could it do Sar tinue resting near a tree unless snack bars and kiosks vending under the control of the Army Minister speaking to Queen when its Sar had assigned it a it was a particularly disruptive tea and coffee. You will agree or the Archaeological Survey of Victoria – entirely in the third different task the previous day. incident. In all other cases, with us that the presence of a India do not have issues of their person. A sample is given MMM wondered as to what those from nearby shops live kitchen with minimum fire own. We will be highlighting below: prevented the voice from mak- would direct traffic, the soda- safety measures poses a threat these problems to them sepa- Voice (V): Good morning ing a call to that effect, but that vendor would give the injured Sar. Will Sar be in his office clearly was not in the rule a cooling drink and, after the not only to the built heritage rately. this morning Sar? book, written no doubt in usual colourful exchange of but also to the people milling We are addressing these around it. In addition, such eat- thoughts of ours to you not with eries are not maintained well any intention to criticise but and are surrounded by garbage. with the hope that the Fort, We also bring to your attention which is dear to all of us, can be SHORT ‘N’ SNAPPY that a full-fledged vegetable and restored to its full glory and cel- flower bazaar springs up each ebrated this year. We trust this communication will be received evening near the North Gate of MMM (M): Yes, but can I 1875. The voice then wanted words of endearment between the Fort. This may be a conve- in the right spirit and lead to a know why you are asking this? to know if Sar was in Sar’s of- the collider and the collided, nience for the employees of the cleaning up and conservation V: Our Sar wants to invite fice for the voice was a short everyone would go his respec- Government, but it could also exercise as well as a celebration. Sar to be a part of a committee distance away and could it tive way. be a security hazard. It would be Thanking you Sar. When can I call on Sar, therefore drop off the invita- For years the hospital and far better if a fair price shop is Sar? tion. To this MMM agreed and the local councillor put up ap- opened somewhere within the Yours faithfully It transpired that a Sar in after a considerable lapse of peals on the wall requesting premises. For Chennai Heritage Government circles had read time, the voice and its owner that it be spared of posters. The Namakkal Kavignar something that MMM wrote appeared in person. The mis- They grew plants below it to has recently been refur- about and, rather than take of- sive was handed over to MMM prevent easy access but that Maligai S. Muthiah with much bowing and scrap- only added to the problem for bished and inaugurated. What fence, had decided to draft Editor, Madras Musings MMM into a committee that ing. It requested MMM, along the bushes provided a conve- could hopefully set some with a couple of others, to nient place for committing wrongs right. MMM was flat- come to a Government office nuisance, this despite a pay tered and immediately ac- for a meeting on a certain date. and use toilet being a stone’s cepted. But that was not all. The appointed date duly ar- throw away. And then some- Pondy Festival The voice at the other end had rived only to have the voice one in the hospital decided to been instructed by the Sar to calling once again. The meet- take matters in hand. The wall meet MMM in person and ing, it said, was off, because the was scraped and given a rough (Continued from page 1) hand over an invitation and it top Sar, whose idea the whole finish to prevent posters being would not rest until it had ful- thing was, had been called away pasted. The bushes were re- overdose of showcasing – too many coffee shops, restaurants, bis- filled its mission. It was in vain for some greater good. The new moved and the wall was tros and bed-and-breakfast places, it is a refreshing change to see that MMM tried to explain date, it said, would soon be in- painted white. It looked lovely at least one Indian city that looks at development differently, as that in this time and age a per- formed to Sar and so could Sar till the hospital no doubt dis- something that can be done even while retaining and putting the sonal invitation was most un- keep himself free. In other covered that it had a stock of past to creative re-use. necessary and an email ought words, MMM was in suspended green paint. For some reason That said, the festival needs to broadbase itself if it is to survive to do the needful. The voice animation or adjourned sine they decided that the com- die. Such are the ways of pound wall was the best place in the long run. It is currently restricted entirely to the old White was shocked. It clearly belonged to an era when mes- Government. for it. And so bilious green Town. The other half – Black Town – was conspicuous by its sages from panjandrums were clashes with the red and white. absence. The only exception from the latter was Ananda Ranga brought in ornate scrolls on MMM shuts his eyes each Pillai’s house, which was highlighted but there again it was only his elephant back, accompanied Colours of Royapettah time he drives by. Hopefully connection with the French that was presented. This will not do. by the tom-toming of drums ave you been to the he will not be collided with. One of the reasons why Madras Week has sustained thus far is that and a retinue of dancing girls. H Royapettah hospital of efforts have been on to take it to all parts of the city. Even the A personal visit it had to be, late? Before you take offence, Tailpiece reluctant northern wards have been roped in, albeit with marginal said the voice and, so, MMM let The Man from Madras response, thanks to the repeated conduct of heritage talks and finally gave in. It was agreed Musings assure all of you that alking into a temple that the voice, together with he does not wish you ill. All he Wrecently, The Man from walks, besides events in schools. These have gone a long way in Madras Musings saw the promoting awareness. the body that embodied it, means is that he wonders if you would visit MMM the next day have recently passed by that notice seen in the picture Another observation is that the local participation in the event’s and hand over the invitation in historic edifice. In case you below. Surely a place of organisation in Pondicherry was at best muted. The catalysts are person. MMM half-wondered have, you may know what worship ought not to have mainly people from North India or abroad who have made Pondi- if he ought to put together a re- MMM is writing about. spite of any kind was MMM’s cherry their base. This does run the risk of getting the festival ception committee. Till a couple of years ago, first thought. But we are like depicted as an isolated celebration by a group that has no local The next day, however, this noble pile, by which MMM that only. roots. Getting people whose families have lived in Pondicherry for produced nobody. The voice means the old building, was – MMM generations to become involved can change this. The festival can was conspicuous by its ab- painted a sickly pink. It was also make an effort to get the temples of Pondicherry highlighted – sence. A day later, just as then painted yellow for a while some such as the Manakkula Vinayakar shrine need no publicity, MMM was beginning to forget and then one day reverted to but others, such as the temple for Sengazhuneer Amman, which about it, there was a call from the old pink. Then there came a newspaper reporter, who a day last year when it became too is old, could do with some attention. The participation of sounded all excited. Was it red, more or less the same schools in greater number would also bring in the parents, thereby true, he asked, that MMM had shade as Central Station. And making it a people’s event. been nominated to a commit- mind you, it did not look bad at In sum, we would give the Pondicherry heritage festival the tee? To this MMM replied that all, particularly after the bor- thumbs up sign while, at the same time, patting the organisers of he was not so sure but the re- ders and the ornamental brick Madras Week on the back. The surest sign of success is when others porter was not willing to be- arches were painted white to begin to emulate an example. March 16-31, 2015 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Cooum ‘Nature Trail’ a cruel joke

Saree – sorry! t is with mixed emotions, of anguish and amusement, I read pillars erected in the bed of the Cooum, on which the containers Ithe news that the Corporation of Chennai is seriously plan- would trundle through the heart of the city. The clearance of this agree that the colour picture ning to develop a ‘nature trail’ along the Cooum at an estimated multi-crore project does not appear to have been subject to public Ithat you published on the cost of Rs. 8 crore, no meagre sum. hearing. In addition to restricting flow of water in the Cooum, back page of MM, March 1st, Anguish at the fact that, instead of tackling the fundamental the only carrier of storm and flood waters, the associated impacts was appealing. issue of restoring the Cooum to good health and making the on security, noise, air quality, and the huge inconvenience in case I don’t know if you have water flow, the authorities are engaged in wasteful peripheral any of these monster containers falls, do not appear to have been and non-essential activities like creating ‘nature trails’. Amuse- studied adequately and presented to communities living along- simply taken the second sen- ment arises at the total ignorance and limited understanding of side the Cooum. With the large outlay provided for this project, tence of the caption from some the authorities of the concept of a ‘nature trail’. it would have been possible to identify an alternative solution, if catalogue, or if you have I wonder what the teams comprising officials and non-offi- necessary, by providing larger outlays. The present proposal appended it. (Editor: It was the cials learnt on their junkets not too far back, at public expense, that compromises quality of life in the city for all time to come is title of the exhibition.) to San Antonio and Singapore. Did they see ‘nature trails’ along very short-sighted. The project deserves to be shelved perma- In any case, I found it rather banks of rivers and water bodies filled with untreated sewage, nently. amusing. The caption writer filth, garbage and stinking? Mention must be made here of the Spending on peripheral issues only wastes scarce public perhaps had the phrase “the ‘ostrich’-like behaviour of the authorities in raising the side walls money and will not solve the basic issue of cleaning and restoring whole nine yards” in his or her of bridges across the Cooum, obviously to prevent us from the Cooum. The ‘nature trail’ is one such. The money identified mind as can be gauged from the seeing the ugly sights of the river. What about the stench and for this purpose can be better spent on providing well-managed stink? toilets for the public, improving the roads, and stormwater drains. voluminous folds of the gar- A play-back of the efforts to restore the Cooum is necessary The issues involved in cleaning the Cooum do not require ment. That I appreciate very to understand how the present situation has come to pass. The rocket science. The following only need to be done: much. Cooum has been a victim of neglect and political foot-balling. 1. Plug all outfalls of untreated sewage. Many government and What the caption is silent Around the 1970s the then Government planned to make the public bodies along the banks are also guilty. about is the style in which the Cooum navigable, and even today unused structures for boat 2. Relocate all encroachers and unauthorised settlers along saree is worn by the woman. I landing and pick-up sites can be seen. With the change of the banks. This will be the biggest challenge. But, with calibrated believe some holding back on government, this laudable project became ‘untouchable’ for handling and assistance from credible NGOs, this will not be the part of the caption writer is close to two decades. You can imagine the disastrous conse- insurmountable. A proposal to construct a 23 km wall after re- there. This for a heritage- quences of such neglect. moving the encroachments is a good idea. In the mid-1980s, the Government of the UK, through its 3. Dredge the river to remove the deposits/sludge of decades. conscious journal nostalgic for aid wing, provided a grant to the Government of Tamil Nadu, anything ancient is strange. The selective testing of the inherent quality of the deposits is through which a team of consultants from the UK, experienced necessary to determine their toxicity and selection of suitable (Editor: We saw it only as a pic- in managing water bodies, analysing water quality and recom- dumpyards. Disposal into the sea is not an acceptable option. ture, not as a bit of heritage or mending mitigation strategies, was deployed. A counterpart 4. The possibility of using seawater to flush the river and re- of the old being comfortable multidisciplinary team of officials was identified to work along- turn it, as is done in Dubai and some Gulf States, is worthy of with the new. Perhaps we side the UK consultants. The Indian team was also given train- consideration. should have thought of the ing in UK in various aspects of managing water bodies. (It 5. The above actions require large financial outlays. With latter.) should be remembered that the river Thames, which was once India’s present financial credibility, thrust towards national clean- the most polluted river in Europe, has been restored, and today liness, and concept of smart cities, institutions like the World C.G. Rishikesh you can see salmon flourishing in its waters, which are also put Bank or Asian Development Bank should have no hesitation in A5, Madhurima to a variety of uses, including floating restaurants, enriching the coming forward to support this initiative. India is no stranger to 32, Conran Smith Road London experience.) By the 1990s, the UK consultants com- these institutions. Gopalapuram pleted their work and submitted a practical, time-based strategy Finally, without strong commitment, sustained unbiased Chennai 600 086 for restoring the Cooum. Till today, no meaningful follow-up political will, and a designated multidisciplinary team of officials, action has been taken on most of the recommendations in the First appearance not susceptible to transfers, supported by reputable NGOs, report. nothing will change and the Cooum in its present state will A revealing sidelight which needs mention is the fact that .S.S. Seshan, the author of continue to remain a blight on Chennai’s face, as it seeks to attempts were being made to sell these reports as wastepaper! project itself as an inviting and favourable destination for global Kthe article National Anthem The author had the unenviable task of mentioning this at a pub- investors. & the Cousins (MM, March 1st) lic function in the presence of an Honourable Minister, in the A ‘nature trail’ along Cooum will not add value to the city. writes that the article was origi- hope that the sale would be stopped. nally published in The Hindu on Another thoughtless project that, fortunately, has been P.M. Belliappa, IAS (RETD.) March 15, 2009. stalled by the present State Government for the time being is to Former Chairman, Tamil Nadu provide connectivity from Chennai Port for container move- Pollution Control Board – The Editor ment. This was to be done using a road elevated on huge solid [email protected]

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f you had ever wished to time- Liberty Cinema in Mumbai. I travel from Lothal of the Indus Chandigarh was designed by the Valley Civilisation to the Rajiv The best of Indian French architect Le Corbusier, The men who built Gandhi sea link in Mumbai appointed by Jawaharlal Nehru, today, looking at, on the way, who was criticised for imposing some of the marvellous creations Western values on Indian ethos. spanning civilisations – the architecture But the erstwhile province of Mylapore’s temple Mughal invasion, the colonial Punjab needed a new capital expansion, and, finally, the 67 Century) was described in 1522 teries, largely a Buddhist tradi- Then it’s on to the Golden after its western half went to years of independent India – you by the Portuguese traveller Paes tion where a gracefully sculpted Temple at Amristar (re)built in Pakistan along with its capital he annual festival at the picture. This article is based on detail as to the exact contribu- should have spent a long while as the “best provided city in the Buddha is the highlight. The 1764, after the earlier Hari Lahore and Nehru, looking to TMylapore Kapaleeswarar what is written in these acco- tions of later dharmakarta-s. She looking at the 37 panels in the world.” An area of 60 square Phase I of this architectural Mandir Sahib of 1589 had been the future, wanted something Temple will start a week from unts. writes that the descendants of INTACH Exhibition held in miles was covered by “innumer- endeavour started in the 2nd destroyed by Afghan invaders. modern. The Akshardam Tem- now. The deities will be brought Waghorne in her book dwells Muthiappa Mudali handed over Chennai recently showcasing able lakes, waterways and gar- Century and Phase II was The Convent of St. Francis of ple is a modern re-creation of out on various processional at length on the details of the the management of the temple to Indian architecture through the dens as large as Rome and very completed in the 7th Century, Assisi in Goa is representative of temple architecture. The Baha’i mounts twice a day for ten days. temple as given in Colin Mac- Ponnambala Vadyar and Kana- ages. The exhibition was concei- beautiful to sight.” only to be forgotten and aban- the Portuguese creations in the temple in Delhi, designed by the Some events are, of course, more kenzie’s manuscripts. He had kasabai Pandaram. Considering ved by the 82-year-old architect Mandu in Madhya Pradesh, doned, till the British, in their 16th to 17th Century period. Iranian designer Fariburz Sabha, important than others – these arrived in Madras in 1783 and that a street that is just next to Sarayu Joshi, who took up the dating back to the 15th Century hunting expeditions, discovered Then you visit the Jantar Mantar represents a lotus opening its being the Adhikara Nandi sevai after 13 years’ military service, the temple commemorates the project at the request of the Bel- is now a ghost town and “its them in the 19th Century. You of 1728 CE in Jaipur, built by petals at dawn. The 5600-metre- (Day Three), the Vrshabha began devoting his time to former, we can surmise that the gian Government when some romance lives in the ballads of travel from the 6th Century Sawai Jai Singh II as a cluster of long Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link con- Vahanam (Day Five), the car Indology, balancing the demands temple had acquired its present Belgians asked, ‘What do rock the tragic love of Muslim ruler Mahesh Murti at Elephanta, a five observatories and used even necting north Mumbai with festival (Day Seven), the Aru- of his hobby with those of his boundaries within a generation carvings look like?’ Within a Baz Bahadur and the Hindu cave temple atop a hill, to the today for weather forecasting. south Mumbai is an aesthetically pathumoovar (Day Eight) and professional career which culmi- after Muthiappa Mudali. The budget of Rs. 1 lakh granted by beauty Rupmati.” rock-cut Kailasha Natha temple You then, as you move on to designed engineering marvel the Kalyanam (Day Ten). The nated in his becoming the first next major change happens in the Indian Government, the ar- The fort of Mandavagarh at Ellora of the 8th Century, the more familiar Chatrapati built across the sea along the devout will throng the four mada Surveyor General of India. By 1749 when, with the restitution chitect chose the right mix of streets on all days; their numbers the time of his death in 1821, he of Madras to the British, San examples from the earliest times rising to unmanageable levels on had collected a huge number of Thomé-Mylapore also becomes through to the present on the the eighth day in particular. manuscripts, besides maps and part of East India Company theme ‘Temples, Forts and Pala- Even as Kapali goes around books. Among these is an ac- territory. Whereupon the head ces: Splendours of Indian Archi- the four mada streets accompa- count of the Kapali temple with conicopoly of the Export Ware- tecture’ and exhibited them in a nied by the other deities, those a sketch of the shrine, with the house and later dubash of The great festival in Mylapore – (Courtesy: Vintage Vignettes.) small church in Belgium. The that watch the procession are various parts marked and as- Governor Saunders, Kumarappa same exhibition was what was probably doing what has been a cribed to the men who built each Mudali, became the dharma- five people to succeed him. house on Bunder Street still sur- showcased in Chennai. practice for several centuries. of them. Waghorne surmises that karta. Three were considered to be suit- vives in a decrepit state. A long An introduction to the exhi- There is no denying that the this particular manuscript may The temple was by then in a able by the Committee and these street in Mylapore commemo- bition said that a synthesis of Kapali temple is an ancient one, have been done between 1796 ‘ruinous condition’. Kumarappa, three were Pammal Subbaraya rates him and it has, over time cultural traditions spanning 2500 Sanchi Stupa Arjuna's Penance Mandavagarh Fort having featured in the works of and 1800. who has a street named after him Mudali, Kovur Vaidyanatha morphed into Sundareswarar years had been covered in the the Nayanmars of the 7th Cen- in Mylapore and another in the Mudali, merchant of the East In- Swamy Street! exhibits and “its ethos has been tury and after them in other Seven Wells area of George dia Company, and Coonra G by The non-controversial Pam- constantly enriched by people of literary creations. Sambandar, in Town, found the temple lands Vellaiyappa Mudali (this being mal line appears to have served different races and religions who his Poompavai Pathikam, lists a Sriram V. encroached upon by people of Mackenzie’s Coomy Valappa the longest, lasting well over a have lived together for genera- festival for each month of the ‘foreign religions’. The four Mood). Vaidyanatha Mudali was century. Pammal Vijayaranga tions, each group practising its year and most of these are Mada streets had become mere also trustee of the Chintadripet Mudaliar, who was in the Educa- own religion and way of life.” observed even now. And yet, The sketch gives credit for lanes. The temple was barely Adipuriswara temple and has a tion Department of the Govern- Each panel had pictures of a there are unsolved mysteries much of the temple to Mootooa- functioning, with daily worship street named after him in that ment, served as trustee till his monument, a map showing about the shrine. Did it really pa Mood, who from Mukund’s being suspended owing to want area. passing in 1895 after which his where it is located in India, and a stand on the seashore at one work can be identified as Nattu of funds. Using his high office to It would appear that Coonra elder son, Pammal Ayyasamy note on the architectural style, time? Why are there no inscrip- Muthiappa Mudali, a prominent good effect, Kumarappa bought Vellaiyappa Mudali’s line be- Mudaliar, held the post till 1905 its historicity, and the architect, Humayun Tomb Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Bahai Temple tions from the times of the member of the Tuluva Vellalar off the encroachers and reclaim- came extinct after him, for the when he resigned on his being where known. Cholas in the present temple? community. Mukund, who bases ed the lands. He rebuilt the Kovur and Pammal families appointed a District Munsiff. The remnants at Lothal, towers majestically over a part of interspersed with Luna Vasahi at Shivaji Terminus, a Victorian coast. Modern architecture is Did the Portuguese destroy the her writing on extensive research temple walls and tank, had the handled temple affairs for a time. The trusteeship passed to Vija- dating to the 3rd to the 2nd the Vindhyas, isolated by a deep Mt. Abu and the Kandanya Gothic architectural style build- showcased with architect Char- temple or was it because of war at the Tamil Nadu Archives, has four main streets broadened and Pammal Subbaraya Mudali is yaranga Mudaliar’s younger son millennium BCE, during the ravine. The Muslim invaders Mahadev temple at Khajuraho, ing conceived by the British les Correa expressing the or did the sea rise up and swa- Muthiappa Mudali as the ‘origi- planted coconut trees on their recorded to have conducted the Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar, Indus Valley Civilisation, point after defeating the Hindu ruler in which is well known for its sculp- architect F.W. Stevens, wonder modesty of Mahatma Gandhi’s llow it? There are no certain nal dharmakarta of the temple’ periphery. He had the proces- temple festivals splendidly for the playwright. He remained to that ancient city being the 1304 built palaces, mosques, tural friezes representing erotic why such an imposing structure lifestyle in Gandhi Smarak answers, but almost everyone is in the early 18th Century. This sional icons made, fashioned over ten years, spending about 20 trustee till his appointment as a precursor to modern-day urban and tombs here in a wondrous postures – all of these combining was conceived for a railway Sanghralaya, a memorial mu- agreed on the fact that the tallies with Waghorne’s informa- carriages and mounts, commis- or 30,000 pagodas in construct- judge of the Small Causes Court planning. Artefacts, steatite architectural style. devotion with breathtaking station. seum to the Mahatma, in temple was relocated to where it tion from the Mackenzie manu- sioned temple jewellery and ing the temple chariot and gifting in 1924. According to him, it was seals, human and clay figurines, Closer home at Mamalla- works of art in mountainous Without realising it, you are Ahmadabad. The Belgian em- stands now and was rebuilt there script, which recognises that recruited temple servants and gold and silver vessels. In 1810, during his time that the eastern stone and bronze blades, and cast puram is the ‘Descent of the settings. already in the British era, wel- bassy, resembling a fortress of ‘around three hundred years Muthiappa Mudali renovated dancing girls, for whom he had his passing created a vacancy. gopuram was built, thanks to a metal objects were some of the Ganges’ or ‘Arjuna’s Penance’, a Rani ki Vav in Gujarat (1068 comed by Victoria Memorial rocky outcrops, designed by ago’. As to who built the shrine the shrine to the Goddess, which houses built. The Tuluva Vellalars petitioned businessman of Triplicane whose remains shown. Streets laid out grand sculpted frieze adorning a CE), Tikse Monastery in Lada- Hall in Calcutta, an Indo- Satish Gujral, is another striking has also been a matter of debate. was ‘ an old church’ (presumably After Kumarappa, his brother the Collector of Madras, F.W. name was subsequently forgotten in a rectangular grid pattern gigantic rockface measuring 30 kh, and the Man Mandir Palace Saracenic palace-style building piece of modern architecture. A couple of publications by used here as a synonym for a Nattu Subbaraya, who also has a Ellis (he of Tirukkural fame) to and whom Sambanda Mudaliar pointed to town planning even in metres in length and 15 metres showcase Hindu creations pre- showing a romantic and eclectic As you leave, you hear the current day scholars throw some temple). He constructed shrines street named after him in entrust the post of dharmakarta refers to only as Gopuram Chet- that era. A long brick-lined rect- in height. dating the Mughal Qutb Minar fusion of European styles with eager voices of children with additional light on the present for Jagadiswarar (which still ex- Mylapore, took over as trustee to Ayya Mudali, commemorated tiar! It was also Sambanda angular tank could have been a Fatehpur-Sikri represents and the Jami Masjid in Cham- indigenous features such as notebooks in hand, walking temple and its sub-shrines. The ists on the eastern front of the and he, in turn, was succeeded by in a street in Chintadripet. Mudaliar who got the tank steps dock for sailing vessels. building art in India attaining its paner, Gujarat. Humayun’s Mughal domes, central arches around the panels, guided by a first of these is The Diaspora of the temple) and Sundareswarar Kasi Mudali. During the latter’s Within five years, however, the laid out. The seed money of Rs. Varanasi is considered to be most “sumptuous form” amal- Tomb, the finest Muslim mauso- and minarets, Buddhist motifs, teacher. Each school was allotted Gods, Modern Hindu Temples in shrine. He also built the small tenure, there was evidently an community deemed Ayya 5000 came from the bequest of a the oldest inhabited city in the gamating Indian and Persian leum which, should serve as a and Hindu-pillared roof pavil- a slot for viewing the exhibits an Urban-Middle Class World by gopuram that is on the western extensive reconstruction of the Mudali to be old and infirm and sanyasi who had collected money world, dating to the 8th Century traditions. model for others, features a char- ions. You next learn that Chatra- and a quiz was organised for chil- Joanne Punzo Waghorne (OUP wall of the temple. Waghorne temple, for Waghorne, quoting requested that Kovur Sundara for this purpose. But the total BCE. Piety here is driven by its The Great Stupa at Sanchi is bagh (an enclosed garden divided pati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya is dren when they completed the 2004). The second is The View states that the present contours from Mackenzie, states that the Mudali, the last Chief Merchant estimate came to Rs 1 lakh. 3.5-km-long riverfront and the supplemented with several into four quarters by water chan- the Prince of Wales Museum, viewing. They were also asked to from Below, Indigenous Society, of the temple owe their construc- ‘Cabalasewara pagoda’ was built of the East India Company, be When local residents baulked at continuous rows of stone steps, stupas, each a hemispherical nels representing the rivers of built in 1937. It is another Indo- sketch any architectural marvel Temples and the Early Colonial tion to Muthiappa Mudali, but by ‘Bagavintorayer, Causy Mood given the responsibility instead. the expense, Sambanda Muda- called the ghats, that help the structure with a central chamber paradise) with the tomb at the Saracenic masterpiece combin- of their choice. These sketches State in Tamil Nadu, 1700-1835, points out that two sub shrines and Coomy Valappa Mood’. The The Company refused and Ayya liar hit upon the idea of inscrib- faithful to take a dip in the river’s enshrining relics of a holy centre. Akbar’s Tomb and the ing the stylistic idiom of Euro- were displayed and the Baha’i by Kanakalatha Mukund (Ori- built by him – one to the Sun Causy Mood was evidently Kasi Mudali remained in charge de- ing donors’ names on the steps. sacred waters. personage. Taj Mahal follow Humayun’s pean features and indigenous temple was the favourite choice. ent Longman 2005). A study of God on the eastern side and an- Mudali. By 1800, Kasi Mudali’s spite his ‘old age and infirmities’, This caught public fancy and The exhibit featuring Sonar New Delhi, a creation of the tomb in layout and style. Gol style. Then you are at the Falak- Sujatha Shankar, Convenor of these helps to locate the period other to Bhadrakali on the west- son Masilamani Mudali had suc- whatever they were. This was money came in. The names of Kila in Jaisalmer (c. 1156 CE) British, designed by Sir Edwin Gombaz (1659) is the tomb of numa Palace in Hyderabad, built INTACH Chennai, said “We of reconstruction of the Kapali ern side facing the present day ceeded to the trusteeship. But despite Sundara Mudali having the donors can still be faintly urges you to visit Rajasthan to Lutyens and Herbert Baker and Mohammed Adil Shah and by an Italian architect, with an wanted the children to appreci- temple with greater precision. Singaravelar shrine have since the Tuluva Vellalars were not sponsored the annual festival in made out. bask in the splendour of the inaugurated in 1931, largely symbolises Indian architectural Italian marble flourish to it. It is ate the richness of Indian archi- More importantly, it identifies vanished. She also has it that the happy with his management and 1821 at a cost of 200 pagodas and The temple management was ‘golden glow’ of a fort built with reflects the European Palladian ingenuity and sophistication. Its today probably the most starred tecture and also encourage the the men who were responsible multi-tiered eastern gopuram was petitioned the Board of Revenue constructed ‘useful buildings’ taken over by the Hindu Religi- honey-coloured sandstone. And style, but incorporates elements dome 37.9 metres high is the lar- hotel in India. visitors to travel to see these for the work. Read in conjunc- built by him but, when read in (BOR) for his removal. A Native within the temple. Kovur ous and Charitable Endowments in it are buildings and havelis of Mughal, Buddhist, and Hindu gest in India. The Great Imam- From here, the architectural monuments,” she added. The tion with the playwright Pammal conjunction with Sambanda Committee appointed by the Sundara Mudali, incidentally, is Board following its creation in embellished by ornate carvings architecture. bara in Lucknow is a grandiose variety moves faster with mini- exhibition welcomed 3000 Sambanda Mudaliar’s autobiog- Mudaliar’s account, that is deba- BOR went into great detail in its remembered chiefly for bringing the 1920s and the concept of and lattice work. The next set of panels fea- complex built by Asf-ud-Dauli as malism predominating, starting visitors. raphy, Yen Suyacharitai (1963) table. investigation and discovered the composer Tyagaraja to hereditary trusteeship ceased Vijayanagar (14th to 17th tured cave temples and monas- flood relief work in 1784. with art deco re-lived in the – K. Venkatesh we get a more or less complete It is Mukund who describes in that Kasi Mudali had nominated Madras in 1837. His palatial thereafter. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2015

G Is this the answer to Making T’Nagar world class? (Continued from One carriageway left on both traffic during weekdays is tran- The Ranganathan Street crowd. last fortnight) sides of the street will leave sit users, who switch their mode Three types of hawker activity cated according to the type of ere are some suggestions to space for short parking and a of commute from rail to bus or is found in T’Nagar: (i) areas merchandise, in order to create/ Hdecongest the Theagaroya substantial pedestrian space in vice versa. Hence, it is evident with a concentration of newly- keep a concentration of certain Nagar area. Many of these can the middle of the road. The low that there is a requirement for a built permanent street vendor shopping categories that work be implemented without too traffic load and slow speed of skywalk that interlinks Mamba- stalls, (ii) street vendor zones, well, together with other retail much difficulty and within a cars will make crossing the lam Railway Station and allowing all kinds of stationary, category in the area. This will short time frame. street for pedestrians easy. T’Nagar Bus Terminus. This peripatetic and mobile street help to create a market niche Pedestrianisation: It should Along this whole stretch of skywalk will reduce travel time vending, and (iii) zones where for each concentration of street be the aim to achieve pedestri- Pondy Bazaar the existing street for transit users. It will also re- no street vending is allowed vendors and attract more visi- anisation of the retail core area vendors along the pavement duce the pedestrian count to (besides the newly built perma- tors. around Panagal Park, part of can be moved to stalls in the mainly shoppers, thereby reduc- nent street vendor stalls). Implement feeder system: Theagaroya Road, G N Chetty central axis of the street. These ing pedestrian conflict along Much of the street vendors’ In order to provide connectiv- Road, North Usman Road and permanent stalls will have no Ranganathan Street and merchandise falls into the cat- ity for the commuters using bus South Usman Road. Usman Road. egory ‘impulse buys’. Street ven- transportation, a mini-bus South Usman Road could be Multilevel car parking: dors are an important part of feeder system should be oper- used as a ‘pedestrian only’ zone G by A. Shankar Pedestrianisation of streets in the attraction of T’Nagar for ated along defined routes and no vehicles permitted in Head – Strategic the central area of T’Nagar with visitors and form an integral within T’Nagar. The feeder bus the designated area with Consulting, JLL, India multilevel car park buildings part of the lively street atmo- nodes should be located near/at bollards managed by Police. (MLCPs) at the edges of the pe- sphere of T’Nagar. Relocating major collection points and The eastern side of South destrian area will make users of (or ‘hiding’) street vendors into should integrate multiple trans- Usman Road is connected with ‘backside’, as they will be de- the retail area in T’Nagar park multi-storey buildings is there- port options, including bus, rail a series of side roads. Hence, as signed to house four vendors and then walk to their final des- fore not the solution. and multilevel parking. In the part of the streetscape, partial facing all sides. In this way tinations. Viable locations for Considering their location long-term, additional feeder vehicle access to South Usman ample space will be created for surface car and two-wheeler along the streets with the high- loops can be created to inte- Road using connecting streets as much as a large footfall be- parking would be possible at est footfall, the particular loca- grate the Metro stations along (Sarojini Ramasamy Street, tween the shops on both sides Theagaroya Road. MLCPs tion and orientation along the Anna Salai with the feeder sys- etc.) could be achieved. This of the road and the street ven- could be at Anandhan Street, streets and the amount of space tem and transit hubs within will allow the entire eastern side dors’ stalls in the middle of it. In Theagaroya Nagar bus termi- allocated for the new street ven- T’Nagar. The feeder system can of South Usman Road to be a the fully pedestrianised stretch, nus, Prakasam Road and Dr dor stalls should be carefully be a fleet of mini buses/mini ‘pedestrian only’ area with lim- enough space will become avail- Nair Road junction. chosen and strictly monitored vans which have easy manoeuv- ited access to traffic. At night, able to add amenities and street Dedicated hawker zones: to ensure they do not restrict rability. These vehicles can be loading/unloading vehicles can furniture. The fundamental right of a citi- the flow of pedestrians. The battery-operated/CNG eco- access the shops effectively Sky walks: Approximately zen of India to do business as a space in the newly built street friendly vehicles. With more managing/using the bollards. By 40 per cent of the pedestrian hawker is recognised nationally. vendor stalls should be allo- feeder stops, this could act as a pedestriansation and stimulat- neighbourhood-friendly ing the retail development transport system. The Mini Bus along other streets in the area Feeder System can connect all and subsequently creating alter- T’Nagar and all transit nodes in native pedestrian circulation a loop without any major in- patterns, some of the pressure vestment on infrastructure. By will be taken off Ranganathan implementing it effectively, it Street and Usman Road. will promote public transporta- Pondy Bazaar is one of the tion and increase patronage to oldest shopping areas of major public transport modes. T’Nagar and could be trans- Improve three-wheelers’ formed into a much more plea- (autos) circulation pattern: surable shopping experience by There are currently more than introducing pedestrianisation 40 unauthorised auto stands and traffic calming measures in and only very few authourised the public realm. The final ones in the T’Nagar area. The stretch of Theagaroya Road current locations are demand (from Sivagnanam Street/Sri- driven and do not follow any nivasa Road upto Panagal Park) standard protocol. It is proposed should be fully pedestrianised that each auto stand is limited which will allow pedestrians to to 8 autos in the commercial walk from Pondy Bazaar to the area and 5 in residential areas. bus station at South Usman The nodes would be integrated through one extended car-free with the roadway design of ar- zone. The next stretch of Thea- terials and sub-arterial roads. garoya Road (between Sivagna- The auto stands should not be nam Street/Srinivasa Road and located within 50m of major in- Sivaprakasam Street/Muthu- tersections or within 20m of mi- krishnan Street) could be rede- nor intersections. signed as a Traffic Calm Area. Effective traffic circulation While all through-traffic would and planning: Traffic and be diverted, visitors to Pondy transportation planning is an Bazzar can park their cars in integral process in the overall nearby Multilevel Car Parks planning for redevelopment of (MLCP) accessible from G N an area. The major challenges Chetty Road and Venkatanara- in T’Nagar are elimination of yana Road. This will ensure that conflict between transit traffic the traffic load on Theagaroya Road is reduced significantly. (Continued on page 7) March 16-31, 2015 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

number of films (over 150), who passed away recently. The Auroville dream 10. India and the US on February 19th held their first-ever dialogue This is what the modern youth came to do on what institution and other multilateral issues in Washing- On the 28th February 1968 (Current Affairs questions ton? the youth of the world came are from the period February * * * to lay the foundation stone of Auroville, 16th to 28th. Questions 11 11. Name the celebrated cinema- the town dedicated to the youth of the world. tographer and director, credited to 20 pertain to Chennai and A boy and a girl Tamil Nadu.) with introducing the zoom shot in Indian cinema in Uthama Puthi- from many countries 1. Which film won the Best came to Aurovile Picture Oscar this year? ran, who passed away recently. 12. What distinct edifice, identi- bringing with them a handful of earth The Matrimandir. 2. The actor who achieved cult from their country. status for playing Mr. Spock in fied with Chennai on the silver screen, occupies most of what was Truth with the Matrimandir. The Sanctuary Star Trek passed away recently. of Truth, by its form and position, will be the Name him. once called Nari Medu or Hog’s The earth of all lands was put Hill? into the foundation-stone structure heart of the town, the dominating point of 3. On which date this February Auroville opening to the Light. was ‘Science for Nation Building’ 13. Which Saivite saint was once as a symbol the theme? the Jain monk Marulnikkiyar? of their determination Each Zone will occupy its position and impor- 4. The Union Budget, in an effort 14. Which was the first art deco to realise a true universal harmony tance in relation to the spiritual centre of the to improve quality of life of com- building in Chennai to be de- town, which will dominate the architecture G Where is Auroville situated mon man, has proposed the signed by an Indian? ensemble and will be a constant reminder of Auroville is mainly in the state of Tamil Nadu launch of the JAM trinity. What 15. What iconic institution began the “raison d’etre” of Auroville. is JAM? circa 1840 as a shop selling the but also covers some area in Pondichery. It is The Matrimandir, at the centre of Auroville, 5. Who smashed the fastest 150 publications of the Wesleyan Mis- planned to cover an area of about 15 sq. miles. sionaries? has a shape symbolising the fundamental unity in ODIs, off just 64 balls, re- G Auroville – A glimpse of creation. Its golden sphere emerges out of cently? 16. What is there now on Radha- A modern and beautiful township with provi- krishnan Salai where the erst- the earth crater. In its centre, there is a 6. According to a recent World sion for about 50,000 residents in the main while shed for the trams stood? luminous crystal which reflects the rays of the Bank report, environmental dam- town, 20,000 in the model villages in its green 17. If one is thumbing through an sun, thereby lighting the four petal-shaped age to which World Heritage Site belt, and 30,000 in its subsidiary projects, Original Vel publication, what is mediation areas around the crystal. is costing India Rs. 1,290 crore Auruville will combine the modern amenities each year? the person following? of living, with artistic beauty. The town is The names given by the Mother for the twelve 7. Name the fourth Indian crick- 18. Which school in Chennai gardens surrounding the Matrimandir are: eter who was inducted into the houses the Sivakami Pethachi being developed on a circular plan of Auditorium? urbanisation, giving equal place to the four Existence; Consciousness; Bliss; Light; Life; ICC Cricket Hall of Fame on Feb- Power; Wealth; Utility; Progress; Youth; ruary 19th? 19. What was the former name of fundamental aspects of man’s activity: Harmony; and Perfection 8. The Chinese New Year that Raja Muthiah Road in Chennai? Dwelling – Residential Zone started on February 19th is the 20. Name the Chennai-based Work – Industrial Zone At some distance stands a lotus-shaped urn in Year of the…? businesswoman named in Forbes’ Culture – Cultural Zone white marble which contains handfuls of soil from 9. Name the Dadasaheb Phalke ‘Asia’s 50 Power Businesswomen Social Relations – International Zone many nations that were blended on February 28, and Padma Bhushan awardee, 2015’ list. At the centre of the town, a Park of Unity will 1968 to symbolise the coming together of nations. (Extracted from Sri Aurobindo’s Action, who held the Guinness World (Answers on page 8) be formed by a crown of gardens overhanging record for producing the highest a lake which will surround the Sanctuary of October 1971. Courtesy: Sri Aurobindo’s Action) Making T’Nagar world class?

(Continued from page 6) Existing infrastructure Valluvar Kottam (Thirumalai building along the western side will invite people to take from and retail (shopping) traffic and augmentation: Existing infra- Pillai Road/Arcot Road Junc- of Panagal Park forms a barrier Mambalam Station this alterna- restricting conflicts between structure should be augmented tion) followed by Saidapet between Usman Road and the tive route towards South pedestrians and vehicles. Coor- to accomplish traffic and (after the completion of metro Park. It should be replaced with Usman and Nageswaran Roads, dination of signal systems at all transporation-related objec- station). This will eliminate an attractive user-friendly avoiding the main crowds. conflict nodes along with regu- tives. These include extension future increase in bus traffic building that houses a range of For T’Nagar to retain its lation of parking will improve of South Usman Road flyover (originating at existing termi- food and beverage outlets. The position as a Shopping Destina- free flow of traffic without any and Mahalingapuram flyover, nus) currently accessing F & B outlets will offer an al- tion it needs to focus on not congestion. ROB along Venkatnarayana T’Nagar from the major roads. fresco eating/drinking experi- only retail but also a range of The existing circulation of Road, ROB along South Boag Revised bus route circulation ence overlooking the peaceful entertainment, leisure, food buses around T’Nagar bus ter- Road, etc. Extension of these needs to be prepared which will greenery of Panagal Park. and beverage outlets. The de- minus causes congestion at the ROB shall provide long-term ease the traffic congestion in Different forms of passive rec- mand for all of these is growing intersections/bus terminus en- free movement of transit traffic South Usman Road and C I T reation should be introduced strongly. Addressing the quality try and exit. A new circulation along the arterial roads such as Nagar First Main Road. into the Park to make it more of the public realm in T’Nagar route for the buses exiting from Usman Road, Burkit Road, Effective use of open lively and attractive to visitors will be a first step in creating the the terminus could be devel- Venkatnarayana Road, Thani- spaces: Pedestrianisation and with, for example, a small right environment for new up- oped through Muthurangan kachalam Road, South Boag traffic calming of the streets amphitheatre, a wet area with a marking initiatives in retail, lei- Road. The traffic circulation to Road etc. thereby passing the around Panagal Park offers the pond and jet fountain for chil- sure and recreational develop- Aranganathan subway through core shopping area without single greatest opportunity to dren to enjoy. On the northern ments. Government can do its New Boag Road and North mixing into the shoppers’ trip create a world class urban space and southern side of Panagal part in promoting these deve- Road in West CIT Nagar can be and destination. as the heart beat of T’Nagar. A Park a row of permanent street lopments by setting the right integrated in this circulation to The existing bus terminus large, hard, landscaped square vendor stalls can be introduced. example with initiatives in the minimise conflicts and facilitate has a major impact on the traf- can be created that will blend To add to the cultural flavour equally important, not-for- traffic circulation. fic circulation in South Usman perfectly with the soft green of the area around Panagal profit cultural sector. By extending the South Road, C I T Nagar First Main landscaping of the adjacent Park, the street vendors here Government should create a Usman flyover across the inter- Road, and Madley Road. In or- Panagal Park. In the middle of should sell not ordinary goods special unit with ‘Cluster Man- section of South Usman Road der to minimise conflicts, the the square a dramatical sculp- but preferably arts and crafts agers’. These persons will work and Madley Road the impact of bus terminus has to be relo- tural building can be added. and souvenirs for visitors and closely together with all rel- the North-South through traf- cated. The existing T’Nagar The building will sit right at the tourists. evant shop-owners, business- fic can be reduced locally. At Bus Terminus could retain the end of the long vista of Theaga- Ranganathan Street and the owners and residents in the dif- the same time the measure number/frequency of origin and roya Road and form the perfect western side of South Usman ferent areas on how to achieve should allow for increase in destination buses, but the aug- landmark for T’Nagar. The Road have been one of the most the goal of a more vibrant, high traffic capacity of Madley Road mentation of buses can be split building could be used (as the commercially thriving and, con- end and distinctive character in the East-West direction, to two alternative locations. backdrop) for cultural events, sequently, most congested areas for the different clusters that which will help divert some of The increment of buses to performances, exhibitions and in T’Nagar. With the right in- will benefit all parties involved. the traffic from around Panagal accommodate the future de- double as the entrance/exit for centives Rameswaram Street (Courtesy: Our Building & Park-South Usman and Durai- mand/part of festive demand pedestrians to/from the MLCP. could develop into a really Construction) samy Roads. may be distributed first near Existing underused market attractive shopping street that (Concluded) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2015

Amur Falcon (Pix: Dr. Muthu Baillon’s Crake (Pix: Dr. Muthu Blue-throated flycatcher (Pix: Dr. Orange-breasted Pigeon (Pix: Chestnut-winged Cuckoo (Pix: Narayanan) Narayanan) R. Bhanumathi) Umesh Mani) Umesh Mani) Birds in our backyards Sighting

he Great Backyard Bird List of participating schools cott Memorial School, IIT – Mittanamalli Wetland, Raptors TCount is a global event and colleges: Madras, Kalakshetra, Anna Thiruvallur – Pronoy Baidya f the 69 Raptor spe- that happens during February The School-KFI, University University, Women’s Christian Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, IIT Ocies in India, 35 of 13-16 every year. This year, the of Madras, Stella Maris College, College, Madras Christian Madras – Susy Varughese them are known to be sub-event in India was the Vivekananda College, Sishya College. Citrine Wagtail, IIT Madras – seen in Chennai and its Campus Bird Count. The Ma- School, Dharmambal Polytech- Anshuman Sarkar environs. In fact, Tamil Nadu – 323 species dras Naturalists’ Society (MNS) nic, Chettinad Vidyashram, Sri Egyptian Vulture, Tuticorin – Gnanaskandan K. has re- recorded, 739 check lists co-ordinated the count in Venkateswara College of Dr. Muthu Narayanan corded sighting 20 of Tamil Nadu, with Subramanian Engineering, Marudam Farm Coimbatore – 221 species Orange-breasted Pigeon, IIT them in and around Sankar anchoring the event. School (Tiruvannamalai), Ol- Tirunelveli – 182 species Madras – Umesh Mani Chennai. Chennai – 133 species The presence of a Rap- Yellow-throated Bulbul, tor in an area indicates a Top 5 Hot Spots in Tamil Vellore - Hari Hariharan very healthy status for Nadu (Most species recorded) Blue-winged Leafbird, Vellore that ecosystem. – Hari hariharan MNS intends to start a Mittanamalli Wetlands, Sri Lanka Green-Pigeon, Field Project in March Thiruvallur Coimbatore – The Nature 2015, to run through Feb- Indian Institute of Trust ruary 2016, to scout for Technology, Chennai Amur Falcon, Tuticorin – the remaining 15 species as well as ensuring the Till May 23: Modernist Paradigms, From Auroville, a group show of Kannankurichi Lake, Salem Dr. Muthu Narayanan conservation of the areas Nativist Leanings, an exhibition mixed media works including National Institute of Sykes Warbler, Trichy – where the 20 species have of paintings by M. Senathipathi, ceramics, metal, wood and Technology, Trichy Arun Jeeva. been seen. one of the founder members of canvas showcasing diverse sculp- Koonthakulam Bird Sanctuary, (Courtesy: MNS Bulletin) the Cholamandal Artists’ tural works of four Auroville Tirunelveli Village, and a veteran whose art artists, Adil Writer, Anamika, practice spans more than 5 Henk Van Putten and Priya Sun- Top 5 Hot Spots in Chennai decades. His works have the daravalli. (at Apparao Galleries). (Most species recorded) Answers to Quiz quality of timelessness with the Till March 30: Unfurling the Visual, IIT – Madras artist having passed into history an exhibition of paintings by Theosophical Society, Chennai 1. Birdman; 2. Leonard Nimoy; 3. February 28th (National Science as one of pioneers that confi- Neeta Gajam & Rajesh Patil (at Olcott Memorial School, Day); 4. Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar and Mobile; 5. A.B. De Villiers against West Indies; 6. Sunderbans; 7. Anil Kumble; 8. Goat/sheep; 9. D. Rama gured the Madras art movement Apparao Galleries @ Sandy’s Chennai (at Forum Art Gallery). (Cenotaph Road) and @ Naidu; 10. United Nations. Till March 23: Unbound, Line That Sandy’s (Nungambakkam). Guindy National Park, Chennai * * * Traverses Elements, an exhibition Till March 31: Impersonations The School-KFI, Chennai 11. Aloysius Vincent; 12. The Central Station; 13. Appar or of drawings of the script in Impersonating enacting icons, Rare sightings Tirunavukkarasar; 14. National Insurance Building on NSC Bose Road; a representational form by Gandhi/MGR, an exhibition of 15. Higginbotham’s; 16. TANGEDCO's facilities near the junction of Chantal Jumel (at the Apparao photos by Cop Shiva (at The Booted Warbler, Virudunagar – Radhakrishnan Salai and Royapettah High Road; 17. Horse racing; 18. Infinity). Leela Galleria, Apparao Galler- Sharan Venkatesh M.CT.M. Chidambaram Chettyar Matriculation School; 19. Sydenham’s Till March 26: Four Expressions ies @ The Leela Palace). Ruddy Breasted Crake, Road; 20. Akhila Srinivasan, the MD of Shriram Investments Limited.

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