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Fort St George Museum Chennai

The Fort St. George Museum, Chennai was developed and brought to light to the public on 31st January 1948. The British Raj objects were the museums highlight when it was initiated in which a collection was donated by the Madras Presidency Government and St. Mary’s church authorities which lead to the split up of army units and others in the state. As years passed by various objects were gained for the museum and now the museum has a collection of 3661 registered antiques. The best amongst them (602) are exhibited on the ten galleries. Fort St. George is historic, White town is the name of the first English fortress in India which was founded in 1644 at the modern city of Chennai which was also the coastal city of Madras. The development of the fort let to an enhancement in the trading and other settlements in the un-habituated land. And so it is a practical argument to conclude that the development of the city started from the fortress. The fortress at present holds the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings too. Amongst the 163 notified areas, the Fort is also in the list.

History

It was in 1600 that the East India Company has stepped into India for trading purposes, where they started their licensed trading with Surat which was the initial start. Further to enhance their trading business with secured trade lines and spice trade they desired to get to a port closer to Malaccan straits. With the hunt they purchased a piece of coastline area called Chennirayarpattinam or Channapatnam from Vijayanagar chief named Damerla Chennappa Nayaka which was based in Chandragiri. With this acquirement, the company developed the construction of fort and harbour. It was on 23rd April 1644 that the fort was accomplished which was St. George’s day which was specifically renowned for the patron saint of England. The Fort therefore launched as Fort St. George presented certain sea and fishing villages. This fort St. George was identified and used as hub for trading purposes. With this a new settlement area came to light called George Town and bordered all the villages which was formulated as the City of Madras. The English influence over the Carnatic was also accomplished over the kings of Arcot and Srirangapatna, and Pondicherry.

The majestic building is a stronghold with walls of six-meters high which holds the fame for having resisted a number of attacks in the 18th century. It was in 1746 to 1749, where the fort moved to the responsibility of the French and later on into the hands of British under treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, this at the end, lead to the war of Austrian succession.

The Fort is now the administrative headquarters of Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. Apart from the assembly the Fort also houses loads of troops to various locations at Andaman and South India. The Fort holds many antiques and tokens of Raj era along with several portraits of the governors of Madras. The Archaeological Survey of India takes responsibility of the Fort as a precious one.

Attractions

There are nearly ten galleries which are covered over three floors which treats the eyes. A magisterial marble statue of Lord Cornwallis (1738-1805) makes the Fort grand and welcomes the visitors. Thomas banks were the one who carved the statue with funds offered by the public. The scene predicts out the surrender of Tipu’s sons as hostages. The lobby also holds drawings which forecast the stages of construction and renewal from 1640 periods.

The museum holds a number of precious and old precious weapons where a few of them include. Arms similar to rifles, swords, daggers, pistols, mortars, cannon shots, petard, helmets, breast plates and the various fragments of shell fired at and also in the defence of Madras at times of freak attacks that took place during the world war. Apart from native weapons like bow and arrow all these items added excellence to the museum.

Galleries

There are various galleries when Fort St. George is taken into account, a few of the galleries are mentioned below with their unique description.

Medal Gallery

The medal gallery is an interesting gallery where uniforms of several British Army officers, the ceremonial dress of Madras Governor’s, bodyguards, under-secretary of Madras government. Apart from these the regimental colours of various units, cushions which were utilised in the investiture ceremony, the 64 medals and medallions which were delivered by the government of British for their soldiers as an honour for their various brave act in the several wars they fought in the Indian sub-continent are the key items which are displayed in the medal and gallery section of the museum.

Porcelain Gallery

The several porcelains which were used as tableware during the East India Company are also the same as the Nawabs use. All these special and rare porcelain are displayed in the porcelain gallery. When portrait gallery is taken into account portraits, on canvas, oil paintings are a few important items displayed along with those items of George III and his group such as Queen Victoria, Robert Clive and Sir Arthur Havelock. Apart from all these paintings, the interesting painting displayed is the Fort St. George painting of 1738.

Miscellany Gallery

The miscellany gallery holds a number of items where a few of them are silver ware from St. Mary’s church and Zion church are displayed. Apart from this, Tranquebar is also displayed in the museum. The silverwares in the museum are one which is donated by Elihu Yale, who is the founder of Yale University USA. The large scale model of the fort of the 19th century locks and chests of the East India Company and Arcot Nawabs Palanquin are a few items.

Prints and Document Gallery

When a glance is taken through the prints and document gallery, various sketches are displayed which were developed by the famed Thomas and his nephew William Daniel, Salt H. Merke and lot more famed personalities. Certain important letters written by Robert Clive and others are a few important and original documents displayed. Aquatints are the other name mentioned for this category of prints which depicts Indian monuments and sceneries, which are prepared from etched plates.

Indo French Gallery

The Indo French gallery is another interesting section which holds decorated porcelain, clocks, stamps, coins, which was issued by the French in India. The museum also holds furniture, lampshades and clocks.

Wodeyar’s Gallery

The Wodeyar’s Gallery has important displays such as paintings of Mysore school, coins, portraits, flag and appreciation letters.

Madras Gallery

The Madras gallery holds prints which were prepared by Daniel and other members which depicts the various views of the Fort. The prints represent various pictures such as building of old Madras and Map of Madras. These drawings depict the importance of architectural vision of the Fort, old Madras and vanished buildings.

Coin Gallery

The coin gallery is displayed with various coins which were issued by the presidential and unified mint of the British. Apart from these coins of British, Dutch, Portuguese and Danish are also displayed in the coin gallery.

Best Time to Visit

July to September and January to March can be a perfect timing to enjoy the museum. The gallery can be visited all the time in Chennai.

Visitor Information

  • The Fort is open from Saturday to Thursday from morning 10 am to evening 5 pm.
  • Friday is a holiday for the Fort
  • Entry fee for Indian above 15 years are charges Rs 5, and Rs 100 for foreigners. Entry is free for kids

How to Reach

Cab

A cab can be booked from Chennai airport to Fort St. George museum which takes half an hour and a cost of Rs 500. The cabs are comfortable with complete air conditioned and are perfect for getting around the city.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk cost much cheaper than cabs when boarded from Chennai Airport, they cost more than Rs 250. The Tuk Tuk is bumpy and dusty too and takes half an hour to reach the Fort.

Bus

From Tambaram to Fort St. George X21G is the right MTC bus. The bus takes 75 minute to complete the journey with a cost of Rs 25. Remember that these buses are not air conditioned and get crowded during peak hours.

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