Take off with Natarajan

Change has always been beautiful and always will be. You go down the memory lane while seeing the old photos and reminiscing the time that passed by. And it may be anything – school friends, best friend or your hometown. Can you imagine how much of an impact it would create if the photos were merged into one and you couldn’t help but notice the stark difference and revel in that moment?

This Indian photographer, Raunaq Mangottil, has clicked photographs of Chennai. And these are not just photographs that hold aesthetic value, but it makes you realise the change that city has undergone over the years. When you look at it, you would realise that so many things have changed but even then, some things haven’t.

1. Statue of Thomas Munro, Park Town

 

Then: Thomas Munro, an official of East India Company who came to Chennai in 1789 and was responsible for Ryotwari system. After he died, his statue was made here.

Now: One of the blissful places of Chennai now. Free from traffic, this area is now taken care of by the military.

 

2. The Hindu Office

Then: The balcony of this office was used to keep a check on the test match scores, as can be seen in the picture.

Now: The never ending traffic has put an end to that.

 

3. Spencer Plaza Signal, Mount Road

Then: Bullock carts were a common sight then and the Kashmir Art Palace, the Old Curiosity Shop, and Agurchand Mansion leading to the LIC Building is quite evident.

Now: Only frustrating one-ways.

 

4. Corporation Of Madras

Then: This was constructed in a Neoclassical style and stands to be one of the finest structures of Chennai.

Now: Passers-by are not allowed  and is now shielded by Metro Construction blue sheets.

 

5. Higginbotham’s & Poompuhar

 

Then: This one was for all book lovers. This was India’s then largest bookstore. The building next to Higginbotham’s is Poompuhar, the popular textile shop.

Now: Though the bookstore is there even now, you’re most likely to be pulled over by the cops because of parking problems. It has a brilliant English-language selection, including Lonely Planet books, and a good range of maps now.

 

6. Casino Theater

Then: Mount Road was a cart track leading from Fort St.George to St.Thomas Town, as well as functioning as a heavenly treat for film buffs.

Now: Unfortunately, a terribly managed and a lost landmark now.

7. Chennai Central

Then: This station was relatively a calm place. People used cycles for commuting other than the much acclaimed Ambassador cars then.

Now: It is filled with the ever increasing population, but it stands majestic even now.

 

8. Egmore Station

Then: Madras Egmore was previously called the Egmore Redoubt, a place to store ammunition for the Britishers.

Now: Still retains its old charm, but with an added advantage of CCTV Cameras and round-the-clock security.

 

9. Rajaji Salai

Then: This was one of the main commercial centers of Chennai. Walking on this road used to be a pure bliss.

Now:  Traffic runs incessantly between SBI Buildings and Burma Bazaar now.

See, he hasn’t just rummaged through the internet for old pictures. It is a brilliant collection which is guaranteed to make you go nostalgic.

News Source: I am Madras

 

Source….Aparajta Mishra….www.storypick.com

Natarajan