Monday, September 14, 2009

Fort St. George


Established on a banana grove owned by a farmer named Madrasan, Britain's first bastion in India was completed in 1640. Sloping ramparts with battlements framed the Sea Gate entry. Once inside, the first building we saw was the Neo-Classical Secretariat and the Legislative Council Chambers. Built between 1694 and 1732, these buildings are amongst the oldest surviving British constructions in India. Today the Secretariat is the seat of government for Tamil Nadu. Considering its current status and historical importance, it was a bit disappointing to see signs of neglect and disrepair. Aside from a church and a museum, there was little else of interest - unless you happen to like army barrack-style buildings.

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