Parantharami Mani

Ellis Island immigration building.  A gateway to millions of  immigrants from Europe from 1892 to 1954. The immigrants of Europe who went in search of the  promised land had to alight here before they were checked, documented and allowed to enter the United States. The  original building was constructed in 1892 a wooden structure which was destroyed by fire  in 1897. The  old building in the  picture was then constructed and inaugurated in 1900. During the period from 1892 to 1954 when it was closed close to 12 million people entered USA through this gateway.  Surprised why Indians did not utilise the opportunity to emigrate to the  promised land. Photo courtesy : Kiran Mani

      Jama Masjid one of the biggest masjids in the  subcontinent. Built by Shahjahan during the years 1644-1656 and inaugurated in 1656 by an Imam from Bukhara  in present day Uzbekistan. His descendents are the hereditary imams of the masjid. The  masjid built of red sandstone and marble was designed and  constructed by expert artisans from middle east  Asian countries.  It is said that Shahjahan used to enter through the Eastern gate facing Red Fort for his prayers with his nobles. The  masjid is 130 feet by 89 feet and the two minarets are 135 feet tall built at a total cost of 1 million rupees.  The exquisitely carved ornamental door is a delight to see. Visited the masjid during auspicious Ramzan month evening with devout Muslims waiting to break Roza (fast) in family groups with plate full of delightful dishes.  It was an opportunity one could not miss to see. The  sad part is that the approach road to th...

         St.Ritas Chapel, Santhome.  This church is situated on Santhome High Road inside the campus of Santhome Higher Secondary School.  This nearly 300 year old Church is one of six churches situated within the Portuguese fort of Santhome. It was built by Armenians who were in good numbers in 18th century Madras. There are two inscriptions on the eastern wall of the church abetting the road.  One is in Armenian dated 1729 which says " In memory of  the Armenian Nation. In the year of the Saviour 1729". It is not in memory of any individual but of Armenian nation.  It was in this year that the  tomb of St . Thomas was opened in nearby  Santhome Cathedral  for  public view. Coja Petrus Uskan was present on the  occasion.  The  other  inscription is in Portuguese  which says " This church was finished anew in the year 1740 the  Vicar of it  being Friar Gaspar Dos Reis a native of S...

     This is from the collection of photographs taken during the visit of Madras Presidency by Prince of Wales ( later King Edward  VII)143 years  ago in 1875.  It is the  Ther festival of Kokilambal  udanurai Thirukameswarer temple at  Villianur in Pondicherry.  The Ther  then and now at same spot.

     A so far unseen photograph of Mylapore temple.  Going  by the period car outside the temple the photograph should be 1940s. It seems the  side gate was not there at that time

      Prince of Wales Albert  Edward  ( later  King Edward VII ) with his wife Princess Alexandria of Denmark on their marriage in March 1863. He  visited India  in 1875-76  and Madras was part of his itinerary.  He came by train and alighted  at Perambur station.  A first hand account of the reception given to him.     " The reception of the Prince at Perumpore a station some three miles landward of Madras was of course gorgeous.  The  Duke of  Buckingham in political  uniform of Blue and Gold was there  surrounded by his suite. There was a large assemblage of native princes and functionaries including the Chiefs of Travancore,  Cochin, Arcot and Vizianagaram. The  Prince was escorted to a carriage over which was reared an umbrella covered with gold the magnificence of which would make the renowned one from Ashantee pale into utter insignificance.  The  procession pass...

     A colour photograph of  NSC bose road junction in mid sixties. The  Kuralagam building which was constructed in 1967 is still to come.  Savaran Pakku  Thool advt and Hero cycle advt can be seen.  Two constables in their  half trousers and striped old model  cap seen crossing the road in their trademark cycle companion.