On the busy NSC Bose Road of Parrys corner in Chennai, stands a historically significant obleisk, which is around 250 years old.
The French invaded Madras, which was under the control of the British, on 7th September 1746. It was an easy victory for the French. Dupleix, who lead the French army imprisoned a lot of British officers as well as the civilians. He was determined to destroy Fort St. George. However, he was not very lucky to remain in the city. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war by making provision for Madras to be returned to the British. Hence, the French left Madras in 1749 CE.
After taking over the control of the city, the first steps taken by the British were regarding their self defence. The Black Town was considered as a security hazard and hence its residents were moved to the nearby villages of Muthialpet and Peddanaickenpet. Thus, a new Black Town was formed.
In 1772 CE, the southern boundary of the New Black Town was fixed with six obelisk stones. Construction beyond this boundary was not allowed by the British. Out of those six pillars, only one dating 1st January 1773 CE still survives, which is located in front of Dare House Building. The space beyond this 15 feet high pillar was developed as an Esplanade. It remained as an Esplanade till the High Court building was constructed in 1860s.
Happy travelling.
The French invaded Madras, which was under the control of the British, on 7th September 1746. It was an easy victory for the French. Dupleix, who lead the French army imprisoned a lot of British officers as well as the civilians. He was determined to destroy Fort St. George. However, he was not very lucky to remain in the city. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war by making provision for Madras to be returned to the British. Hence, the French left Madras in 1749 CE.
After taking over the control of the city, the first steps taken by the British were regarding their self defence. The Black Town was considered as a security hazard and hence its residents were moved to the nearby villages of Muthialpet and Peddanaickenpet. Thus, a new Black Town was formed.
In 1772 CE, the southern boundary of the New Black Town was fixed with six obelisk stones. Construction beyond this boundary was not allowed by the British. Out of those six pillars, only one dating 1st January 1773 CE still survives, which is located in front of Dare House Building. The space beyond this 15 feet high pillar was developed as an Esplanade. It remained as an Esplanade till the High Court building was constructed in 1860s.
Happy travelling.
