It was 1885 CE. A good amount of money was spent on improvising the infrastructure of the Madras Port. However, the port did not generate enough revenue. The authorities wanted to attract more ships and traders. The only danger in the vicinity was the reef in Mamallapuram, located south of this port.
The Port authorities found the hilltop structural temple called Olakkanesvara at Mamallapuram as a suitable place for erecting a Lighthouse. Thus, under the supervision of T.E. Marshall, the then Acting Madras Port Officer, the ancient Pallava-era monument became a lighthouse. It remained a lighthouse between 1887 and 1900 CE.
Alexander Rea, the Superintendent of ASI, blamed the Port and Public Works Department authorities for disfiguring the architecture and sculptures of an ancient temple. Meantime, many mariners complained about the performance of the lighthouse. Thus, there came a need for a new lighthouse in a better location.
F.W. Ashpitel, Superintendent of Lighthouses, conducted a detailed study and submitted an estimation of INR 49,920 to construct the lighthouse. The 26-meter high cylindrical tower of the new lighthouse tower was erected on a rock adjacent to the Olakkanesvara temple in 1900 CE. A few pieces of equipment were imported from M/S Chance Brothers, England. The originally installed catadioptric revolving optics is still in good condition.
Besides the rock-cut shrines and other monuments, this 120-year-old "new" lighthouse also serves as an important tourist attraction of Mamallapuram. It gives a fantastic aerial view of many important monuments and the ocean.
Happy travelling.
