Even those disinterested people who call museums dull and uninviting would die to visit Tamil Nadu Police Museum. It is stunningly vibrant and refreshing. Finally, Chennai has got a sought-after Police Museum. (Yes, there is already one near Vandalur, which hardly gets any footprint.)
Located on Pantheon Road, this beautifully restored elegant Indo-Saracenic structure translocates us to the 19th century. Thanks to the Police Department and Reach Foundation, the gorgeous building, which was on the verge of getting demolished, survives and serves for good purpose.
The edifice was built in 1842. The first Commissioner of Madras Police, Lt. Col. J.C. Boulderson, bought the bungalow and its outlying 14 acres of land in 1856. Since then, it has been functioning as the Commissioner's Office. Over the years, the structure lost its aesthetic glory by sealing the windows, closing the balconies, and introducing the partition walls. We are fortunate to see a fully restored heritage structure, which people would not have seen in the same form in the last hundred years.
The museum exhibits everything relevant to the Police department literally. The passage of the Police department from the colonial age to the current era is beautifully captured in a hall.
The grand portico surrounded by Doric columns has a stunning Plymouth Belvedere, used by the Police Commissioner in the past.
Some of the landmark cases dealt with by the Chennai police are on display. Mannequins wearing different uniforms of various wings surrounded by a bandsman with other musical instruments is adorable.
A few sculptures recovered by the Idol wing are pleasing.
Various vehicles used by the Police personnel, from the ancient model cycle to Royal Enfield, are fantastic. Even a speed boat is on display.
The wooden spiral stairway that takes us to the first floor looks tasteful. Besides the glorious Madras terrace, an unbelievably tall age-old lamp enhances the aesthetics of this corridor.
The cell erected in Tondamuthur Police Station in 1914 is restored and kept here. It is one of the most sought-after selfie attractions.
A small section covering all details about fake currency and the pieces of machinery is informative.
A few rare photographs are on display, such as the first Indian Commissioner Paramkusam Naidu and the group of 1939 Madras personnel.
The visitors are allowed to sit on the seat used initially by the Commissioner and take photographs.
Various guns, pistols, handcuffs, country bombs, and other weapons used by the police force are exhibited.
Overall, it is a massive museum with fascinating artifacts to observe and exciting history to learn.
Happy travelling.
