Brodie Castle – Exploring the Oldest Colonial Heritage Building in Madras / Chennai at Tamil Nadu Government Music College, Raja Annamalai Puram: A Heritage Walk by MSAJAA Architecture College & INTACH, Chennai Chapter in Collaboration with Goa Heritage Action Group (GHAG) Walk Fest – Visit, History, Contact Number, Travel Guide (Updated)
– historic british residence at the banks of adyar river
| CasualWalker’s Rating for Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College, in Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – Heritage Walk : | |
9.8 – Great / Excellent |
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To mark the celebration of India Heritage Week, The MSAJAA Architecture College in Chennai and INTACH, Chennai Chapter in collaboration with GHAG (Goa Heritage Action Group) Walk Fest conducted a Heritage walk – The Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College in Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai.
The heritage walk was a thoughtful exploration guided by (4 students) Angeline Infantcia, Janani, Madhivathani, and Shree Shwetha, MSAJAA (M.Arch-conservation) students.
Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College
The Brodie Castle, built in 1798 by the British East India Company’s trailblazer, James Brodie, now cradles the Tamil Nadu Government Music College. It’s a tale of music, heritage, and a touch of Scottish charm.
This campus takes us into colonial times, overlooking the Adyar River, catching every breeze. Humphrey Trevelyan even dubbed this castle as the “Most imaginative of the Merchants Palaces”. This place is the second residential building on the banks of the Adyar in the early Madras – Chennai.
History of Brodie Castle
James Brodie, a Scot, built this castle, living here for a short stint. Later, facing a fortune decline, he rented it out. This 65-ft-tall structure, one of the tallest in the East India Company’s rule moved hands to Sir Thomas Strange, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Madras, was the first tenant. Brodie, part of the Scottish Brodie clan, gave the castle a classical Scottish touch. The Scottish-style turrets made it a standout, towering over the city and making it a serene spot on Quibble Island.
Brodie’s love for boating led to steps from his residence to the river. Sadly, in a twist of fate, he met his end in a boating accident in 1801, fulfilling a prophetic dream his wife had. Post his passing, the Arbuthnot family took residence before it changed hands multiple times.
In 1906, Brodie’s Castle fell into the hands of Subramania Pillai after the Arbuthnot crash. It became one of the 75 houses Pillai owned in Madras. Tenants like Chief Secretary Charles Cotton and Chief Justice Sir Lionel Leach left their mark. In 1949, it became the residence of P.S. Kumaraswami Raja, the Premier of Madras State.
Tamil Nadu Government Music College – Thendral Campus
Since 1956-57, this iconic castle has been home to the Tamil Nadu Government Music College, imparting the soul-stirring tunes of Carnatic music. Affiliated with Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University (TNMFAU) since 2014, it boasts 20 spacious rooms and halls where music classes come alive. This heritage castle is now called as the “Thendral” which means the Breeze in the Tamil language.
The Brodie Castle’s metamorphosis into the Tamil Nadu Government Music College is a saga of history, music, and a touch of Scottish breeze. Currently, this castle is undergoing its revival, ensuring that this architectural gem regains its old glory. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of melody and heritage.
Music College Student’s Music / Dance Performances
While strolling through the campus, the students from the Music College treated us to a mesmerizing performance featuring Carnatic music, enchanting violin melodies, and captivating dance moves. It was truly a delightful experience.
Tagore Film Centre (NFDC) at Tamil Nadu Government Music College
The Tagore Film Centre which opened in August 2014, is located inside the campus of Tamil Nadu Government Music College on the banks of the Adyar River. It is owned by the Department of Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu, and is now renovated, remodeled, and run by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC).
NFDC aims to make the Tagore Film Centre a preferred destination for films and related performing arts and the programming shall be a mix of both. The theatre will provide the viewers
a high-tech cinematic experience through the latest projection technology and advanced, state-of-the-art equipment.
Travel Tips for Visiting Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College, in Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai :
Address of Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College, in Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Government Music College – Thendral,
Music College Road, opp. to R A Puram Corporation Ground,
State Bank of India Colony, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai- 600028.
Phone: 044 2493 7217
How to reach Brodie Castle at Tamil Nadu Government Music College, in Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai :
On Road: Taxis, buses, and hired cars are easy ways to get around
Nearest Metro Railway Station: Thirumayilai Mrts Station is nearby.
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (Code MAA).
VISUALLY WALKED, CLICKED & FEATURED BY
BALAKUMAR .M
Casual Walker is a curious Travel & Culture – photography magazine by Balakumar .M, an Avid Traveler and Culture Photographer, International Award-winning Entrepreneur, and Technologist, who received the Asia Innovation Award from SingTel, Singapore.
Casual Walker magazine visually walks a wide range of thoughtful, and unique photography stories and insightful guides on Travel, Traditions, Culture & Arts, Indian Temples, Museums, Events, Foods & Eats, Dance, Drama, & Music performances, Nature & Living, Hotels & Stays, Yoga & Vedas, Wildlife, Travel Gears, and Reviews. more
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Visually Walked, Clicked & Featured By
Balakumar .M
Casual Walker is a curious Travel & Culture – photography magazine by Balakumar .M, an Avid Traveler and Culture Photographer, International Award-winning Entrepreneur, and Technologist, who received the Asia Innovation Award from SingTel, Singapore.
Casual Walker magazine visually walks a wide range of thoughtful, and unique photography stories and insightful guides on Travel, Traditions, Culture & Arts, Indian Temples, Museums, Events, Foods & Eats, Dance, Drama, & Music performances, Nature & Living, Hotels & Stays, Yoga & Vedas, Wildlife, Travel Gears, and Reviews. more
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