Fort St George is one of the earliest British fortress in India.It is also one of the sight seeing centres of Chennai.It was founded in the year 1639 at Chennai.This fort is one of the first establishment of the British in India.
It was originally a no man's sand which British East India Company purchased from a chieftain called Chennappa Nayaka.East India Company constructed a Fort and named it after St. George (Fort construction was completed on St.George's day).Construction of St.Fort George gave new impetus to trading activities of British Merchants.Fishing villages surronding the Fort evolved in to a new settlement called George Town and led to the formation of the Chennai city.
The Walls of the fort are 6 meter in height.The fort has withstood number of battles. Today this majestic monument serves as the headquarters for the Tamilnadu legislative assembly. The St.Fort George houses a plenty of british and french artifacts belong to the British colonial period.
St.Mary's Church
St.Mary's Church within the St.George fort was built in the year 1678-80 AD.It is the one of the oldest surviving Anglican church in India.The beautiful church has withstood the test of time. The glass windows,wall frescos and other Ornamental items still shine showing its old glory to the world. Courtyard of the church houses the oldest British tombstones.
St.George Museum
Another important and striking building present in the fort is St.George Museum.The construction of this building was completed in the year 1795.The building first served as the office for the Madras Bank.We can see plenty of old artifacts from Britan,France and India.Artifacts include coins,uniforms,medals and paintaings etc that belong to colonial period are worth watching.Larger statue of Lord cornwallis is present in front of the museum.The statue was brought from England It is the old art masterpiece.
Today Fort St.George is not only the tourist attraction of Chennai but also serves as the administrative buliding of the Tamilnadu Government.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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