The Anglo Indians of Chennai

What is the similarity between Perambur of North Chennai and Pallavaram of South Chennai? You can find Anglo Indians (though very few in number nowadays). Who are Anglo Indians? A child born to a European man and an Indian woman is considered an Anglo Indian. (Of course, the descendants of these original Anglo Indians are also Anglo Indians). Chennai is one of the earliest settlements of Anglo Indians. In fact, the Anglo Indians were there in Chennai even before the word "Anglo Indian" was officially recognized by the then Viceroy of India, Charles Hardinge, in 1911 CE.

The Anglo-Indians migrated to European countries, and only a few people (mostly senior citizens) still live in India. Chennai is one major city where quite some Anglo Indians are still found. Besides Perambur and Pallavaram, they are also found in a few other areas, such as Madhavaram, St. Thomas Mount, Ayanavaram, Vepery and Purasawakkam.

As mentioned earlier, the number of Anglo Indians living in Chennai is much less. Only a few among those few people live in traditional Anglo-Indian homes. The designs of such homes are unique and look interesting. Some of those lovely 150-200 years old houses are still found in the calm and serene Veteran Lines of Pallavaram.

The architectural style of the traditional Anglo-Indian houses includes saddleback roofs and arched windows. Even a spacious garden is found on the front side if it is a big house. The Britishers designed Veteran Lines as the residential area for retired military men. However, it was entirely occupied by the Anglo-Indians later. Even after independence, till the 1960s, almost every house in this area was occupied by the Anglo Indians. Unfortunately, there is a significant drop in Anglo Indian population and their traditional homes.

We could also find four neglected structures in a corner of this area. These dilapidated buildings are believed to have served as clubhouses for the Anglo-Indian community. They were constructed in the 1930s.

Happy travelling.






Comments

  1. I remember both Perambur and Pallavaram filled with Anglo Indians in the early 1960s. Most of them were railway employees. A few Anglo Indians studied with me in Pacchiayappas college.

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