The Heritage Buildings of NSC Bose Road - Chennai, South India

Chennai, one of the prominent cities of South India, is home to numerous historically significant sites and ancient temples. Although the city was developed by the British, it also boasts many heritage buildings from the colonial era. The area now known as Sowcarpet and Parry’s Corner was the first British settlement in what was then Madras. As a result, this locality is rich in heritage landmarks. Let’s explore some of the important sites along NSC Bose Road in the Parry’s/Sowcarpet area.

Parry’s Corner gets its name from Parry’s Building, a landmark at the junction of NSC Bose Road and North Beach Road. This iconic structure has been a part of Chennai’s landscape for over 250 years. It serves as the corporate headquarters of EID Parry, a company established in 1787 by Welsh merchant Thomas Parry. Even today, Parry’s Building remains one of the city’s most recognizable heritage structures.

During British rule, long open spaces along the sea or rivers, known as Esplanades, were a common feature in many cities. Chennai had its own Esplanade, and its boundary marker, built in 1773, still stands near Parry’s Building as a significant historical symbol.

The Madras High Court is one of Chennai’s most remarkable landmarks. Despite the city being renamed Chennai, the court retains its original name. Constructed in 1892 under the guidance of renowned architect Henry Irwin, it features the distinctive Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Along with the High Courts of Kolkata and Mumbai, it is one of the three oldest High Courts in India established by the British. It is also considered one of the largest judicial complexes in the world. The court stands on NSC Bose Road, diagonally opposite Parry’s Corner.

Pachaiyappa’s College is one of the city’s prestigious educational institutions. While its main campus is now located on Poonamallee High Road, few are aware that its origins date back to the early 19th century. Founded in 1842 using funds from the trust of Pachaiyappa Mudaliar, it was South India’s first Hindu educational institution not funded by the British. It attained college status in 1889, and until 1947, only Hindu students were admitted. The original Pachaiyappa Educational Trust building still stands on NSC Bose Road in Sowcarpet, now housing Pachaiyappa’s School.

Another historic structure on NSC Bose Road is the Madras Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), established by David McConaughy in the 1890s. This rare heritage building continues to be a testament to Chennai’s colonial past.

A notable relic of the British era is the statue of King George V, located near the Flower Bazaar Police Station. King George V began his career as an ordinary cadet in the Royal Navy and later rose to the rank of Admiral. His coronation took place on June 22, 1911. This statue remains one of the significant British-era monuments in the city.

 Happy travelling.

View Larger Map