The 19th century Stationery Store of Chennai

Rajaji Salai is one of the few roads in Chennai with many historic buildings. It was called the First Line Beach and was one of the city's most important roads in the early 1800s. In the 1700s, it was perhaps a beach similar to Marina Beach.

The 2nd Baron Clive, the Governor of Madras, decided that the customs department should have its own building outside the St. George Fort. From 1798 CE onwards, the Customs House and many business establishments started on First Line Beach's left side. Thus, the beach was replaced by commercial establishments and port.

A big stationery store was constructed in the early 1800s. Although many British period buildings on this road were lost, fortunately, this building still survives. The Government Stationery Depot now runs in this lesser-known heritage building. The building's entrance is located on Arbut Not Lane.

Arbut Not Lane: Many of the Chennai streets are not spelled correctly. It is Arbuthnot Lane. The lane was named after Arbuthnot & Co. One of the partners of the firm was Sir George Gough Arbuthnot. It was a financial establishment located near this lane. As the bank was hit by a significant financial crisis in 1906 CE, many Madras citizens lost their hard-earned money.

Happy travelling.