Beehive Buildings

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It is a challenging task even to walk or ride on the narrow road named "Broad" way in the Old Madras. Forget about observing the heritage structures or historical landmarks! "Beehive Buildings," located near the "Broadway Talkies," is one such typical British-period structure that anyone hardly notices. It is indeed hard to believe if I state that Netaji Subash Chandra Bose met a few other leaders in this building.

Oakes and Co. started general goods stores in 1843 in Popham's Broadway. In 1845, they moved the stores to a new building called "Exchange Hall", which was more spacious. The store developed into the biggest departmental store in South India, claiming to have the largest stock of general goods. Later, when the business grew further, it moved to Mount Road. 




The "Beehive Foundry" was started in the same street in 1893 CE by the same Oakes & Co. The foundry had specialization in making ships' castings. The company had about 500 workers and got contracts from railways and shipping companies. In September 1914, during the World War I, the company was entrusted with the necessary iron, steel and brass work in connection with the fitting up of a Hospital Ship (named H.S. Madras). 

On 3rd September 1939, Subash Chandra Bose attended a tea party in this building. It was attended by Muthuramalinga Devar too.

Also, the building has an air-raid shelter, which was built in 1941, during the World War II. It could accommodate up to 100 people. This is the one of two such shelters that still remain in the city. 

The not-so-attractive yesteryear's run-down building has such fascinating history. Not only this, but every structure in the Old Madras has an exciting story. I am prepared to tell you everything if you are ready to listen. ;-)

Happy travelling.

Bibliography - "Southern India - Its History, People, Commerce and Industrial resources" by Somerset Playne, published in 1914

As informed by Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Director of Indian Industries and Commerce, that acquired this foundry in 1919. 


Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

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