Indian Columbus

Located on Courtallam Road, the Western Block branch of Schaffter Higher Secondary School in Tirunelveli holds a significant place in the school's rich history. Originally known as Church Mission College when it was founded in 1880, this humble yet elegant structure has undergone a fascinating transformation from a college to a branch of a renowned school. Schaffter Higher Secondary School is renowned as one of the oldest educational institutions in Tirunelveli, and its name pays tribute to an exceptional individual, Rev. Schaffter. Born into a family with a long-standing commitment to education in the Tirunelveli district, Rev. Henry James Schaffter's roots can be traced back to Nallur village near Alankulam. After completing his education in Ireland and earning an M.A. degree, Rev. Schaffter returned to Tirunelveli in 1871. From 1876 to 1880, he served as a faculty member at C.M.S. English School on Courtallam Road, which coincidentally is the present site of the Western Bloc...

In the bustling city of Chennai, where modern life revolves around the popular OMRs and ECRs, there lies a lesser-known locality that remains hidden from the public eye—Original Madras, encompassing George Town and Park Town. Today, it is a place unfamiliar even to the locals. However, nestled within this unassuming neighborhood is a historic institution that played a pivotal role in shaping the sporting landscape of the city—the Madras United Club. The story of the Madras United Club begins with Buchi Babu Naidu, the revered pioneer of Indian cricket and widely regarded as the Father of Madras Cricket. Recognizing the absence of organized clubs to foster teams and facilitate competitive matches, Naidu rallied young individuals from affluent Madras families and emphasized the need for a dedicated club. Taking matters into his own hands, he secured a site on the Esplanade and personally funded the leveling of the ground, transforming it into an ideal cricket venue. This momentous occasi...

It is a serene and sacred atmosphere that surrounds the place known as Pottramarai Kulam. The mere mention of this name evokes memories of the renowned Pottramarai Pond in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, along with the legendary Tiruvilaiyadal tale associated with it. However, Tirunelveli is also home to an equally stunning Pottramarai pond, albeit smaller in size. This captivating pond is situated in the southeastern part of the Kantimati Temple and holds great significance. It is believed that Lord Shiva himself has manifested in the form of water, and witnessing this divine body of water is akin to receiving the darshan (sacred sight) of Shiva. According to legend, Brahma once forgot his duty of creation and sought penance for ten thousand years on the banks of this sacred pond. Finally, Shiva appeared before him in the guise of a golden swan and imparted knowledge about the process of creation. After this celestial encounter, Shiva gracefully disappeared, merging onc...

 While exploring the enchanting city of Tirunelveli, there is one landmark that demands your attention—the Tirunelveli Town Arch. This iconic structure holds a revered place in the hearts of the city's residents, symbolizing their pride and preserving the echoes of a vibrant historical heritage. It is an unmissable sight that every resident can effortlessly guide you to, as it stands proudly as a gateway through which countless vehicles pass. On May 6, 1935, the Tirunelveli Town Arch was erected to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of British King George and Queen Mary, immortalizing Tirunelveli's illustrious past. During British rule, the esteemed DD Warren, District Collector of Tirunelveli, laid the foundation for this remarkable structure, further enhancing its historical significance. Notably, Medai Thalavai Ranganatha Mudaliyar served as the Chairman of Tirunelveli Municipality during its construction. The arch was strategically placed at the border of the then Tirunelveli T...

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a natural urban beach situated in the affluent Besant Nagar neighborhood of Chennai. Its name pays tribute to Edward Elliot, a prominent figure during Colonial India who held the positions of Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in the Madras Presidency. During the colonial era, Elliot's Beach was primarily accessible to white people. However, in present times, it has evolved into a significant cultural landmark in Chennai, drawing in thousands of visitors each day. A notable highlight of the beach is the KAJ Schmidt Memorial. KAJ Schmidt, a brave Dutch sailor, found himself on the beach one day and witnessed an English girl venturing into the water. When she encountered difficulties, Schmidt fearlessly came to her rescue, sacrificing his own life in the process. Surprisingly, the English girl, whom Schmidt had saved, carried on with her life as if nothing had transpired, attending a party the very next evening. In r...

Lord Shiva boasts thousands of temples dedicated to him, and his consort also has numerous well-known temples. Even his sons, Ganesha and Subramanya, have their own revered temples. It's not surprising that his vahana, Nandi, has a few temples as well. However, it might be hard to fathom the idea of a temple dedicated to a Bhuta Gana. Yet, in Tirunelveli, such a temple exists. Sangili Bhootattar, revered as the Leader of Bhuta Ganas, is the presiding deity of a modest temple that is technically a part of the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar temple. He serves as the guardian deity of the Nellaiyappar temple. Beyond that, Sangili Bhootattar is also revered as the guardian deity in many other temples devoted to Shiva and other deities in the Tirunelveli region. Numerous village temples honor this deity. Per the legend, numerous auspicious entities manifested from the ocean during the churning of the milky ocean by the Asuras and Devas in search of nectar. Among them were the Bhuta Ganas,...

The Upper Clapton School, situated on the same street as the magnificent Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, holds a prominent place in the local community as one of the oldest schools. However, only some individuals have shown interest in uncovering the fascinating historical details surrounding its origins, despite its 160-year history. The unique name of the school has also failed to pique curiosity among the townspeople. Originating from the Clapton district in London, United Kingdom, divided into Upper Clapton and Lower Clapton, Ann Sutton, a Christian missionary residing in Upper Clapton, played a crucial role in establishing a school in Tirunelveli. The school was named after the Upper Clapton Society, formed by the wives of pastors. Emily Lewis took charge of the school, which commenced its operations in 1863, with a primary objective of educating girls from the Devadasi families. The school's location near Aram Valarththa Pura Mada Street, a locality with a significant Dev...