FORT ST. GEORGE

It was originally just a warehouse with a stockade around it. But the establishing of Fort St George in 1639, for all practical purposes, marks the birth of the city.

Today the Secretariat building (where the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is housed) is the reason why most people visit. But across its colonnades and columns, the history of the East India Company can be read by the discerning.

Tipu Sultan's cannons decorate the ramparts of the Fort Museum. And inside are relics of the founders and leaders of the fort.

The National flag flutters atop a 150-feet Flagpole - the tallest in the country. Raised in 1687, this pole was till 1994, made completely in teak. Its replacement now, is in metal.

Clive House (where British campaigner Robert Clive once resided) now houses government offices.

Aptly, the fort also houses the southern office of the Archaeological Survey of India, with its much valued and splendid library of books

BHARATHIYAR ILLAM

One of the greatest Tamil poets, Subramanya Bharathi was born in Ettayapuram (around 600 kms from Chennai), in 1882. He was skilled enough to write verse even at the early age of seven. The last years of his life were spent in a house in Triplicane. This house was bought and renovated by the Government of Tamilnadu in 1993. It was opened on 2nd October 1993.

Named 'Bharathiyar Illam' (Home of Bharathiyar), the house takes us back to the life and times of Mahakavi Bharathi. Photographs of Bharathiyar, his family, and his friends are displayed here. His hand written verses are framed and displayed. There is also a letter from Mahatma Gandhi (in Tamil!) to mark the occasion of the opening of Bharathiyar Mani Mandapam in Ettayapuram, in 1947. Bharathiyar's letters to his friend Nellaiappar are also displayed.

A must-see place for those eager to know more about one of the greatest Indian poets ever.

Open from 9.45 am to 5.45 pm.

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