To the people of Chennai, the city is nothing but magic. If Chennai were a person, they would probably be an extrovert that’s warm, giving, and just lights up any space they are in. Have you ever wondered that even with a modern facade that it has accumulated over the years, there are nooks and corners of the city that take us back in time, people who know the city as ‘Madras’ and not Chennai? Revisiting the city’s beautiful journey from Madrasapattinam to Madras and from Madras to Chennai is a story worth listening to.
Madras Inherited is a passion project initiated by a group of architects with the aim of conserving and preserving the heritage of our city rooted in its architectural tapestry. Covering not only the most interesting buildings and architectural styles that have stood the test of time, they also talk about the history behind the various areas of our city. Did you know that the area of Chintadripet was a settlement originally developed for weavers. Or that Mylapore was one of the most significant centres of trade during the Pallava dynasty? All this and more are narrated beautifully via their words and photographs.
Their presentation of information is carefully thought out in the form of multiple Instagram series. #haveyoubeenhere showcases the city’s interesting spots that withhold a lot of history. Chennai-yin Rusigal, featuring food spots that have passed decades after decades in satisfying Chennaiate’s hunger and cravings in the most delectable way. Talking city personifies a building in our very own city where it recounts its past in the most intriguing way and this series has crossed over 100 episodes. There are also others like Madrasin Pengal, People of Madras, and even something called ‘Madrasin Kalaignargal’ that stars artisans of Chennai who are individuals creating art or individuals who have upheld a family business relating to art that spans decades and centuries.
All these are not just confined to words as you can also join them and be a part of the experience through their heritage walks where sometimes they take you through the history of the space you are exploring or sometimes sketch the beauty that’s oozing out from the preserved architecture of this wonderful city or sometimes both. They regularly conduct heritage walks which you can be part of with a standard fee and indulge in a day of learning about this fascinating city. They have already put out a schedule for the month of January which can be accessed via their website or Instagram page.
Further, they also have curated some cool Madras merchandise which can be bought on their website. They also conduct workshops, provide heritage education, and conduct research to attain their goal of preserving and conserving the heritage one step at a time and restoring the lost charm of the city, the one-and-only Madras.
