Nostalgia

  Historic hub: Many notable jewellery brands had humble beginnings on NSC Bose Road Gold has always been an integral part of this old city, and holds a sentimental value among the people. The glitter of the yellow metal continues to draw people despite the changing era and sky-rocketing prices. In the early 1900s, the pincode 600001, for Sowcarpet or George Town, was the hub for the gold market. It is one of the few trades that continues to be a family business for generations. rows of gold shops during 1940s and 1950s were spread over hardly 200-300 sq. ft. and dealt with only gold bars. Nearly 80% of the jewellery were made on orders, recalled jewellers. The city is still home to several brands, including Mehta Jewellery, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ) and LKS Gold House, that had their humble beginning on NSC Bose Road or at George Town almost a century ago.  “The speciality then was exclusive designs and the personal attention provided to customers. Each jeweller could b...

  The Kapaleeswarar Temple's original site was built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century, later destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and then rebuilt in the 17th century by the Vijayanagara kings near a different location.  The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal, and its name means "Lord of the Skull".  Located in Mylapore, a historic area mentioned in ancient literature, the temple is a prime example of Dravidian architecture with intricate carvings and stucco work . 

  1890 tiru alli keni  1851

  Linghi Chetty – Mint Master and not Dubash It is common practice today to refer to them all as dubashes (translators) but that is not correct. Many were into specialised crafts and one among these was Linghi Chetty who was Mint Master. I got some further details on him while researching for a long article on the history of mints in the city. He is first mentioned in connection with the Chintadripet mint which was established in 1743 in that newly founded weavers’ village and Linghi Chetty was assigned the post of ‘Mint Undertaker.’ He was given the job at the instance of Vennala Audiappa Naick who, together with Chinnatambi Mudaliar was assigned the task of designing and establishing Chintadripet. And Linghi Chetty got the job in the teeth of much opposition.  Linghi Chetty’s Mint For one, he was considered a rank outsider by the gold and silver smiths at the mint. Secondly, the post of Mint Shroff and Manager had till then been assigned to Brahmins (the Mint Brahminees as t...