I am forced to visit Pondicherry at least once every year as a consequence of one person's spiritual intrigues. Once in Pondicherry, the reluctance however is replaced with a certain enthusiasm to explore and re-explore the gridded lanes of the Heritage Town (a.k.a White Town). This year I made a conscious effort to forgo my... Continue Reading →
Heritage losing ground to practicality
Oh you marvellous blend of engineering and art. Your beauty still shines through the thick veils of neglect and dirt. Your expansive arched balconies must have turned wallflowers into prolific storytellers. Your curves and edges must have put aesthetes into dreamlike spells. I wonder why your master has let you languish and deteriorate, To the... Continue Reading →
Old City Charms
Drenched in the golden glow of the morning sunlight, The old city street is full of vibrance and delight. People, they make this organism alive. There are residents who welcome with warm and gentle smiles. Brisk delivery vendors of indifferent types. And inquisitive passers-by who accumulate quick bytes. Woman, they ferry water with an energy... Continue Reading →
Launching RelicsStore
RelicsStore is launching today with an uber-small collection of 3 classic film cameras. Do some window shopping at https://madrasrelics.com/store, make a purchase if you like what you see, or just spread the word. All products include free shipping and hassle free returns. Cameras on sale this month are Agfa Clack , Yashica D and Yashica... Continue Reading →
The duo that makes impractical practical
One of the interesting road trip holiday ideas I have come across is that of Sam Glover and Ed Hughes. The idea appeared peculiar when Sam first emailed me detailing his plan for South India and asking for recommendations. So much so that I had to check out Sam Glover and the magazine he claimed... Continue Reading →
Mylapore’s urban heritage and its ardent conservationists
The House About 15 minutes into the heritage walk, we stopped to admire the weather battered façade of an old house on Nadu Street - one of the few streets that still exudes an air of old Mylapore. Tahaer, architect, urban designer and one of the founders of the Houses of Mylapore project, was using... Continue Reading →
Curator of Relics
The scale model you see in the picture is of a wartime Willy's MB Jeep. The actual scale model didn't come that way. The camouflage paint, jerry cans, guns, and figures were all painstakingly made by hand and then assembled on the model. This set-up, including the truck in the background is a representation of... Continue Reading →
Litigants turn accidental conservationists
There is a particular spot on the long meandering route I take to work, where my gaze is almost involuntarily drawn towards two (once fabulous) dilapidated British era mansions. These are two different but adjacent residences built on expansive grounds now overrun by untamed greenery. Both the properties are locked down and off limits to... Continue Reading →
Matchless Makto
Matchless G3 and G3L were first designed and manufactured for use by the British Army during the second world war. These motorcycles continued to be produced after the war for both civilian and military use up until the 60s. The Matchless in the picture is a 1950 G3L that belongs to Kalyan Kishen Singh. The... Continue Reading →