Timeless sentinel the Hynmers Obelisk stands tall. Its granite form silently guards a poignant history. Right here in Chennai amidst the bustling city’s heart lies a memorial to a forgotten era. This imposing obelisk marks the burial place of Joseph Hynmers. He was a significant figure the second-in-council at Fort St George. He died in May 1680. His resting place was within what was once the Guava Garden cemetery. A giant piece of masonry it stands testament to a bygone era.
The Hynmers Obelisk is more than a simple grave marker. It’s a link to the past a window into the lives of the British in 17th century Madras. Joseph Hynmers’ wife Catherine married Elihu Yale later that year. In 1689 their son David died. He too was buried under the obelisk. This family connection adds another layer to the monument’s historical intrigue. The obelisk’s story is one of survival.
In the 1750s the Guava Garden cemetery became a security concern. The British relocated most of the tombstones to St Mary’s Church. The Hynmers Obelisk and the Powney Vault remained. They stood as silent witnesses to the changing landscape around them. The vast esplanade then the Law College became their neighbours. The Powney Vault sadly vanished during Metro Rail construction. Despite its protected monument status under the Archaeological Survey of India. Now the High Court wants the space occupied by the Hynmers Obelisk for a car park. This poses a threat to the obelisk’s continued existence.
The Hynmers Obelisk isn’t just a stone monument. It’s a symbol of Chennai’s rich history. It represents the lives of individuals who shaped this city. It is a silent observer of centuries of change. The obelisk’s future however is uncertain. Its preservation is a battle between progress and heritage conservation. The Hynmers Obelisk’s story reminds us of the delicate balance between development and the safeguarding of our past. This significant piece of history deserves to remain where it has stood for over three hundred years. Let us hope its story doesn’t end here.