Imagine peacocks and koels filling a densely canopied forest. This is how poets described Triplicane long ago. Today, we explore one of Chennai’s oldest neighborhoods. This is a place where history whispers from every corner.
Triplicane is also known as Thiruvallikeni. The name comes from Thiru-Alli-Keni meaning Sacred Lily Pond in Tamil. This refers to the pond in front of the Parthasarathy temple. The temple was amidst a big Tulasi forest. Triplicane is one of the four Old Towns of Chennai. It was the first village obtained by the English. They wanted to expand Madras beyond Fort St. George.
Let’s step back to the 8th century. The Pallava kings built the Parthasarathy Temple. Later, the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers expanded it. Imagine a rivulet named Kaivareni flowing through Triplicane. It connected the temple tank to a sacred well in Mylapore. Legend says Peyalwar was born on a lily flower in this well. He sailed through the rivulet to worship Lord Krishna. Every September, Peyalwar’s idol from Mylapore is brought to the Parthasarathy Temple.
In the 1600s, Triplicane was a separate village. The British saw its potential. Many people moved here. In 1668, Triplicane was annexed to Madras City. It became the first neighborhood to be annexed. By 1676, the British rented Triplicane from the Sultan of Golconda. Triplicane grew in importance. Only George Town was more important. The Nawab of Arcot’s presence boosted the economy. Many Muslims settled in Triplicane. In 1795, the Wallajah Mosque was built.
Consider the Ice House built in 1841. Ice bars were imported from America. They gave the English relief from the heat. Later, it was renamed Vivekananda House. Swami Vivekananda stayed there briefly.
The mid-19th century saw many educational institutions. Hindu Higher Secondary School started in 1853. Presidency College began in 1864 to 1865. By 1870, the college moved to Beach Road. In 1884, Marina Beach promenade was built.
Did you know the Triplicane police station is the city’s oldest? It was built around 1891 to guard Madrasapatnam. Triplicane High Road once had a tram line.
In 1904, the Triplicane Urban Co-Operative Society or TUCS was started. It predates the Cooperative Credit Societies Act. TUCS runs a supermarket and sells automobile fuel. It operates over 200 ration shops.
Mahatma Gandhi visited Triplicane in 1925 and 1933. The first cricket match at Chepauk Stadium was in 1934. By the early 20th century, Triplicane became a major residential area.
Triplicane is known as Bachelor’s Paradise. It has about 200 boarding houses. They are locally known as mansions. Political figures like Periyar, Annadurai, and Karunanidhi once lived here.
Triplicane has a rich culture. The culture around Parthasarathy Temple is age-old. The annual Thiruvallikeni Thiruvizha is celebrated in January. Triplicane is also known for Carnatic music. Legends like G. N. Balasubramaniam and M. S. Subbulakshmi lived here.
The Buckingham Canal bisects Triplicane. It was used to transport goods. Rice, salt, and vegetables moved through Triplicane. This boosted the local economy.
Triplicane has been home to notable people. Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and poet Subramania Bharati lived here. Bharati’s house is now a memorial.
Triplicane is a vibrant mix of history and culture. From ancient temples to bustling streets, it offers a unique glimpse into Chennai’s soul. As you explore, remember the stories woven into its lanes. Triplicane is more than a neighborhood. It’s a living testament to Chennai’s enduring spirit.