We at Madras Musings have written repeatedly that our heritage monuments need vistas – an unencumbered view from afar – to appreciate the architecture in full. That has been more a pipe dream with what little approach spaces that were left being now crammed with modern buildings. But occasionally, we get a pleasant surprise.
The future of the Hynmers Obelisk in the High Court compound may depend on judgement from the Supreme Court, but just at present, it has been gifted with an untrammelled vista. The restoration of the Law College building as the heritage additional wing of the High Court has led to the demolition of many modern structures around the obelisk. The providing of a new judges’ gate on the Esplanade means the monument can be seen from afar. And so here we have three views.
OLD
RECENT
NEW
The Old from Yale University archives and featured in Hiram Bingham’s book – Elihu Yale, the American Nabob of Queen’s Square (1939) was probably taken sometime in the 19th century, when the High Court and Law College were yet to be constructed. The Recent is by your Deputy Editor, taken in 2010, when a proper photo of the obelisk was impossible given the way it was hemmed in. And now we have the NEW. Let us enjoy it while it lasts.