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Saturday, May 7, 2011
Central
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Chennai City Tour
Priyadarshini Park
Mount Road, Chennai 600002
09349211999, Fax 9144 2852 2852
http://www.chennaicitytour.net
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Monuments in Chennai
Chennai has some fascinating monuments and churches dating back to the Portuguese and British Period.
Fort St. George:
The British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon built it in 1640 AD. This place achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses Saint Mary's Church and fort museum. Saint Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. It presently house the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly. The 46 m high flagstaff at the front is a mast salvaged from the 17th century shipwreck. The Fort Museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the British and French East India companies as well as the Raj and Muslim period.
San Thome Basilica:
San Thome Basilica at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas (Doubting Thomas). High Court Building in Chennai,Tour of Chennai It is believed that he had come to Chennai in 52 AD and was killed at St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. Built in 16th Century by the Portuguese, in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
Theosophical Society:
It was formed to facilitate and encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science situated in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. Founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, the society was later moved to Adyar in 1882. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is a 95-year old library which has a very good collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and parchment.
High Court Building:
Built in 1892, this red Indo-Saracenic structure at Parry's corner is Chennai's main landmark. It is believed to be one the largest judicial buildings in the world.
Senate House:
One of Chennai's most impressive architectural marvels. Senate House, at the Chennai University campus on the Marina, was constructed in 1873 under the supervision of Robert Fellowes Chisholm, one of the greatest architects of the 19th century. The entire structure is a harmonious blend of Indo-Saracenic style, with Byzantine architectural features. The Senate House has a central hall on the ground floor, 130 feet long, 58 feet broad and 54 feet high, with the corridors supported by six massive stone pillars on either side. The stone arches between the pillars, with the four towers rising high at the corners of the building, surmounted by exquisitely shaped domes (painted in different colours) gives the building a grandeur that is difficult to match. The main entrance at the north, leads to the convocation hall, while a corresponding entrance, in the South, leads to the rooms on the southern wing. Besides these, there are two entrances on the eastern wing of the convocation hall and two corresponding entrances on the west. Elegantly constructed porticos adorn the frontage of all these entrances. A parapet surrounds each of these porticos, at the corner of which appears a decorated dome of a miniature size.
St. Mary's Church:
The oldest surviving English church in Chennai was completed in 1680.You will find the remainders of Robert Clive and Elihu Yale the early governor of Chennai in this church.
Luz Church:
Dedicated to Our lady of Light and built by Portuguese sailors, this 16th century church is one of the oldest churches of Chennai.
Little Mount Church in Chennai,Tour of Chennai Little Mount Church:
This is a tiny cave where St Thomas is believed to have lived when he came to India around AD 58.It is known locally as Chinnamalai.The cave is entered via the Portuguese church built in 1551.
St. Andrew's Church:
Completed in 1821 in a classical style this church has an impressive blue dome decorated with gold stars. You can get excellent views from the top.
Christ the King Church:
Commissioned by French clergymen this church was designed and built by an Indian mason in 1933. It is a fine example of gothic architecture standing majestically in the middle of Loyola College campus. It has pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, three-aisled nave and flying buttresses. Covering an area of 150 feet by 60 feet, with stained glass windows, this church is a captivating sight, inside as well as outside. The spire is 157 feet high and has a stairway leading to the top, where a cross stands.
Ripon Building:
West of Central Station is Ripon Building, the dazzling white headquarters of the Corporation of Chennai. The Municipal Corporation of Chennai, after functioning from several other places, settled at Ripon building in 1913, with P.L.Moore as the President of the Municipal Corporation at the time of the inauguration. With a floor area of 9,628 square metres, this classic structure, built at a cost of only Rs.7.30 lakhs, is a combination of three types of architectural styles - Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian. To support the gargantuan structure, the walls have been constructed with stock bricks, set in lime mortar and plastered with lime mortar. The roofs are supported with Teak wood Joists. On the ground floor, the Cuddapah stone flooring has now been re-laid with marble flooring. The flooring on the first and second floors is of the pressed terracotta variety. The overall depth of foundation including footing is 5.34 metres. The ceiling height on the ground floor is 5.64 metres. The highlight of its construction is that all joinery works for the building were made with the best teak wood. The West Minister Quarter Chiming Clock, installed by Oakes and Co. in 1913, about 20.58 metres from terrace level, is one of the main attractions in the building. The clock is provided with a mechanical key system, which is wound every day. There are four bells, casted by Gillet and Johnston in 1913.
Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai,Tour of Chennai Thousand Lights Mosque:
Built in mid-1800 in the land donated by Nawab Wallajah, this mosque last rebuilt in 1981, has two 64' tall minarets. The mosque also houses a library, a burial ground and guesthouses. It is called the Thousand Lights Mosque because of the legend that over one thousand lamps had to be used to light up the Assembly Hall that stood at this same spot. This multi-domed mosque, with sayings from the Holy Koran painted on its walls, comes alive during the annual Moharram
Mamallapuram:
An hour and a half taxi ride south of Chennai, Mamallapuram is a world apart from that city's hustle and bustle. This unspoiled seaside village on the Bay of Bengal has miles of beaches, fine Indian seafood, exceptional art, and intricately carved stone temples. In Mamallapuram the Five Rathas, the Shore Temple, and Arjuna's Penance are impressive examples of Pallavan work. The Five Rathas are full-size models of different styles of temples known to Dravidian builders of the 7th century A.D. They are unfinished and not used for worship. Each wall is cut from a single rock and contains images from Hindu mythology, along with clowns and dancers. The magnificent though ravaged Shore Temple has two spires. Its beach site has proved to be a lucky one, for the stone temple has survived the sea's wrath for 12 centuries, outlasting other contemporaneous temples along the shore. Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas-relief. The carved scene depicts Arjuna, a mythical Indian hero, doing penance to the Lord Shiva. Surrounding Arjuna is a multitude of images, including snakes coiled in battle, jesters with drums, and elephants in procession. The artistic heritage of the Pallava kings remains a vital one.
Fort St. George:
The British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon built it in 1640 AD. This place achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint of England. The fort houses Saint Mary's Church and fort museum. Saint Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680 and the tombstones in its courtyard are the oldest British tombstones in India. It presently house the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly. The 46 m high flagstaff at the front is a mast salvaged from the 17th century shipwreck. The Fort Museum has a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the British and French East India companies as well as the Raj and Muslim period.
San Thome Basilica:
San Thome Basilica at the south end of Marina Beach was named after Saint Thomas (Doubting Thomas). High Court Building in Chennai,Tour of Chennai It is believed that he had come to Chennai in 52 AD and was killed at St. Thomas Mount just outside the city in 78 AD. Built in 16th Century by the Portuguese, in 1896 it was made a basilica. The beautiful stained glass window at the basilica portrays the story of St Thomas and the central hall has 14 wooden plaques depicting scenes from the last days of Christ. In the cathedral is a 3ft. high statue of Virgin Mary believed to have been brought from Portugal in 1543.
Theosophical Society:
It was formed to facilitate and encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science situated in beautiful sylvan settings in Adyar. Founded by Madame Blavatsky and Col. Olott in USA, the society was later moved to Adyar in 1882. Apart from shrines of all faiths and the peaceful Garden of Remembrance, there is a 95-year old library which has a very good collection of rare Oriental manuscripts written on palm leaves and parchment.
High Court Building:
Built in 1892, this red Indo-Saracenic structure at Parry's corner is Chennai's main landmark. It is believed to be one the largest judicial buildings in the world.
Senate House:
One of Chennai's most impressive architectural marvels. Senate House, at the Chennai University campus on the Marina, was constructed in 1873 under the supervision of Robert Fellowes Chisholm, one of the greatest architects of the 19th century. The entire structure is a harmonious blend of Indo-Saracenic style, with Byzantine architectural features. The Senate House has a central hall on the ground floor, 130 feet long, 58 feet broad and 54 feet high, with the corridors supported by six massive stone pillars on either side. The stone arches between the pillars, with the four towers rising high at the corners of the building, surmounted by exquisitely shaped domes (painted in different colours) gives the building a grandeur that is difficult to match. The main entrance at the north, leads to the convocation hall, while a corresponding entrance, in the South, leads to the rooms on the southern wing. Besides these, there are two entrances on the eastern wing of the convocation hall and two corresponding entrances on the west. Elegantly constructed porticos adorn the frontage of all these entrances. A parapet surrounds each of these porticos, at the corner of which appears a decorated dome of a miniature size.
St. Mary's Church:
The oldest surviving English church in Chennai was completed in 1680.You will find the remainders of Robert Clive and Elihu Yale the early governor of Chennai in this church.
Luz Church:
Dedicated to Our lady of Light and built by Portuguese sailors, this 16th century church is one of the oldest churches of Chennai.
Little Mount Church in Chennai,Tour of Chennai Little Mount Church:
This is a tiny cave where St Thomas is believed to have lived when he came to India around AD 58.It is known locally as Chinnamalai.The cave is entered via the Portuguese church built in 1551.
St. Andrew's Church:
Completed in 1821 in a classical style this church has an impressive blue dome decorated with gold stars. You can get excellent views from the top.
Christ the King Church:
Commissioned by French clergymen this church was designed and built by an Indian mason in 1933. It is a fine example of gothic architecture standing majestically in the middle of Loyola College campus. It has pointed arches, ribbed vaults, rose windows, three-aisled nave and flying buttresses. Covering an area of 150 feet by 60 feet, with stained glass windows, this church is a captivating sight, inside as well as outside. The spire is 157 feet high and has a stairway leading to the top, where a cross stands.
Ripon Building:
West of Central Station is Ripon Building, the dazzling white headquarters of the Corporation of Chennai. The Municipal Corporation of Chennai, after functioning from several other places, settled at Ripon building in 1913, with P.L.Moore as the President of the Municipal Corporation at the time of the inauguration. With a floor area of 9,628 square metres, this classic structure, built at a cost of only Rs.7.30 lakhs, is a combination of three types of architectural styles - Gothic, Ionic and Corinthian. To support the gargantuan structure, the walls have been constructed with stock bricks, set in lime mortar and plastered with lime mortar. The roofs are supported with Teak wood Joists. On the ground floor, the Cuddapah stone flooring has now been re-laid with marble flooring. The flooring on the first and second floors is of the pressed terracotta variety. The overall depth of foundation including footing is 5.34 metres. The ceiling height on the ground floor is 5.64 metres. The highlight of its construction is that all joinery works for the building were made with the best teak wood. The West Minister Quarter Chiming Clock, installed by Oakes and Co. in 1913, about 20.58 metres from terrace level, is one of the main attractions in the building. The clock is provided with a mechanical key system, which is wound every day. There are four bells, casted by Gillet and Johnston in 1913.
Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai,Tour of Chennai Thousand Lights Mosque:
Built in mid-1800 in the land donated by Nawab Wallajah, this mosque last rebuilt in 1981, has two 64' tall minarets. The mosque also houses a library, a burial ground and guesthouses. It is called the Thousand Lights Mosque because of the legend that over one thousand lamps had to be used to light up the Assembly Hall that stood at this same spot. This multi-domed mosque, with sayings from the Holy Koran painted on its walls, comes alive during the annual Moharram
Mamallapuram:
An hour and a half taxi ride south of Chennai, Mamallapuram is a world apart from that city's hustle and bustle. This unspoiled seaside village on the Bay of Bengal has miles of beaches, fine Indian seafood, exceptional art, and intricately carved stone temples. In Mamallapuram the Five Rathas, the Shore Temple, and Arjuna's Penance are impressive examples of Pallavan work. The Five Rathas are full-size models of different styles of temples known to Dravidian builders of the 7th century A.D. They are unfinished and not used for worship. Each wall is cut from a single rock and contains images from Hindu mythology, along with clowns and dancers. The magnificent though ravaged Shore Temple has two spires. Its beach site has proved to be a lucky one, for the stone temple has survived the sea's wrath for 12 centuries, outlasting other contemporaneous temples along the shore. Arjuna's Penance is the world's largest bas-relief. The carved scene depicts Arjuna, a mythical Indian hero, doing penance to the Lord Shiva. Surrounding Arjuna is a multitude of images, including snakes coiled in battle, jesters with drums, and elephants in procession. The artistic heritage of the Pallava kings remains a vital one.
History of Chennai
History of Chennai The region of Chennai was called Tondaimandalam in earlier days and had its military headquarters at Puzhal, which is now a small and rather insignificant village on the outskirts of the city. Modern Chennai grew out of a small village, when in 1639 a fishing hamlet called Chennaipatnam was selected by early English merchants of the East India Company as a site for their settlement. Chennai has attracted a vast assortment of people right from seafarers, spice traders and cloth merchants over the period.
The sixteenth century saw the arrival of the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch trading companies. The Portuguese established a fort, Sao Tome or San Thome in 1522, pushing back the ancient Pallava port of Mylapore. By 1612 the Dutch established themselves in Pulicat to the North. Founded in 1639 on land given by the Raja of Chandragiri, the last representative of the Vijayanagar rulers of Hampi to British traders, a small fort was built at a fishing settlement in 1644 and a town, which subsequently came to known as George Town, grew in the area of Fort St. George. Fort St.George Tour,History of Chennai
The settlement became independent of Banten, Java, in 1683 and was granted its first municipal charter in 1688 by James II. It thus has the oldest municipal corporation in India. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, when the British and French competed for supremacy in India, the city's fortunes waxed and waned. The French briefly occupied it on one occasion. Robert Clive of British India used it as a base for his military expeditions during the Wars of the Carnatic. In 1756, the French withdrew to Pondicherry, leaving the British to develop Fort St.George. During the 19th century, it was the seat of the Chennai Presidency, one of the four divisions of British Imperial India.
After Independence, the city continued to be known by the name Chennai until the government of Tamil Nadu under the chief minister Mr. M. K. Karunanidhi officially converted it to Chennai in 1997. Since then, it has grown into a bustling metropolis and a significant southern gateway.
Culturel Tradition
Chennai offers rich cultural tradition in form of several art galleries, cultural centers, and cultural events through out the year to the visitors. Some of these are listed below.
Art Galleries
Tanjore Creations:
Revathy Ramakrishnan established an art lover's dream, Tanjore Creations twelve years ago. Tanjore paintings of Lord Krishna, Mahalakshmi and innovative paintings like animals are decorated with exquisite gold threads and gold ornaments are available. A highlight in the gallery is the collection of stained glass paintings, Woodcarvings and Brassware. You will find beautifully carved jewel boxes, murals and oil paintings vying for attention. Located on 15, Norton Street, Mandaveli, Chennai - 600 028
National Art Gallery:
The National Art Gallery was built in 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty based on a Henry Irwin design and. The building, one of the finest pieces of period architecture in the city, is inspired by Mughal architectural motifs. On display in this pink sandstone-faced building are 11th and 12th century Indian handicrafts, 17th century Deccan paintings, 16th to 18th century Mughal and Rajasthani paintings and 10th and 13th century bronzes. Located on Pantheon Road, Chennai 600 008.
Art World Gallery:
Art World Gallery is the oldest in South India. Established in 1965, by Soli and Moti Dharuwala, it is the fifth oldest art gallery in India. Initially functioning from various places in the city the gallery is now housed off Cenotaph Road. The gallery has had the privilege of exhibiting the works of some of the doyens of contemporary art including Professor Dheraj Chowdhary and Amithab Sen Gupta. About eight to nine exhibitions are held in a year, with around 45 paintings are exhibited in one show. What makes this gallery unique is that it gives an opportunity to artists to exhibit their works at international shows. Besides holding exhibitions, the gallery also frequently arranges for Art camps, where art lovers interact directly with the artists.
Theosophical Society,Culuture Tour in Chennai Cultural Centers
Mozhi: Mozhi in Tamil meaning language is a public charitable institution for developing resources in language and culture. Set amidst serene surroundings in Thiruvanmiyur it was founded in 1989. It is constantly developing conceptual and technological tools for understanding culture. Mozhi focuses on three thrust areas. The Centre at Thiruvanmiyur concentrates on Language resources. The Roja Muthiah Research Center is the Bibliographic division and the Seethuraman Centre, is funding research on language and culture. Mozhi's work and perception of Culture has won international recognition with UNESCO and the Ford Foundation offering support to carry out its activities without interruption. The University of Chicago, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore and the Tamil University of Tanjavur, offers research and technical support.
Theosophical Society:
The world headquarters of the Theosophical Society was established in 1886 on the banks of the Adyar River. You can see the bas-reliefs of Krishna, Buddha, Christ and Zarathrushtra on the walls of the hall. The symbols of Mahavir and verses of the Koran are also displayed prominently there. The statues of the society founders Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Col. Henry S. Olcott are installed in the hall. The shrines of all major faiths stand in the huge estate gardens. But the biggest attraction is the 200-year-old Banyan tree (one of the biggest in the country). Up to 3000 people can sit under its shade.The Society's Adyar library has nearly 1,65,000 books and 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts.
Art Galleries
Tanjore Creations:
Revathy Ramakrishnan established an art lover's dream, Tanjore Creations twelve years ago. Tanjore paintings of Lord Krishna, Mahalakshmi and innovative paintings like animals are decorated with exquisite gold threads and gold ornaments are available. A highlight in the gallery is the collection of stained glass paintings, Woodcarvings and Brassware. You will find beautifully carved jewel boxes, murals and oil paintings vying for attention. Located on 15, Norton Street, Mandaveli, Chennai - 600 028
National Art Gallery:
The National Art Gallery was built in 1907 by T. Namberumal Chetty based on a Henry Irwin design and. The building, one of the finest pieces of period architecture in the city, is inspired by Mughal architectural motifs. On display in this pink sandstone-faced building are 11th and 12th century Indian handicrafts, 17th century Deccan paintings, 16th to 18th century Mughal and Rajasthani paintings and 10th and 13th century bronzes. Located on Pantheon Road, Chennai 600 008.
Art World Gallery:
Art World Gallery is the oldest in South India. Established in 1965, by Soli and Moti Dharuwala, it is the fifth oldest art gallery in India. Initially functioning from various places in the city the gallery is now housed off Cenotaph Road. The gallery has had the privilege of exhibiting the works of some of the doyens of contemporary art including Professor Dheraj Chowdhary and Amithab Sen Gupta. About eight to nine exhibitions are held in a year, with around 45 paintings are exhibited in one show. What makes this gallery unique is that it gives an opportunity to artists to exhibit their works at international shows. Besides holding exhibitions, the gallery also frequently arranges for Art camps, where art lovers interact directly with the artists.
Theosophical Society,Culuture Tour in Chennai Cultural Centers
Mozhi: Mozhi in Tamil meaning language is a public charitable institution for developing resources in language and culture. Set amidst serene surroundings in Thiruvanmiyur it was founded in 1989. It is constantly developing conceptual and technological tools for understanding culture. Mozhi focuses on three thrust areas. The Centre at Thiruvanmiyur concentrates on Language resources. The Roja Muthiah Research Center is the Bibliographic division and the Seethuraman Centre, is funding research on language and culture. Mozhi's work and perception of Culture has won international recognition with UNESCO and the Ford Foundation offering support to carry out its activities without interruption. The University of Chicago, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore and the Tamil University of Tanjavur, offers research and technical support.
Theosophical Society:
The world headquarters of the Theosophical Society was established in 1886 on the banks of the Adyar River. You can see the bas-reliefs of Krishna, Buddha, Christ and Zarathrushtra on the walls of the hall. The symbols of Mahavir and verses of the Koran are also displayed prominently there. The statues of the society founders Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Col. Henry S. Olcott are installed in the hall. The shrines of all major faiths stand in the huge estate gardens. But the biggest attraction is the 200-year-old Banyan tree (one of the biggest in the country). Up to 3000 people can sit under its shade.The Society's Adyar library has nearly 1,65,000 books and 20,000 palm-leaf manuscripts.
Chennai Culture
Chennai, popularly regarded as the Gateway to the South, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis in India, located on a 17 km stretch of the Coromandel Coast. The city grew up around the English settlement of Fort St. George and gradually absorbed the surrounding towns and villages. However, despite the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil heritage and effectively blended it to create a unique synthesis of cultures.
Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350-year-old city provides many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage. It is a city where the landscape of the past lives easily with recent history. In Chennai, you would find a modern metropolis with a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks and historic landmarks. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year. Kapaleeshwar Temple
Chennai presents culture distinct from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city. Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian fare to fast food, from nine-yard saris to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rises, from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise.
Chennai offers a wealth of nature and a rich historic past to visitors in the ambience of a city with every modern facility.
Chennai is also the center of South India's film industry. Its skyline is dotted with bright movie billboards advertising the latest celluloid fantasies. It has become a significant form of popular art with their gaudy colors and garish layouts. The larger than life cutouts of popular matinee idols superimposed on the hoardings give them a three-dimensional effect. The more the cutouts, the higher the popularity of the film stars. There are many big film studios churning out movies every month. It is the land where film stars are revered as the demi-gods of society.
Fishing
Cine-stars turned politicians are the order of the day now in this city .The late M. G. Ramachandran, the more-than-once chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was a movie star with a dedicated fan following. He seemed to have started a trend of sorts, for the current C.M is also a former successful film star.
Here traditional art forms like dance and music are a way of life even in the most modern homes. Training in classical Carnatic music - vocal and instrumental, and the exposition of the Bharatnatyam dance form are pursued with zeal. In fact, the first public performance of a Bharatnatyam artiste, known as the Arangetram or debut, is celebrated on the lines of a family function.
Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350-year-old city provides many a fascinating vignette of southern heritage. It is a city where the landscape of the past lives easily with recent history. In Chennai, you would find a modern metropolis with a clear skyline, long sandy beaches, parks and historic landmarks. With a population of 6 million people, Chennai is a vibrant city ever growing, expanding and changing every year. Kapaleeshwar Temple
Chennai presents culture distinct from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city. Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian fare to fast food, from nine-yard saris to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rises, from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise.
Chennai offers a wealth of nature and a rich historic past to visitors in the ambience of a city with every modern facility.
Chennai is also the center of South India's film industry. Its skyline is dotted with bright movie billboards advertising the latest celluloid fantasies. It has become a significant form of popular art with their gaudy colors and garish layouts. The larger than life cutouts of popular matinee idols superimposed on the hoardings give them a three-dimensional effect. The more the cutouts, the higher the popularity of the film stars. There are many big film studios churning out movies every month. It is the land where film stars are revered as the demi-gods of society.
Fishing
Cine-stars turned politicians are the order of the day now in this city .The late M. G. Ramachandran, the more-than-once chief minister of Tamil Nadu, was a movie star with a dedicated fan following. He seemed to have started a trend of sorts, for the current C.M is also a former successful film star.
Here traditional art forms like dance and music are a way of life even in the most modern homes. Training in classical Carnatic music - vocal and instrumental, and the exposition of the Bharatnatyam dance form are pursued with zeal. In fact, the first public performance of a Bharatnatyam artiste, known as the Arangetram or debut, is celebrated on the lines of a family function.
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