MAP OF THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY SHOWING ROADS AND DISTANCES – 1929

Publisher: Central Survey Office, Madras
Price: £400
Publication Date: 1929
Edition: 1st reprint
Format: Colour printed
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 115cm x 97.6cm
Scale: 1 inch to 20 miles

Condition:

Original folding wrappers. Backed on linen and dissected into 42 sections. A detailed map of the region at a time when the numbers of cars on the roads in India was relatively low. B.O.C  and Shell petrol depots are marked along with vendors of the Madras Mail. Covers dusty and marked with edgewear and a repair to the hinge of the wrapper and a neat ink name dated 1931. Original fold lines. Minor wear to the fold intersections with a very small amount of loss and minor marks. Reverse has very minor age toning and marks. In very good, original and unrestored condition. Scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220 002510

The Madras Presidency: A Brief Account

The Madras Presidency, officially known as the Presidency of Fort St. George, was one of the most prominent administrative divisions of British India. It existed from 1652 until 1947, encompassing a vast territory in southern India, which included much of the modern Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala, as well as parts of Odisha and the Lakshadweep Islands.

Historical Background

1. Early European Presence:
   • The Madras Presidency originated with the establishment of Fort St. George in 1644 by the English East India Company in the fishing village of Madraspatnam (modern Chennai). This marked the beginning of British influence in southern India.
   • The Portuguese, Dutch, and French had also established trading posts in the region, but the British gradually overshadowed their influence.
2. Expansion of Territory:
   • The British steadily expanded their control over the region through treaties, wars, and alliances with local rulers.
   • Key acquisitions included the Carnatic, the Northern Circars, and the Mysore region, as well as territories ceded by Tipu Sultan and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
3. Formation of the Presidency:
   • By the late 18th century, the territories under British control were consolidated into the Madras Presidency, governed from Fort St. George in Madras.
   • It became one of the three main presidencies of British India, alongside Bengal and Bombay.

Geographical Extent

1. Core Territories:
   • The Presidency included the Tamil-speaking regions of modern-day Tamil Nadu, the Telugu-speaking areas of Andhra Pradesh, the Kannada-speaking regions of Karnataka, and the Malayalam-speaking regions of Kerala.
2. Peripheral Regions:
   • The Northern Circars (coastal Andhra Pradesh and parts of Odisha).
   • The Malabar Coast (parts of modern Kerala).
   • The Lakshadweep Islands.
3. Major Cities:
   • Madras (Chennai), Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichinopoly (Tiruchirappalli), Calicut (Kozhikode), and Mangalore were significant urban centres.

Political and Administrative Structure

1. Governance:
   • The Presidency was administered by a Governor, appointed by the British Crown.
   • Fort St. George served as the administrative headquarters.
2. Subdivisions:
   • The Presidency was divided into districts, each overseen by a District Collector.
   • Collectors were responsible for revenue collection, law enforcement, and maintaining order.
3. Judicial and Legal System:
   • The Madras High Court, established in 1862, was one of the oldest high courts in India.
   • The legal system was a mix of British laws and local customary practices.
4. Military Presence:
   • The Presidency had a strong military presence, with cantonments in Madras, Bangalore, and Secunderabad.
   • It was a key base for British military campaigns in southern India and beyond, including expeditions to Burma and Ceylon.

Economy

1. Agriculture:
   • The Presidency was predominantly agrarian, with crops such as rice, millets, cotton, sugarcane, and spices being extensively cultivated.
   • The fertile delta regions, especially the Cauvery Delta, were significant centres of rice production.
2. Industry:
   • Traditional industries, including textile weaving, handicrafts, and shipbuilding, were prominent.
   • The advent of British rule saw the establishment of cotton mills in cities like Madras and Coimbatore.
3. Trade:
   • The Presidency was a major centre for maritime trade, exporting textiles, spices, and indigo.
   • Ports like Madras, Calicut, and Nagapattinam were hubs of international commerce.
4. Infrastructure:
   • The British introduced railways, modern roads, and ports to facilitate trade and administration.
   • The Madras Railway was one of the earliest rail networks in India.

Society and Culture

1. Diverse Population:
   • The Presidency was home to a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural groups, including Tamils, Telugus, Kannadigas, and Malayalis.
   • It was also a religiously diverse region, with significant populations of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
2. Education:
   • Madras was a pioneer in education, with the establishment of institutions like the Madras University (1857) and several missionary-run schools and colleges.
   • The British introduced Western education, but traditional schools like gurukulas and madrasas continued to function.
3. Cultural Renaissance:
   • The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a revival of classical music, dance, and literature, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
   • The Presidency played a central role in the development of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.

Impact of British Rule

1. Social Reforms:
   • British rule led to the abolition of practices like sati and promoted widow remarriage.
   • Christian missionaries were active in promoting education and healthcare.
2. Economic Exploitation:
   • The British policies often disrupted traditional industries, leading to economic hardship for artisans and weavers.
   • Heavy taxation and land revenue policies caused famines and distress among farmers.
3. Emergence of Nationalism:
   • The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 in Bombay, but Madras played a significant role in the freedom movement.
   • Leaders like C. Rajagopalachari, S. Satyamurti, and Annie Besant were prominent figures from the Madras Presidency.
   • The Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement found strong support in the region.

Significance and Legacy

1. Administrative Model:
   • The Madras Presidency set a precedent for governance and administration in British India, with its system of revenue collection and judicial frameworks.
2. Cultural Contributions:
   • The Presidency was a cradle of South Indian culture, preserving and promoting its languages, art forms, and traditions.
3. Post-Independence:
   • After India gained independence in 1947, the Madras Presidency was reorganised into states based on linguistic lines.
   • The Tamil-speaking areas became Tamil Nadu, Telugu-speaking areas formed part of Andhra Pradesh, Kannada-speaking areas joined Karnataka, and Malayalam-speaking areas became Kerala.

The Madras Presidency remains an integral part of India’s colonial history, shaping the socio-economic and cultural fabric of southern India. Its legacy is evident in the modern states that emerged from its territories, which continue to reflect the diverse heritage of the Presidency.

Road Use in India in the 1920s: A Brief Account

In the 1920s, the use of automobiles in India was still in its infancy, reflecting the technological and social developments of the time. While the automobile had already gained prominence in Europe and North America, its adoption in India was limited to specific sectors and groups due to high costs, lack of infrastructure, and the colonial economic structure.

Who Used Automobiles in India in the 1920s?

1. The British Elite:
   • Automobiles were primarily used by British officials and administrators. Cars symbolised power and modernity, serving both practical and status-enhancing purposes.
   • Vehicles like the Rolls-Royce, Austin, and Morris were favoured by British elites for both their reliability and prestige.
2. Indian Royalty and Wealthy Families:
   • Maharajas and other princely state rulers were among the first Indians to adopt automobiles.
   • They imported luxury cars such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Cadillac, often custom-made with unique embellishments and modifications suited to their royal lifestyles.
   • Wealthy Indian industrialists and merchants, particularly in cities like Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Madras (Chennai), also began using cars as a mark of affluence.
3. Emergence of Commercial Vehicles:
   • The 1920s saw the initial use of commercial vehicles like trucks and buses for transporting goods and passengers. These were largely imported from manufacturers like Ford and General Motors.
   • These vehicles served urban centres and were used in limited numbers due to high costs and the scarcity of skilled drivers and mechanics.

How Were Automobiles Used?

1. Urban Transportation:
   • Cars were primarily used in cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, where colonial infrastructure supported their operation.
   • Automobiles served as private modes of transport for the elite and were rarely seen on rural roads.
2. Official and Military Use:
   • The British administration used cars for administrative and military purposes.
   • Automobiles helped colonial officials traverse long distances more efficiently than traditional horse-drawn carriages.
3. Tourism and Luxury:
   • Maharajas and wealthy Indians used luxury cars for ceremonial purposes, such as royal processions and hunting expeditions.
   • Custom-made vehicles with lavish interiors and modifications for rough terrains (like those required for tiger hunting) were common among Indian royalty.
4. Commercial Transportation:
   • Trucks began to be used for transporting goods between urban centres, especially in regions with better road connectivity.
   • Buses were introduced on a small scale, catering to short-distance passenger transportation in cities.

Challenges in Automobile Use

1. Limited Infrastructure:
   • Roads were sparse, poorly maintained, and mostly unpaved, making automobile use challenging outside urban areas.
   • Bridges and highways were rare, and motorable roads were primarily concentrated around major cities.
2. High Costs:
   • Automobiles were prohibitively expensive, affordable only to the British elite and wealthy Indians.
   • The cost of importing vehicles, coupled with high duties, limited their accessibility.
3. Lack of Skilled Labour:
   • There were very few trained drivers and mechanics. Car owners often hired chauffeurs trained in colonial garages or workshops.
4. Fuel Availability:
   • Petrol stations were scarce, and the availability of fuel was limited to major urban areas.

Notable Developments in the 1920s

1. Growth of Importers and Dealers:
   • European and American automakers established dealerships in India during this period. Companies like Ford, General Motors, and Austin began to supply vehicles to the Indian market.
   • Ford Motor Company set up an assembly plant in Bombay in 1926, marking the beginning of limited local assembly.
2. Formation of Automobile Associations:
   • Organisations like the Automobile Association of Bengal and similar clubs were formed to promote automobile use, assist drivers, and advocate for better road infrastructure.
3. Automobile Racing:
   • The growing automobile culture led to early motor racing events among the elite, particularly in Bombay and Calcutta.

Legacy of Automobiles in the 1920s

The 1920s marked the foundational years for automobiles in India. Although their use was restricted to urban elites, this decade laid the groundwork for future growth in the Indian automobile market. The influence of cars began to spread, fostering the eventual development of road networks and a nascent automobile industry in the following decades. The exclusivity and luxury associated with cars during this period remain an iconic chapter in India’s automotive history.

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