Testimony of the colonial trade: The Big Warehouse!

a) Front view of the Big Warehouse 

                  One of the perks of working in A.S.I is getting chance to visit places that are less visited. The big warehouse or the British colonial godown also known as the Export warehouse is situated in the St. Thomas street South of the church Library. The godown was designed by Thomas Ray in the Romanesque style and was constructed in 1720-21 C.E. Post-Independence the army occupied the building under an agreement with A.S.I. As soon as A.S.I became aware of the building's dilapidated condition, it started a significant conservation project in 2017 which lasted till 2020. However, if one steps inside the building they can witness workers working on the partition of the godown and electric works that weren't finished. 

           The godown is around 8791 square feet, 25.08 m in length and 21.55 m in breadth. Its entire structure is composed of bricks and lime stucco, with wooden beams supporting the roofs. A semicircular arch is carved right above the doors and windows, and the facade occasionally has striations that resemble stonework. Post renovations, the warehouse's three levels were downsized to just the main floor. In other words the rest of it is lost before recovery of any chance. 

Currently, the warehouse has two enormous doors flanked on the eastern side, 11 floor-length windows with wooden frames and a long hall of 28 massive highly imposing pillars and 8 plasters (4 on the north and 4 on the south).  On the northern side of the building, a little room is seen devoid of pillars.

b) The Massive double door on the eastern side of the Big Warehouse.

c) Floor-length window on the Western side of the Big Warehouse. 

The estampages that were moved from the Mysore circle are now housed in this building post renovation. 

d) The ceiling now covered with sheets. 

The warehouse back in its day was about three floors bustling with workmen who transferred and stored goods. It was filled with traders who indulged in exchange and officers who had their fair share in Indo European trade while also being responsible for the goods that was stored. The warehouse stood as a testimony of the colonial trade of Madras.  

e) Front view of the Big Warehouse. 

One should take a stride along the streets within the fort to learn the colonial history of Madras. Despite of the lack of permission for the entry of common folks it still leaves the onlooker tantalized.