The story of a ‘Government Farm Village’ in Madras
This article explores the historical transformation of Madras, specifically the area around Gemini Circle, from agricultural farmland to urban space. It highlights the legacy of the 'Government Farm Village' established in 1865 and its influence on local development.
Why it matters
It provides historical context for urban development and the evolution of land use in major Indian cities.
Most accounts of the city, and I include those that were written well into the 1980s, mention with some wonder that the lands to the south of Gemini Circle comprised essentially farms with wet cultivation. They also include the caveat that this was so ‘until recently’ and by that, working backwards, it would appear that farming did take place along much of Mount Road/Anna Salai as it went south, till the early 1970.
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