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Vol. XXXIV No. 19, January 16-31, 2025

The Madras Literary Society

-- by Geethanjali Rajakkannu

The Madras Literary Society (MLS) in Chennai – known for its vast collection of rare publications across genres – is one of India’s oldest libraries with a catalogue exceeding 50,000 books. It was established to promote the study of science, art and culture with a focus on South India. “Madras Literary Society began in 1812 as a small library on the DPI campus,” said Uma Maheshwari, the current librarian. “The current building was completed in 1906.” 

There’s much to admire about the heritage structure, rightly regarded as a gem in Chennai’s crown. The architecture is a blend of the Indo-Saracenic style – a synthesis of Islamic and Indian elements,developed by British architects during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries – and the classic Rajasthani style, which brings together structural components from Mughal and Hindu architecture. The placement of the windows and doors, together with the lime plaster, Madras terrace roof, and ­cruciform structure of the wall produce a distinct acoustic effect, and the sounds inside the library have a distinct clarity. The MLS building is embellished with arches and intricate jalis (latticework) to let in ventilation and natural light. Jharokhas – overhanging, enclosed balconies – add to the intricacy of the building’s aesthetic and provide both ventilation and shade. The natural light allows for a range of shades and tints, resulting in a dynamic play of light and shadows. The double-layer windows right beneath the roof, large windows and doors of solid wood and three-level terraces provide ample cross ventilation and helps keep MLS cool even in summers. The unique combination of lime, natural stone and bricks as building material have made it especially adaptable to the climate. Even the furniture at MLS is heritage and made of teak wood – and stands firm till date.

The majestic facade – a blend of colonial charm and timeless design.

The Madras Literary Society, an architectural gem.

Every shelf tells a story.

History and Knowledge: The Madras Literary Society stands as a testament to Chennai’s rich intellectual legacy.

The oldest book in the impressive catalogue housed by the MLS is a 1619 copy of Aristotle’s Opera Omnia. “There are also books related to the Buckingham Canal project and some publications of Albert Einstein,” reveals Uma. The history buff has much to delight in – the library boasts a collection of vintage pictures of Pudukottai, Trichy, Thanjavur and Madurai captured by Captain Tripe; it also preserves letters written by Subash Chandra Bose and Annie Besant.

Over the years, members and patrons of the MLS have included – apart from Subash Chandra Bose and Annie Besant – Nilakanta Sastri, F.W. Ellis, Benjamin Guy Babington, and Walter Elliot. The first Indian to procure membership at the MLS was Kavali Lutchmiah, who served as an assistant to Colin Mackenzie, the first Surveyor General of India. In 1834, when J.C. Morris was the Secretary, the library saw the publication of the first-ever issue of the Madras Journal of Literature and Science.

Much effort is expended to preserve the rare, vintage books at the Madras Literary Society. The books in the catalogue are classified into three grades based on the care they require. Grade 1 books are those that require ­basic dusting once in a while; grade 2 books need a little more care, such as rebinding or other basic restoration; and grade 3 books are those that need full-fledged restoration and expert handling, such as de-acidification and fumigation. 

MLS isn’t just for serious readers and historians. The ­institution is actively working to engage young readers and casual enthusiasts as well. MLS holds activities almost every week – from heritage walks and stamp workshops to displaying their collection of rare books, the library makes sure there’s something happening every Saturday. Visitors can also contribute to the library’s work of preserving and restoring heritage by ‘adopting’ a book or furniture – they can simply donate the amount towards the cost of the work and MLS will take care of the rest.

Visiting the Madras Literary Society isn’t a simple jaunt to the library – it’s about forging a connect with the city’s heritage and love for knowledge. Whether one is leafing through a seventeenth century manuscript or soaking in the ambience, MLS has the extraordinary power to transport its visitors to a different era.

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