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Founded in 1857 as one of the three oldest Universities in India, the historic higher education contributions of University of Madras is world renowned. This university is presently accorded the status of "University with Potential for Excellence" by the University Grants Commission of India as one of the first five universities in India. She is stepping into Her 150th year in 2006 and the University of Madras is marching forward with a 12 point multimodal "Mission University of Madras - 150" programme to evolve her as an international peak of excellence in Higher Education. One of the time bound targets is "Restoration of the Historic Senate House" which is now dilapidated due to withering action of coastal atmosphere and lack of maintenance for want of funds.
To restore Senate House to its original character and architectural beauty according to internationally accepted principles of conservation, the university has constituted a committee of experts comprising conservation architects, engineers and crafts persons from Indian National Trust for Arts & Cultural Heritage, the Archaeological survey of India, the Structural Engineering Research Centre and Public Works Department. This Committee has conducted studies on different aspects of the restoration work and brought in specialists from all over India to further discuss these aspects before drawing up a restoration programme. That programme has now being outlined and specialists identified for the different aspects of the work.
The University, therefore, appeals to all its alumni, heritage conservation agencies, Industrial houses, Philanthropists, Managements of affiliated institutions and the public at large to donate liberally towards conservation of this magnificent land mark in Chennai. All donations may be sent through drafts/cheques drawn in favour of REGISTRAR (SENATE HOUSE CONSERVATION FUND A/c), UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS, CHENNAI - 600 005". These donations are eligible for full income tax exemption under section 80-G of Income Tax Act of Government of India. The funds, both collected and donated, will be earmarked for this project and monitored by a Core Committee of heritage conservationists, which will ensure successful completion of restoration and post-restoration maintenance of Senate House.
Prof. S.P. THYAGARAJAN
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An architectural masterpiece of Robert Fellows Chisholm, the Senate House was designed
in the Indo-Sarcenic Style, blending such Byzantine and European architectural features
as domes, minarets and arcades. It was completed in 1873 and used for meetings of the
senate, syndicate and academic departments. Its main hall was used for convocations
for over a hundred years. It also housed administrative offices of the University.
Due to its deteriorating condition, it has not been used for several years now. But
being structurally sound, it is a building that could be restored to exactly what it was.
To facilitate continuous work within the limitations of available funds, the committee has
listed in restoration steps in ten packages at a projected total cost of Rs.600 lakhs.
The packages are (1) Re-roofing and water proofing; (2) Brick masonry conservations;
(3) Rehabilitation of the towers and domes; (4) Stone masonry restoration; (5) Timber
work and stained glass restoration; (6) Lime plaster and fresco restoration; (7) Painted
canvas ceiling and other work; (8) Cast - Iron railing, Ornamental work, Landscaping;
(9) Utilities and services; (10) Historically appropriate internal furnishing. Work on
the most critical package, re-roofing and water proofing, has been completed at a cost of
Rs.56 lakhs during the last six months. Additional funds are now needed by the University
in order to complete the restoration by the end of 2005, at the latest, for its 150th year
celebrations.