Look up for the correct time and listen to the Thirukkural couplets from the tower clock at the MU building!!
Posted on: 18/Jun/2021 9:11:24 AM
Chennai residents would have been familiar with the tower clock at the University of Madras or MU building. The important piece of information is that this tower clock was constructed in the year 1913 and it is a 27m tall structure. After the Senate House at Chepauk campus, this tower clock at the MU is the second oldest building.
It is now said that in a year of time the public would be able to just look up for time. In addition, it would be possible to hear a couplet from Thirukkural. Point to be noted is that work has been going in full swing now to make this tower clock work again. Complete renovation has been going on now at this tower clock. For every hour, Thirukkural couplets would be played here once the renovation work gets over.
It must not be forgotten that this initiative of playing Thirukkural couplets was first thought about a decade back in the year 2010 as a mark of commemorating World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore. It was discontinued. The tower clock at the University of Madras was constructed in Indo-Saracenic style with exposed red brick using lime mortar. There are 4 large bells of varying sizes housed inside at the top and there is also a water tank beneath. In the olden days, the bells were rung by manual process. For the sake of supplying water to the Tower Clock block, a concrete water tank was constructed.
It is important to note that the bricks have eroded, cracked and broken also and water is leaking through the roof of the Tower Clock block. Birds like pigeons and owls have made this tower clock inside part of their homes. Seepage remained despite repairs done in the past.
An amount of Rs 4.1 crores is being spent on the renovation works and it is brought out that the MU is executing the renovation work of the heritage structure through the building centre and conservation division belonging to PWD. Jaggery, inknut paste and lime mortar are mixed together to stop seepage on the roof.
It was mentioned by an officer belonging to PWD that renovation work began here after the removal of 50kg of pigeon droppings. To restore the structure to its past beauty, it is important to replace the broken bricks plus clear the modern additions like wirings etc. The official hinted that the renovation work would be over by the year 2022.
