TIRUCHY: Two century-old buildings, used as the first classrooms of the Thanthai Periyar Government Arts & Science College in Tiruchy, were set for revival, with the Public Works Department’s (PWD’s) Heritage Wing having commenced restoration works at a cost of Rs 6.3 crore on November 29. The structures — Langa and Takkoya blocks — were built in the 1920s with a distinctive blend of Gothic (English) and Indian architectural styles.
College Principal K Angammal said the buildings were originally constructed by the British to train labourers bound for Sri Lankan plantations. Post-independence, the ownership of the land changed hands until it was bought by social reformer Thanthai Periyar, who donated it during the 1960s for establishing the academic institution, the principal said, adding that the two structures were the first buildings used by the institution before other blocks were built.
Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchy Siva, an alumnus of the college, said he had studied and written examinations at the two buildings. “When I heard about a potential demolition, we submitted a proposal. The state government recognised the heritage value and significance of the buildings and sanctioned the funds,” he said, extending gratitude to Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.
A few rooms would be remade to showcase the legacy and history of Periyar and the remaining would be used for academic purposes, said the college administration. According to officials from the PWD’s Heritage Wing, the restoration project aims to employ traditional materials and techniques to completely preserve the architectural character of the structures.
A senior official from the wing said that traditional practices, such as lime mortar plastering and the Madras terrace roofing method, are being followed. Further, later additions to the structures are being removed, and materials such as lime, heritage bricks, jaggery, kadukkai and Athangudi tiles are being used, added the official. The project is expected to be completed in 12 months, officials said.