2 days ago
Striking tribute to a British Governor
The striking equestrian statue near the Island Grounds in Chennai is that of Sir Thomas Munro, a lion among British administrators.
Installed in 1839, the lack of saddle and stirrups on the statue has long been a subject of controversy. One theory holds that this is because Francis Chantrey, the sculptor, forgot them. Another says Munro, a riding enthusiast, preferred to ride bareback.
Sir Munro was Governor of Madras from 1820 till his death in 1827, and he had served in India for 40 years before that. The second of five sons of a Glasgow merchant, Thomas Munro was born on May 27, 1761.
He landed in Madras early in 1780 and got the opportunity for active service within six months. Starting at the lowest rung as a soldier, he rose to the top office in the province, and he rejected the offer of Governor-Generalship.
