From shipwreck to symbol of pride: The story behind Chennai’s iconic St George Fort flag mast
A symbol of freedom with a shipwreck past: The flagpole is a teak pole taken from the ship “Loyal Adventure” which was grounded near Chennai and it was installed in the St George Fort. In 1687, Governor Yale first hoisted England’s flag at the St. George’s fort. Since independence, the national flag has been hoisted here every day on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government.
Published: 14 Aug 2024 18:27:PM
Chennai’s St George Fort Flag Tree.
Chennai: The 150-foot tall flagpole at Fort St. George in Chennai, a prominent landmark and one of the tallest in India, has a rich history. Interestingly, it was created from a sunken ship, specifically the teak pole of the “Loyal Adventure” vessel that was grounded near Chennai. The flagpole was first erected in 1687 by Governor Yale to hoist the English flag. Over time, it has been replaced and reinforced with steel bars to withstand natural disasters and sea breeze corrosion.
Today, the flagpole is a symbol of national pride, with the national flag being hoisted daily since India’s independence. Notably, the flagpole’s significance was further emphasized when former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi fought for and secured the right for Chief Ministers to hoist the flag on Independence Day, starting with his own flag-hoisting ceremony in 1974.
A flag pole from a sunken ship- It is a hundred years old
The flag pole was severely damaged by natural disasters including lightning during about several years ago. After that, with the help of Bell Company, the flagpole was erected at the same height as the wooden flagpole so that it would not rust easily due to the sea breeze. More than 10 thick steel bars are placed around to support this flagpole.
Today, the St George Fort is under the control of the Army. On behalf of the army, the flag will be hoisted and lowered in the morning and the evening with a solemn procession of soldiers. Since independence, the national flag has been hoisted here every day on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government.
India’s first flag
The 12 feet long 8 feet wide national treasure in Fort St. George Museum, Chennai is one of the first flags that was hoisted on August 15, 1947, at 5.30 A.M in Fort St. George. The flag is a testament to the entire struggle that Indians went through to achieve freedom. It is made up of pure silk and measures about 3.50m in length and 2.40m wide.
National treasure at Fort St. George Museum, Chennai
➣The 12 feet long 8 feet wide national treasure in Fort St. George Museum, Chennai is one of the first flag that was hoisted on August 15, 1947
➣ The flag is the testament of the entire struggle that Indians went through… pic.twitter.com/iZu7voB7Zq
— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 12, 2024
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