Governor Pigot and his immediate Successors (1775-1803)
History of the City of Madras
Chapter – 14
- When Pigot became Governor for the second time, the city of Madras had revived in prosperity, but the Government of the Presidency had fallen into disrepute.
- Du Pre and Wynch, Pigot’s predecessors, improved the fortifications of the city and ensured a good supply of water to the Fort.
- Construction of garden-houses along Mount Road and in Egmore progressed.
- Warren Hastings, future Governor-General, served in Madras for nearly three years as a Member of the Council, contributing significantly to the city’s development.
- Hastings proposed that the port be provided with a pier, projecting beyond the surf, but his suggestion was not acted upon, and it wasn’t until 1860 that the first pier was built.
- Hastings abolished the offices of the Company’s Merchants, appointing gumastahs to make direct advances to the weavers.
- The last Chief Merchant, Manali Muthukrishna Mudali, was the Dubash of Governor Pigot and builder of the new Town Temple.
- The Board of Police was established to manage the pavements, stray dogs, public lamps, markets, and the supply of fresh fish.
- The Board also regulated the wages and conduct of domestic servants and planned the construction of a market on the beach, but was dissolved after a year due to various difficulties.
- Government faced difficulties due to differences with Nawab Wallajah and other conflicts with the Marathas and Hyder Ali.
- Chepauk Palace became a center of intrigue against the Governor and Council.