MY TRAVEL INFO: 1985: MADRAS AND MAHABALIPURAM, INDIA

ANCHORED IN MADRAS: 1985 > 

A Naval Journey from the Decks of KD Mutiara to the Shores of the Pallavas

Those are photos captured in a nostalgic journey to South India in 1985, specifically to the city of Madras (now Chennai) and the historic town of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram).

1. Madras (Chennai) in 1985

• The Alankar Theatre: One of my photos shows a vibrant street scene on Anna Salai (formerly Mount Road). The photo of a massive hand-painted hoarding for the Tamil film Nermai (1985), starring Sivaji Ganesan.
• A Cinematic Landmark: The Alankar Theatre was a famous landmark known for screening Western action films and Jackie Chan movies. It has since been demolished and replaced by a commercial complex (Prince Kushal Towers).
• The Streetscape: Your photos show the iconic LIC Building, which was once the tallest building in India, and the classic yellow-and-black Ambassador taxis that dominated the roads in the 80s.

A moment at the Hotel Tamilnadu Camping Site, it was the perfect home base for exploring the southern reaches of the city. 

2. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)

• The Shore Temple: The photo of the coastal temple captures the Shore Temple, a structural stone temple built in the 7th century during the Pallava dynasty.
• Historical Context: In 1985, this site was relatively newly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1984). You likely saw it before the heavy modern fencing and extensive tourism infrastructure were put in place.
• Monolithic Marvels: the photo documented the Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots), which are monolithic rock-cut structures carved from a single piece of granite.
• The photo of the monoliths, The Dharmaraja Ratha, the tallest, most elaborate structure with the Pyramid roof. It is the largest of the five and is famous for its intricate carvings of HIndu deities and its 3-storey design. 
• The Monolithic Elephant near the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, a life-size elephant carved from a single rock. It is one of the most famous animal sculpture in the complex, representing the "vahana" (vehicle" of the god Indra. 

Unity across the seas, members of the KD Mutiara stand before the ancient stone spires, bringing the gap between modern maritime service and centuries old architectural wonder. 

3. The Royal Malaysian Navy Connection

KD Mutiara, which was a hydrographic survey ship of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). The ship was commissioned in 1977 and was likely on a goodwill visit or a joint training exercise in India during 1985. It’s a wonderful piece of naval history showing the long-standing maritime relationship between Malaysia and India.

Seeing the Malaysian Flag and Ensign against the backdrop of Madras port was a powerful reminder of the deep maritime ties that bind our two nations across the Bay of Bengal.

INS ADYAR

The Headquarters of Flag Officer Commanding Tamilnadu and Puducherry Naval area. A moment of pride at INS Adyar, marking the intersection of duty and diplomacy in the heart of Madras".

"In 1985, the world felt vast, and the journey from the decks of the KD Mutiara to the historic streets of Madras felt like a voyage through time. These photographs capture a unique era: a time when INS Adyar served as our gateway to Indian hospitality, and the skyline was defined not by glass towers, but by the hand-painted dreams of cinema and the ancient granite spires of Mahabalipuram. Join me as I look back at a year of naval diplomacy and cultural discovery."

Tribute to the Crew

"Dedicated to the officers and crew of the KD Mutiara. To the brotherhood forged in salt and sweat, and to the shared horizons we navigated across the Bay of Bengal. May these photos serve as a compass back to a year of discovery."

 

Compiled by:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

(Ex-Crew of KD Mutiara, 1985)

24/12/2025: 8.21 p.m