The history of the Luz House begins with Moddaverapu Dera Venkataswami Naidu, the patriarch, who was dubash to Parry & Co (whose HQ was Dare House) in the 19th century. He became enormously wealthy from his business dealings as primary translator for the British and acquired twenty acres in Luz, in which Luz House already existed.

Luz House was, at that time, not so much of a house, but rather the barracks for the Portuguese armed forces from whom Naidu had purchased the property.

It was here, in 1868, that Venkata Mahipathi Naidu, more famously known as Buchi Babu (the father of South Indian Cricket), was born, and Luz House came into prominence. Luz House was in fact where Buchi Babu worked on his game, between the two mango trees in front of its large portico. In those days cricket in the city was dominated by the whites-only Madras Cricket Club (MCC), and Buchi Babu's interest in the game grew by watching them play at Chepauk . He used to be taken there as a child by his two English nannies, and one can say that the influence of cricket upon Buchi Babu was a direct result. By the age of 20, fuelled by outrage over not being allowed the use of the MCC pavilion, he founded the Madras United Cricket Club (now Madras United Club), which focused on taking the sport to Indians in the city.

Tel: +91-7200051361

Mobile: +91 - 9600159795
https://www.theluzhouse.com

• Contact seller
• Share
• See all ads from this advertiser