Train Time Table

 

Observe the names of the trains originating from Madras and most of the names are unheard today Image Courtesy: Indian Express Archives

Sports

 

News paper cutting from 04th March, 1935 Image Courtesy: Indian Express Archives	Laxmidas Purshottamdas Jai (LP Jai)-Captain (1 April 1902 – 29 January 1968) was a prominent figure in Indian cricket during the interwar period. Born into a Gujarati family in Bombay, Jai was known for his elegant right-handed stroke play. Many of his finest innings were played in the Bombay Quadrangular competition. He also led Bombay to victory in the inaugural Ranji Trophy championship as captain. Contractor and VM Merchant are also well heard names to me, you can search and understand about other players, I am sure you will understand their capabilities.

A Glimpse of Budget During 1935

Key Features of the 1935 Budget:

Revenue and Expenditure: Revenue for the financial year 1934-35 was ₹87.93 crore (estimated), while expenditure was ₹90 crore, leaving a deficit of ₹2.07 crore.
Customs, excise, and income taxes were primary sources of revenue, with customs yielding ₹22 crore and excise contributing ₹18 crore.

Deficit and Debt Management: Efforts to reduce debt were highlighted, with ₹3 crore allocated for debt reduction.
Comparisons to previous years show a focus on improving fiscal stability and balancing loans.

Taxation: No significant relief was provided to overburdened taxpayers, as noted in Assembly debates.
Adjustments were minor, benefitting mainly government servants (high and low).
Income-tax revenue was projected to improve by ₹1.5 lakh due to economic growth.

Surplus Allocation:The surplus funds were directed toward rural welfare programs, railway improvements, and agricultural grants.
Defense budgets saw increases for reorganization and modernization.

Sectoral Allocations:₹2.5 crore was reserved for rural economic development.
Funds were allocated for education, research, and infrastructure improvements.
Bengal-specific funds were included, with ₹1 crore allocated for flood relief.

Borrowing Programs: Borrowing plans involved loans to meet shortfalls, with a focus on managing public debt responsibly.
Revenue from railways was reinvested into infrastructure expansion.

Public Reaction: Criticism arose regarding the lack of taxpayer relief.
The focus on government employee benefits drew mixed responses in the Assembly.

Budget Estimates 2025-26

The total receipts other than borrowings and the total expenditure are estimated at ₹34.96 lakh crore and ₹50.65 lakh crore respectively 😃

All images below are from Indian Express Archives 1935

Brands Existed Then and Today also- Updated 25-Feb-25

Images Courtesy: Illustrated Weekly-1936	Images Courtesy: Illustrated Weekly-1936
Images Courtesy: Illustrated Weekly-1936	Images Courtesy: Indian Express 1936
Images Courtesy: Indian Express 1936

Tradition and Culture- Illustrated Weekly Magazine 1936

 

The article "Tree and Serpent Worship" by S. Sankarasubramania Aiyar explores the remnants of ancient religious practices still observed in modern times. It describes the worship of trees, particularly the pipal tree, which is considered sacred and is associated with deities. The rituals involve offerings like flowers, fruits, and milk, and ceremonies are often performed by Brahmin priests.
Key Highlights:

Special Trees: Not all trees are worshipped; specific ones like the pipal tree hold particular significance.
The pipal is often associated with divine beings, and rituals around it are deeply embedded in faith and cultural tradition.


Old Forms of Worship: These practices are among the earliest forms of human spirituality, rooted in the belief in nature's power and divine connections.
Worship often involves rituals, symbolic acts, and offerings to invoke blessings or ward off evil.


Snakes in Worship: Snakes are seen as symbols of both protection and danger, often associated with fertility and guardianship.
Their reverence might stem from the fear they invoke and their mystical association with deities.


Faith and Healing: Faith plays a critical role, with beliefs in the power of rituals to heal ailments or bring prosperity.
The article mentions practices like "hole medicine," which might refer to ancient healing methods linked to trees or snake symbolism.


Modern Relevance: Although these practices are ancient, they continue to survive in rural areas and among communities that retain their cultural heritage.
The rituals have adapted over time but remain rooted in their original spiritual significance.

The article reflects on the persistence of these practices as a testament to humanity's enduring connection with nature and spirituality. Let me know if you'd like a deeper transcription or focus on a specific part of the text!

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Now Don't forget to see Ovaltine Rusks Ad. on the same page which was a favourite snack of those days

From The Book A Voyage from England to India-1755, 1756, 1757

Original Map scanned from the book The Book A Voyage from England to India

The images reveal how India's maps appeared during those times, showcasing the names of empires, kingdoms, cities, and the unique spellings used by the British. The prominence of sea routes and numerous ports highlights their strategic focus on maritime trade and port infrastructure.

Bombay Weather During June, July, Aug, Sep and partial October -1756

Observe the author's weather diary—he has recorded the water depth at night, forenoon, and afternoon, though the specific gauge used is unclear. The meticulous daily weather observations are truly fascinating, even though temperature readings are absent. A summary of all five months is provided in the final snapshot.

Now, Mumbaikars must compare today's weather conditions with those of 1756 and comment on whether climate change is evident  😃

Note: Something like f has been used instead of S (Ex. Flight for Slight and Fhowers for Showers)

Cinema and Drama

 

Image courtesy: Indian Express Archives	During the early days of cinema, movies were often released in serialized formats. Perils of the Jungle was one such production, with its first installment spanning 10 reels and the second covering 4 reels. Regal Cinema in Madras showcased this adventure-packed serial, capturing the audience’s fascination. Around the same era, Saraswati Bai (1892-1974), the first phenomenally talented female Harikatha artiste of South India, rose to prominence. Her extraordinary talent earned her the title of Lady Bhagavathar, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in the world of Harikatha.
Image courtesy: Indian Express Archives	Image courtesy: Indian Express Archives

Image courtesy: Indian Express Archives-1936	About K.B. Sundarambal Image courtesy: Indian Express Archives-1936

Evolution of steel in India

Can you imagine modern civil engineering without steel?

Here’s an advertisement from the 1930s by Tata Iron and Steel Company, highlighting the significance of using steel in construction during that era. It marked the beginning of a new age in architecture and infrastructure, emphasizing strength, durability, and innovation in building practices.

Image Courtesy Indian Express Archives

Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) is an Indian steel company that was founded in 1907 by Jamsetji Tata. It is now known as Tata Steel and is part of the Tata Group.

Banking and Insurance during 1930s

 

All Images Courtesy Indian Express Archives

During the 1930s, newspaper advertisements in India were predominantly focused on banks and their deposit schemes, reflecting the rapid emergence and growth of the banking sector during that period. This was a time when institutions like the Imperial Bank of India (now SBI) and other regional banks began actively promoting savings accounts, fixed deposits, and recurring deposit schemes to inculcate financial habits among Indians. These ads often highlighted attractive interest rates, safety of deposits, and the convenience of banking services, signaling the shift from informal money-lending practices to organized banking. The growth of banking during this era laid the foundation for modern financial systems in India, encouraging trust in institutional finance and catering to the economic aspirations of a growing middle class.
 In 2003, the Punjab National Bank took over Nedungadi Bank