Did you know where was India's first skyscraper built?

Even though Mumbai is accredited with the most skyscrapers in India, the first and oldest high-rise was not built here. The LIC building in Chennai is regarded as the first skyscraper in the country. When high-rises had not gained popularity in India, one of the most trusted insurance corporations in the nation came up with the concept of a skyscraper with their commercial building. This building in Chennai's Triplicane was built over a decade after independence from British rule. 

The iconic Life Insurance Corporation of India building, towering at 54 meters, stands proudly on the bustling Anna Salai (formerly Mount Road). After it was erected in 1959, it marked a significant milestone in India`s architectural journey. Before this, almost all the constructions were done with lime and brick method. This was probably the first building made with modern concrete columns. Its construction introduced the pile foundation technique in the country. 

Since India lacked sufficient resources and was not equipped with modern techniques, the corporation outsourced the entire project to the UK. It was designed by two London-based architects, H.J. Brown and L.C. Moulin, and was later completed by L.M. Chitale. Upon its construction, it became one of the most iconic buildings in Chennai, and possibly all of India, for surpassing standard architectural norms. In addition to being the first skyscraper, it is also regarded as the first building with electric elevators. This building became so famous that a popular catchphrase emerged, referring to its height: "As tall as the LIC."

The building has concrete walls on the eastern and western sides, and the north and south are fitted with glass windows. About 1,000 tons of steel and 3,000 tons of cement were used in the construction of the building. This structure was strategically built for proper air ventilation and lighting. It was also termed an "energy-saving" model, due to its construction. 

For over 35 years, this commercial building remained the tallest structure in Chennai, only to be surpassed by the Hyatt Regency Building on Anna Salai in the mid-1990s. But it took not more than 3 years for the Usha Kiran Building to become Mumbai's first skyscraper and the country's tallest building, which was 80 metres high. 

After almost 65 years, this building stands as a testament to the shift and transition in the Indian architectural landscape, still holding the title of the "first skyscraper in India" which is functional even today.