28th July 2025 Mr Mani & Beena
Another pen-and-ink artwork by Mr Mani. This lighthouse is located in Tangaseri, Kollam, Kerala. Its distinctive feature is the slanted red and white stripes. The East India Company, a major entity in India’s colonial history, built the tower with an oil lamp. The tower was finished in 1902 and has been repaired multiple times for cracks. In 2016, an elevator was added for visitors.
Tangaseri, a place rich in history, is home to many Anglo-Indians. It retains remnants of the Portuguese settlement, including a port, cathedral, and a Portuguese cemetery, serving as a living testament to its storied past.
Red and white spiral colours are quite common for lighthouses. This ensures that the lighthouse stands out against the general background.
Lighthouses are a vital lifeline for those at sea, especially for local fishermen who often find themselves stranded. Mani’s art serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fleeting nature and the importance of honouring everything that helps save lives, such as this lighthouse in Tangaseri.