#MadrasInMini | 45 | Oonjal This is a common sight and a part of the interior decor of a lot of South Indian, and particularly Tamizh homes: the oonjal. The ‘oonjal’ is a swing that is typically anchored to the ceiling of the room, using iron link chains. The bottom is a wooden plank made out of teak wood, usually (as South India used to be a leading trader in teak and rosewood). This is one of the most relaxing pieces of furniture ever, I personally love it. The oonjal used to be a popular item of furniture here but it has decreased since independent homes have given way to flats, and the city having a higher density of people and lesser space. I personally love this too much even though I didn’t exactly grow up with one. This will be something I will buy when I buy my own home! I did this super quick sketch as I went to visit my neighbors from when I was about 10 years old. I used to live in a colony in Annanagar, in a ground floor apartment. My upstairs neighbors became very good family friends for us and I’d spend a long time at their home looking at the drawings of their daughter and just hanging out. Everything looks more or less the same, still, and the familiarity of it all nestled in a partial unfamiliarity that creeped in because of not constantly being in the space. I literally dropped by without any intimation, that's generally how it is here. You don't always call people before you go to their places, you feel free enough to drop in. It was wonderful to go back, to talk to them…and to see old love thrive so beautifully. #Madras #Oonjal #localculture #oldlove
