A black-and-white photograph taken in 1978 captures a moment of transition in front of Government Victoria College, Palakkad, where a road was being black-topped using gravel and tar. The image reflects a long journey in the evolution of roads—from prehistoric hunting trails and early trade routes to engineered surfaces designed for modern transport.
Historically, roads began as simple paths cleared of obstacles for movement and trade. By the 8th century, cities like Baghdad had already developed paved roads using tar derived from petroleum. However, such advancements remained limited in scale until the early 20th century, when the rise of motor vehicles created demand for stronger, more durable roads.
Modern road construction drew heavily on the designs of John Loudon McAdam, who introduced layered stone surfaces for stability. These “macadam” roads were later reinforced with tar, giving rise to the term “tarmac,” widely used today.
The 1978 photograph stands as a visual reminder of this technological progression at a local level, documenting the adoption of modern road-building techniques in Kerala and the gradual transformation of infrastructure that supports everyday mobility.
– Vincent Vanur
