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History Lessons

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, has a rich history dating back to ancient Tamilakam, ruled by various South Indian dynasties and known for trade since the 1st century CE. The British established Madras in 1639, making it a significant colonial city and center for the independence movement in the 20th century, leading to its renaming in 1969 to reflect Tamil heritage. Today, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, known for its vibrant culture, economy, and key landmarks.

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54 views2 pages

History Lessons

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, has a rich history dating back to ancient Tamilakam, ruled by various South Indian dynasties and known for trade since the 1st century CE. The British established Madras in 1639, making it a significant colonial city and center for the independence movement in the 20th century, leading to its renaming in 1969 to reflect Tamil heritage. Today, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, known for its vibrant culture, economy, and key landmarks.

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🌆 History of Chennai (formerly Madras)

1. Ancient and Early History (Before 17th Century)


Early Settlements: The region around Chennai was inhabited for thousands of years.
It was part of ancient Tamilakam and ruled by powerful South Indian dynasties like:

Cholas

Pallavas

Pandyas

Vijayanagara Empire

The nearby town of Mylapore (now part of Chennai) was an ancient port city and a
well-known center for trade and religion. Greek and Roman sources mention trade
with this area as early as the 1st century CE.

St. Thomas the Apostle is believed by tradition to have visited and been martyred
in the region around 72 CE.

⚓ 2. Colonial Era – Founding of Madras (17th – 19th Century)


British Arrival (1639):

In 1639, the British East India Company acquired land from the local Nayak rulers.

They established Fort St. George, the first major English settlement in India.

A town grew around the fort, which came to be known as Madraspatnam (or simply
Madras).

Growth as a Colonial City:

Madras became an important base for British trade and military operations.

It was the capital of the Madras Presidency, a major administrative region in


British India.

The city was shaped by European architecture, institutions, and urban planning.

It saw conflicts with the French (Pondicherry) and local rulers like Hyder Ali and
Tipu Sultan.

🇮🇳 3. Independence Movement & Modern Era (20th Century)


Political Awakening:

Madras was a major center of the Indian independence movement.

It played a key role in the Dravidian movement, which opposed caste oppression and
promoted Tamil identity and self-respect.

Leaders like C. Rajagopalachari and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy emerged from this region.

Post-Independence:

After India gained independence in 1947, Madras continued to be a major


administrative and economic center.

In 1969, the city was officially renamed Chennai, reflecting its Tamil heritage.
4. Chennai Today
Capital of Tamil Nadu: Chennai is the state capital and a key cultural, economic,
and educational center in South India.

Economy: Major industries include IT, automobile manufacturing, healthcare, film,


and port trade.

Culture: Known for Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, classical Tamil literature, and
the Kollywood film industry.

Modern Development: Chennai has grown rapidly while maintaining its traditional
roots and vibrant Tamil culture.

📌 Legacy of Chennai
Key Landmarks: Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, San Thome
Basilica, Government Museum

Language & Identity: Strong Tamil identity; the city is a symbol of Tamil pride and
cultural resilience

Nicknames: “Gateway to South India,” “Detroit of India” (due to its automobile


industry)

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