- Madras Day, observed on August 22, commemorates the founding of Madras, currently known as Chennai.
- The East India Company (EIC) purchased the town of Madrasapatnam on August 22, 1639, creating the groundwork for the modern-day city of Chennai.
- The EIC developed trading posts and fortified colonies throughout the eastern and western coasts, resulting in the establishment of Madras as an important hub.
Madras to Chennai transition
- British authority: The region was under British authority until 1947, when India attained independence, and both the state and the city were referred to as Madras.
- The state was officially renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969, and Madras was renamed Chennai in 1996 as a reference to its historical roots.
Madrasapatnam’s History and Importance
- The origins of the name “Madras” are still being discussed, with suggestions ranging from local fisherman to churches to the phrase “pattinam” (coastal town).
- Before the British arrived, Madrasapatnam had a history shaped by numerous kings, notably the Pallavas and Cholas.
Purchase and establishment of Madrasapatnam
- Damarla Venkatapathy Nayak: Through his influence, the English were granted land between the Cooum and Egmore rivers in 1639, where Fort St. George was built.
- Chennapatanam: In honour of Chennappa Nayak, the city around Fort St. George was named Chennapatanam, which later inspired the name “Chennai.”
Growth and Development in Cities
- Chennai grew from Fort St. George and the Black and White towns into an important urban centre over the centuries.
- Under Governor Elihi Yale, a mayor and Corporation were founded, and territories such as Egmore and Tondiarpet were acquired.
Evolution to Tamil Nadu and Chennai
- Post-Independence Era: After British rule ended, Madras province became Madras State.
- Various calls to rename the state Tamil Nadu gathered support, with K P Sankaralinganar’s protest in 1956 being a watershed point.
- The renaming to Tamil Nadu was accepted by Parliament in 1968 and took effect in 1969.
- Chennai’s Renaming from Madras in 1996 was part of a larger drive to shed colonial influences, yet British impact on the evolution of these names cannot be contested.
Identity Maintenance
- The renaming of Madras to Chennai reflects not only a shift in nomenclature, but also the dynamic interplay between historical heritage, regional identity, and post-colonial aspirations.
- The growth of the city exemplifies the numerous threads that weave India’s urban tapestry.
Source: https://chennai.nic.in/history/