HISTORY OF MADRAS

1. Ancient Origins:
 The history of Madras dates back to ancient times. The area around
Chennai has a rich historical heritage, with evidence of human
settlements dating back to prehistoric times.
 The region was part of the Chola Dynasty, one of the most powerful
South Indian dynasties, which ruled from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
2. Colonial Era:
 The modern history of Madras began in the 17th century when the
British East India Company established a trading post in 1639, known as
"Fort St. George." This settlement marked the birth of the city.
 The British gradually expanded their presence, and Madras became an
important center for trade and administration in South India.
3. Role in Colonial Rule:
 Madras was a significant administrative center for the British in India
during the colonial period. It served as the capital of the Madras
Presidency, one of the three major administrative divisions of British
India.
 The city played a crucial role in the British Empire's expansion and
trade, especially in cotton and other commodities.
4. Cultural and Educational Hub:
 Madras was also a hub for education and culture, with the
establishment of educational institutions like the University of Madras,
founded in 1857.
 It was an important center for the promotion of classical Indian art
forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.
5. Independence and Post-Independence:
 After India gained independence in 1947, Madras Presidency was
renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969, with Chennai as its capital.
 The city continued to grow and modernize, becoming a major
economic and cultural center in South India.
6. Economic Growth:
 Chennai has evolved into a thriving economic hub, with a diverse
industrial base, including automobile manufacturing, IT, and healthcare
sectors.
 The city is known for its industrial parks, educational institutions, and
medical facilities, making it an attractive destination for both domestic
and international investments.
7. Cultural and Artistic Heritage:
 Chennai remains a stronghold of traditional South Indian culture. It
hosts numerous cultural events, music festivals, and dance
performances throughout the year.
  The city is renowned for its cuisine, which includes famous dishes like
dosa, idli, and filter coffee.
8. Infrastructure and Modernization:
 In recent years, Chennai has seen significant infrastructure
development, including the expansion of its metro rail system, the
growth of IT parks, and improvements in transportation and
connectivity.
9. Natural Beauty:
 Chennai boasts a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal and has
beautiful beaches like Marina Beach. The city's natural beauty is
complemented by historic landmarks like the Kapaleeshwarar Temple
and Fort St. George.

In summary, the history of Madras, now known as Chennai, is a fascinating journey

from its ancient roots to its modern status as a dynamic and culturally rich city in
South India. It has a diverse heritage and continues to evolve as a prominent
economic and cultural center.

History
Pallavaram, now a neighbourhood in southwestern Chennai, has been settled since
the Paleolithic Period. It became an important urban centre during the reign of
the Pallava dynasty, but the area remained largely insignificant until the early 16th
century, when claims that St. Thomas was buried there attracted Armenian and
Portuguese merchants.A trade network developed around the Portuguese port of San
Thome (established in 1522), and in 1639–40 the British East India Company built a
fort and factory (trading post) near the fishing village of Madraspatnam (from which
the name Madras was shortened). At that time the weaving of cotton fabrics was a
local industry, and the English invited the weavers and local merchants to settle near
the fort. By 1652 the factory of Fort St. George was recognized as a presidency (an
administrative unit governed by a president), and between 1668 and 1749 the
company expanded its control. By about 1801 the last of the local rulers had been
shorn of his powers, and the British had become masters of southern India, of which
Madras became the administrative and commercial capital. Upon India’s
independence, the Madras Presidency became Madras state (renamed Tamil Nadu in
1968), with Madras remaining its capital. The government of Tamil Nadu officially
changed the name of the city to Chennai in 1996.

https://www.britannica.com/place/Chennai