Central Idea

Madras Day celebrated on August 22, commemorates the foundation day of the city of Madras, now known as Chennai.

The Birth of Madras

1639: The East India Company (EIC) purchased the town of Madrasapatnam on August 22, 1639, laying the foundation for the modern-day city of Chennai.
British Presence: The EIC established trading posts and fortified settlements along the eastern and western coasts, leading to the emergence of Madras as a crucial hub.

British Rule: The region remained under British rule until India gained independence in 1947, with both the state and city referred to as Madras.
1969: The state was officially renamed Tamil Nadu, and in 1996, Madras transformed into Chennai as a nod to its historical roots.

Origins of the Name: The origin of the name “Madras” remains debated, with theories suggesting connections to local fishermen, churches, and the term “pattinam” (town on the coast).
Pre-British History: Madrasapatnam had a history shaped by various rulers, including the Pallavas and Cholas, before the British arrival.

Damarla Venkatapathy Nayak: Under his influence, the English were granted a piece of land between the Cooum River and the Egmore River in 1639, where Fort St. George was established.
Chennapatanam: The city around Fort St. George was named Chennapatanam, honoring Chennappa Nayak, which later inspired the name “Chennai.”

Growth of the City: Over the centuries, Chennai evolved from Fort St. George and the Black and White towns into a significant urban center.
Institutionalization: Under Governor Elihi Yale, a mayor and Corporation were established, and areas like Egmore and Tondiarpet were acquired.

Post-Independence Era: After British rule ended, Madras province became Madras State.
Demand for Change: Various demands to rename the state as Tamil Nadu gained traction, with K P Sankaralinganar’s protest in 1956 being a pivotal moment.
Name Change: The renaming to Tamil Nadu was approved by Parliament in 1968 and came into effect in 1969.
Chennai’s Transition: Chennai’s renaming from Madras in 1996 was part of a broader trend to shed colonial influences, though British influence on these names’ evolution cannot be denied.

The transformation of Madras to Chennai is not just a change in nomenclature, but a reflection of the dynamic interplay between historical heritage, regional identity, and post-colonial aspirations.
The city’s evolution stands as a testament to the diverse threads that weave India’s urban tapestry.