Chennai History is long and staggering with many interesting pieces to be mentioned. Formerly, known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, Chennai is counted amongst the four major metropolitan cities of India. Presently, it is a major commercial, cultural and educational hub of South India. Behind the evolution of this great city, there is equally great history of Chennai.

Origin and history of Chennai dates back to 1st century. Initially, Chennai was a conglomeration of small villages with paddy fields and palms trees. It has gone through the periods of ancient South Indian empires such as Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, then colonization and then modernism. All those great South Indian empires had left great influence of their culture and period. Pallava Port, Parthasarathi Temple, Kapalesvara Temple and some other structures constructed during ancient times are living testimony to that grand period.

Foundation of modern metropolis was laid in 1639 when two merchants of East India Company, Francis Day and Andrew Cogan arrived there to set their trading and manufacturing units. This settlement was named as the St George’s Fort as it was completed on the St George Day in 1640. Outside the ramparts of St George Fort, was established the George Town.

A trip to Chennai history will tell you about how this ancient city got its cosmopolitan character. Apart from ancient South Indian empires, it came under the rule of various colonist rulers like Portuguese, British and French for some time. Portuguese reached there during 16th century. Later, British arrived there with intentions to set their base. In 1746, the city came under the siege of French powers and then again in 1749, British captured it back. By the late 18th century, British formed Madras Presidency by including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in its control.

British brought many changes in Chennai and made it an important city. Chennai was a strong naval base. Another important historical event about Chennai was the introduction of railways. Chennai got linked to other cities like Kolkata and Mumbai by railways during 19th century.

It was only in 1947, when India got independence; Chennai got the status of state capital of Madras State. Madras State was rechristened as Tamil Nadu in 1968. Madras was renamed as Chennai in 1997. Fort St. George serves as the office of State government.

During your Chennai history tours, you can collect interesting information about Chennai.