Who Named Madras As Chennai The Story Of A City's Identity?
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, wasn't always called by this name. For a long time, it was known as Madras, a name that came from the British colonial period. But in 1996, things changed. The city was officially renamed Chennai. This wasn't just about letters on a signboard—it was about culture, identity, and reclaiming local history.
Many believe the name Madras came from "Madraspatnam," a small fishing village where the British East India Company built Fort St. George in 1639. Others think it may have come from "Madrassa," a Persian word for school, or perhaps even from a local village leader. As the British settled, this area grew into a major colonial city. It later became the capital of the Madras Presidency, one of the largest British provinces in India.
The name Chennai is said to come from Chennapattinam, a town built near Fort St. George. This town was likely named after Chennappa Nayaka, the father of a local ruler named Damarla Venkatapathy Nayaka, who gave land to the British. So, while 'Madras' came from colonial times, 'Chennai' has older, local roots that connect to Tamil history.
The name was officially changed on July 17, 1996, by the Tamil Nadu Government. The then Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, who led the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), made the announcement. The aim was to bring the city's name closer to its cultural and linguistic heritage.
Here are the main reasons for the change:
- Local Culture: 'Chennai' sounded more Tamil and felt closer to the city's roots.
- Moving Past Colonialism: Many cities in India were changing their colonial names to local ones.
- Political Identity: Dravidian political movements supported the change as a step toward cultural pride.
Most people in Tamil Nadu, especially Tamil speakers, welcomed the new name. It felt right to use a name that came from their own history. Some older residents missed the name 'Madras', but overall, the change was accepted quickly. Even today, a few places still use the old name, like IIT Madras and Madras High Court, but the city itself is known everywhere as Chennai.
Changing the name wasn't just about history. It helped:
- Build a stronger Tamil identity
- Respect local history before colonial times
- Show the world that Chennai is a modern city with deep roots in its own culture
Today, Chennai is a growing, fast-moving city—especially in areas like South Chennai. One place that shows this change clearly is the Pallavaram-Thuraipakkam Road:
- Prestige Pallavaram Gardens, a new housing project near Pallavaram, shows how modern living and tradition can exist side by side.
- Road widening and infrastructure upgrades here reflect a city that is planning for the future.
- New metro lines and IT hubs are drawing more people to this part of the city.
These changes tell the story of a city that honors its past but is focused on the future.
A: The Tamil Nadu Government, led by M. Karunanidhi in 1996.
A: To reflect Tamil identity and move away from colonial roots.
A: July 17, 1996.
A: Yes. It comes from 'Chennapattinam', a town near Fort St. George.
A: Most welcomed it as a return to cultural roots.
Prestige Group pre launch new project is Prestige Pallavaram Gardens
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