Madras Day: How Madras was founded and why it became Chennai

Subject :History

Section: Modern History

Introduction to Madras Day

Madras Day is celebrated on August 22 to commemorate the founding of Madras (now Chennai).
The city’s inception dates back to 1639 when the East India Company (EIC) purchased Madrasapatnam from local kings.
After India gained independence in 1947, the state and city were initially referred to as Madras.
The state was officially renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969, and Madras was officially changed to Chennai in 1996.

Why the British came to Madras

Early 17th century: British East India Company arrives in India with the primary objective of establishing a trade foothold.
1612: The company’s victory over the Portuguese at Swally Hole (near Surat) secures trading privileges.
Under the guidance of Thomas Roe, the Company obtains an accord from Emperor Jahangir.
Accord grants permission for trading and setting up factories in India in return for providing naval protection.

Establishment of Trading Posts

EIC sets up trading posts known as “Forts” at key sites to enhance trade and engage with local rulers.
Noteworthy trading posts were established in Surat on the western coast and Masulipatnam on the eastern coast.

Search for a Fresh Settlement

Tensions with local rulers and Dutch presence in Pulicat drive Francis Day’s proposal for a fresh settlement.
Resulting in the discovery of Madrasapatnam, which later forms the basis for the development of modern-day Chennai.

The Purchase of Madrasapatnam

Naming Speculations

“Madras” name’s origin has multiple theories, including association with fisherman Madresan and influence from local religious establishments (Madrassa and ‘Madre de Deus’ (French for Mother of God) church).
The suffix “patnam” or “pattinam,” signifying “town on the sea coast“, is a frequently used element in coastal place names.

Historical Background of Madrasapatnam

Madrasapatnam held historical importance under Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara dynasties.
Damarla Venkatapathy Nayak, a chieftain under Venkata III, ceded land to the English in 1639 for Fort St. George’s founding.

Evolution of the Settlement

The settlement around Fort St. George flourished, leading to the naming of the area as Chennapatanam in tribute to Chennappa Nayak.
The modern name “Chennai” is thought to have evolved from “Chennapatanam,” reflecting this historical connection.
Over time, the city expanded, encompassing segregated Black and White towns, and experienced the formation of a mayor and Corporation during Governor Elihi Yale’s leadership.

How Madras became Tamil Nadu and then Chennai

After gaining independence, the Madras province continued as Madras State.
In 1956, Congress leader K P Sankaralinganar initiated a protest to rename the state Tamil Nadu.
Following Sankaralinganar’s demise, the movement was taken up by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.
In 1961, Communist leader Bhupesh Gupta proposed renaming Madras State to Tamil Nadu in Parliament.
CN Annadurai, a notable DMK leader and later Chief Minister, endorsed the proposal.
In 1967, after DMK came to power in the state, a resolution was passed in the State Assembly, leading to constitutional changes and eventual renaming in 1969

Chennai: Shedding Colonial Influences

Renaming Madras to Chennai aligned with the wider movement of Indian cities discarding colonial-era names to affirm cultural identity.
This trend paralleled renaming instances in other cities like Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in 1996 and Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) in 2001.

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