Satellite map of Chennai

Research Site Managers: Dr Yaso Nadarajah and Prof. T. Vasantha Kumaran (University of Madras)

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu in India and located at the north-eastern tip of the state. It has a long shoreline bordering the Bay of Bengal. With over four million people and an urban agglomeration of possibly seven million, it is the fourth largest city in India and has the world's second longest beach (Marina). Chennai's initial growth was closely tied to its importance as an artificial harbour and trading centre. The Portuguese were the first to establish a fort of Sao Tome or San Thorme in 1522, pushing back the ancient Pallava port of Mylapore. By 1612, the Dutch established themselves in Pulicat to the north, followed by the British East India Company in 1639, and the establishment of Fort St George in 1640.

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Background

The English used the name of Madras, which came from the root 'Madrasa' and the epithet 'Madrassis' became associated with anyone from the south. The Tamilians use the name of Chennai, which comes from the root 'Chennapatnam'.

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