| |
 |
| The history of Chennai is predominantly marked by the rise
and fall of great South Indian dynasties and colonial powers.
During first century A.D. the region was an important administrative
and economic centre. The region used to be ruled by the Chola's,
then Pallava's, followed by Vijayanagar rulers. The popular
temples and archaeological findings reveal the close connections
of this place with the great dynasties. The early settlements
were centered somewhere near Mylapore suburbs. This part of
the city, then, constituted a major port. The next conspicuous
event was the coming of the Europeans.
The Portuguese were first amongst the foreigners to arrive
the city. The early conquests were primarily meant for trade
as the city provided one good entry point into the Indian
mainland. The Portuguese arrived in 1522 A.D. followed by
Dutch in 1612 A.D. The last to come was the British East India
Company. The East India Company bought the lands here from
Nayak of Vandavasi and got the permanent settlement rights.
A year later Fort St.George was established and that increased
the stronghold of East India Company over the region. The
modern city of Chennai has grew as a result of expansion and
development of that very particular place. The place during
those days was famous as Madrasemen. Trade and commerce flourished
within short span of time. The French seizing an opportunity
in the year 1746, attacked the fort and captured it. After
three years a treaty was signed and that put the region once
again into the hands of the British.
By 18th century A.D. the region had fully grown into a major
urban centre. It was then that Madras Presidency was established.
The city became the state capital after independence and continued
to be called by the name Madras. However, in August 1996 the
name of the city was officially changed to Chennai.
Valluvar Kottam marks the memorial
of one of the renowned poet and saint of the region, Thiruvalluvar.
The monument stands as a massive auditorium on a dry lake
that was filled with the garbage and debris. The auditorium
was thrown open to public in the year 1976. The memorial
is a revered place in the city as it is considered to
bear the impressions of the Tamil culture. Read
more....
|
|
