Chennai's history dates back to the early part of the 17th century. It was not a Greater Chennai then but a large village near the coasts of the Bay of Bengal. India itself was a scarcely populated country before its Independence. Chennai was not an exception too, the few densely populated nearby villages where Egmore, Triplicane and Vepery. As the village is located nearest to the coast of the Bay of Bengal, 'Kuppam's where famous those days. These Kuppams are still a lively place among the fishing communities of Chennai. Right from Thazhankuppam, Nettukuppam near Ennore to Ayothyakuppam near Santhome and Pattinapakkam (Fore Shore Estate) one can across 20-25 kuppams near the coast.
Portuguese in Chennai
Portuguese were the earliest of all the European settlers who entered Chennai in the early part of the 16th Century. In the year 1522 AD they built a port named São Tomé near the village of Mylapore. In the following year the legendary Santhome Church was built in honor of St Thomas. Later the Portuguese went on to build famous churches like the Little Mount Church in 1551, St Mary's Church and Luz Church during the early part of the 17th century.
The arrival of the Dutch
Portuguese flourished their trade and social activities for almost 150 years since the 16th century. However they lost their stronghold on the city after the arrival of the Dutch during the early part of the 17th century, 1612 AD to be exact. Pulicat was the capitol of the Dutch East India company and was an happening place during the 17th century. Pulicat port was very famous for its textile and mineral imports during this period. Apart from Pulicat, Sadras fort which is located some 17 kms from Mahabalipuram is famous for its Dutch styled cemetery, secret chambers and warehouses, some survive to till date.
French vs British Raj
During 1746 French had their first victory over the British and captured Fort St George and Madras. Because the East India Company was rich with its business base at Chepauk and Black town (North of Fort St George), French troops destroyed these villages. Though French had their first establishment in Pondicherry in the 17th century, the rivalry between them and the English reached new heights during the 18th century. It was only in that instance (1746) that French gained the upper hand on the British Raj.
The British East India Company
Though Dutch and British arrived almost at the same time, British emerged victorious among all other settlers during the 18th Century. It was in 1637 that the East India Company arrived at the modern day George Town via Francis Day's vessel. The total population of Madras during 1646 was 19000 locals and 10000 Portuguese, Dutch and English settlers. Though English had different ideas after the 18th century, it was only during their period (17th and 18th centuries) that Chennai flourished. The very first monumental work of the English is the Fort St George constructed during 1640 AD. The first British Hospital started on 16th November 1664 is still standing tall as the Government General Hospital. Later during the 18th and 19th centuries the Britishers constructed many schools, colleges, hospitals and churches. Other notable monuments are Memorial Hall – 1860 , Madras Museum - 1862, Public works Department 1865, Post and Telegraph office – 1884, Victoria Public Hall / Town Hall – 1887, High Court - 1892, Bank of Madras – 1896, Connemara Library – 1896 etc. One of the greatest services that Britishers offered to Chennai is its railways. It was in the year 1856 the first railway line from Royapuram to Arcot was built. Though the Britishers are long gone, their historical monuments and service to the community is still remembered.
The ancient temples of Chennai
Long before the village of Madras the entire part of the northernmost Tamilnadu was called Tondai Nadu or Tondaimandalam. Almost from the beginning of the Christian era some ancient temples are still standing tall. Some of them are the Kapaleeswarar temple of Mylapore, the Parthasarathy temple of Triplicane, the Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmyur and Tyagarajar Temple at Tiruvotriyur etc.
Villages of Chennai and their history
George town - This is the place which marks the beginning of the present day North Madras, it is bordered by the Wall Tax road in the west, North Ford Road (P.H Road) in the south, Chennai port in the east and the Basin Bridge in the north. This is the place where the modern city of Madras began its expansion in the early 17th century.
Triplicane - This is one of the oldest villages in the entire Tondai Nadu. Along with her sister Mylapore, she is famous for her temples. Triplicane derived from the tamil word Thiru-Alli-Keni (Sacred Lilly pond) which is claimed to be the pond in front of the Parthasarathy Temple.
Mylapore - Mylapore derives its name from "Mayil arparikum oor" which means land of peacock scream. During ancient times this place was called 'Vedapuri' and it was a well known port city even to the Greeks and the Romans then. Arguably Mylapore might be the oldest village in Chennai.
Egmore - Egmore known as Ezhumboor in Tamil derived its name from "Ezhum Voor" meaning seven villages together. An inscription found in Tamilnadu mentions “Ezhumur nadu” (Egmore) coming under “Puliyur kottam (division) which, in turn, fell under “Jayamkonda Chola mandalam, says KRA Narasiah, a well-known researcher and historian.
Tondiarpet - One of the ancient villages of Chennai derived its name from "Thondiar Nagaram". One of the famous Tamil Muslim saint called "Kunangudi Masthan Sahib" of the 17th century is believed to have meditated in this region. Later on people called him Thondiar meaning "Man from Thondi". Tondiarpet was earlier called "Lebbai Kaadu" associated with the Muslim community who lived there in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Royapuram - Very near to the village of Tondiarpet, Royapuram derives its name from "Rayar Puram" meaning St Peter's town. St Peter is fondly remembered as Rayappar by the Catholic community and hence the name. The famous St Peter's church was built in the early 19th century by the Christian fishing community which migrated from the village of Chepauk. Royapuram silently holds the record to own the first railway station of South India. To the north of Royapuram, there is a place called Clive Battery even today. It is said that Robert Clive a British officer gathered his battery of artillery at this place and fought against the French troop. In the early 19th century Britishers used to throw social parties which were called 'Rave' party. 'Rave' party became Rave while Clive's Battery became Clive battery. Both these places are adjacent to the town of Royapuram.
Chepauk - Located close to the village of Triplicane and Mylapore, Chepauk is said to derive its name from the Urdu "Che Bagh) means a place of six gardens. The Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah or famously the Nawab of Arcot resided in Chepauk palace during the 18th century. Wallajah road in Chepauk remembers this great man to till date.
Purasawalkam - It was once a land of paddy fields, Neem trees and the famous "Flame of the forest" tree - "Mullu Murungai" or "Purasai" tree in Tamil, when it is full of flowers it gives an impression of a Forest fire. Even today this tree stands tall in the famous Gangadeeswarar Temple on Gangadeeswarar Koil Street.
Nungambakkam - Another old village which dates back to the 11th century AD, it features in the copper plate referring to Rajendra Chola. It had vast empty lands till the early 20th century but is the centre of attraction today. The Valluvar Kottam high road is still called 'Village Road" due to its long history.
Perambur - A couple of centuries back, it was a bamboo forest. It derives its name from Tamil word Perambu (Bamboo) and Oor (village).
Thiruvottiyur - One of the most ancient places in Chennai and is the home for many famous temples like Thyagaraja Temple or famously called the Vadivudaiamman Temple, Pattinathar temple etc. It is believed that Kambar composed Ramayana in this very own Vadivudaiamman Temple. Thiruvottiyur derives its name from the Tamil word 'Thiruvodu' and 'Oor' meaning 'begging bowl of the sanyasis' and 'Village' respectively. Pattinathar spent his final years in this area with a 'Thiruvodu', hence the name. The North Madras residents would have comes across a small area called 'Kaladipettai' in Thiruvottiyur. Like the 'Rave' and 'Clive Battery' areas of Royapuram, the Kaladipet has an interesting history as well. In 1719 British Governor Joseph Collett founded a new colony for weavers and painters of cloth near Tiruvottiyur. This village was called 'Collettpetah' in his honor. Like many other English names getting localized 'Collettpetah' became 'Kaladipettai'.
Chetpet - It is believed that Chetpet derived its name from 'Chettiar Pettai'. One of the famous master builders during the 19th century, T. Namberumal Chetty, had most of his bungalows in this region, hence the name. This place also has a rich history for its Dhobikhana dating back to the 19th century.
Chintadripet - It derives its name from Tamil, "Chinna Thari Pettai". Weaver's village, Chintadripet is a twin sister to the 'Collettpetah' as both these villages came into existence in equal times. During early 18th century the Dubashes and chief merchants of the English East India Company engaged in the supply of cotton goods rose to great prosperity. One of them is Alangatha Pillai who founded and built the Ekambareswarar Temple, and another of them, Sunkurama had a large garden in the bend of the Cooum River south of Periamet which was taken over in 1735 for a new weavers' village known as Chintadripettah.
Washermanpet - It derives its name from Tamil "Vannaara Pettai". It was during the period of Governor Joseph Collett that cotton trade reached great prosperity. The village of Peddunaickenpettah where the weavers and painters settled complained that the water of the river was not pure. They were subsequently relocated to the north of the Black Town where the ground water was rich with fresh springs. The place where they settled was, therefore, known as Washerman Town and its present appellation of Washermanpet is apt.
Chennai's history cannot be explained in just one webpage and there are lot to be explored. The one common mistake committed by our ancestors was not to record the events and literature in a safer way. The historic evidence that we got of Chennai and Tamil Nadu by large is just a tip of an iceberg. Most of the information that we have now is from the journals of various English officers and not from Tamil scholars. Hope we can carry our cultural history to the generations to come.
Portuguese in Chennai
Portuguese were the earliest of all the European settlers who entered Chennai in the early part of the 16th Century. In the year 1522 AD they built a port named São Tomé near the village of Mylapore. In the following year the legendary Santhome Church was built in honor of St Thomas. Later the Portuguese went on to build famous churches like the Little Mount Church in 1551, St Mary's Church and Luz Church during the early part of the 17th century.
The arrival of the Dutch
Portuguese flourished their trade and social activities for almost 150 years since the 16th century. However they lost their stronghold on the city after the arrival of the Dutch during the early part of the 17th century, 1612 AD to be exact. Pulicat was the capitol of the Dutch East India company and was an happening place during the 17th century. Pulicat port was very famous for its textile and mineral imports during this period. Apart from Pulicat, Sadras fort which is located some 17 kms from Mahabalipuram is famous for its Dutch styled cemetery, secret chambers and warehouses, some survive to till date.
French vs British Raj
During 1746 French had their first victory over the British and captured Fort St George and Madras. Because the East India Company was rich with its business base at Chepauk and Black town (North of Fort St George), French troops destroyed these villages. Though French had their first establishment in Pondicherry in the 17th century, the rivalry between them and the English reached new heights during the 18th century. It was only in that instance (1746) that French gained the upper hand on the British Raj.
The British East India Company
Though Dutch and British arrived almost at the same time, British emerged victorious among all other settlers during the 18th Century. It was in 1637 that the East India Company arrived at the modern day George Town via Francis Day's vessel. The total population of Madras during 1646 was 19000 locals and 10000 Portuguese, Dutch and English settlers. Though English had different ideas after the 18th century, it was only during their period (17th and 18th centuries) that Chennai flourished. The very first monumental work of the English is the Fort St George constructed during 1640 AD. The first British Hospital started on 16th November 1664 is still standing tall as the Government General Hospital. Later during the 18th and 19th centuries the Britishers constructed many schools, colleges, hospitals and churches. Other notable monuments are Memorial Hall – 1860 , Madras Museum - 1862, Public works Department 1865, Post and Telegraph office – 1884, Victoria Public Hall / Town Hall – 1887, High Court - 1892, Bank of Madras – 1896, Connemara Library – 1896 etc. One of the greatest services that Britishers offered to Chennai is its railways. It was in the year 1856 the first railway line from Royapuram to Arcot was built. Though the Britishers are long gone, their historical monuments and service to the community is still remembered.
The ancient temples of Chennai
Long before the village of Madras the entire part of the northernmost Tamilnadu was called Tondai Nadu or Tondaimandalam. Almost from the beginning of the Christian era some ancient temples are still standing tall. Some of them are the Kapaleeswarar temple of Mylapore, the Parthasarathy temple of Triplicane, the Marundeeswarar Temple at Tiruvanmyur and Tyagarajar Temple at Tiruvotriyur etc.
Villages of Chennai and their history
George town - This is the place which marks the beginning of the present day North Madras, it is bordered by the Wall Tax road in the west, North Ford Road (P.H Road) in the south, Chennai port in the east and the Basin Bridge in the north. This is the place where the modern city of Madras began its expansion in the early 17th century.
Triplicane - This is one of the oldest villages in the entire Tondai Nadu. Along with her sister Mylapore, she is famous for her temples. Triplicane derived from the tamil word Thiru-Alli-Keni (Sacred Lilly pond) which is claimed to be the pond in front of the Parthasarathy Temple.
Mylapore - Mylapore derives its name from "Mayil arparikum oor" which means land of peacock scream. During ancient times this place was called 'Vedapuri' and it was a well known port city even to the Greeks and the Romans then. Arguably Mylapore might be the oldest village in Chennai.
Egmore - Egmore known as Ezhumboor in Tamil derived its name from "Ezhum Voor" meaning seven villages together. An inscription found in Tamilnadu mentions “Ezhumur nadu” (Egmore) coming under “Puliyur kottam (division) which, in turn, fell under “Jayamkonda Chola mandalam, says KRA Narasiah, a well-known researcher and historian.
Tondiarpet - One of the ancient villages of Chennai derived its name from "Thondiar Nagaram". One of the famous Tamil Muslim saint called "Kunangudi Masthan Sahib" of the 17th century is believed to have meditated in this region. Later on people called him Thondiar meaning "Man from Thondi". Tondiarpet was earlier called "Lebbai Kaadu" associated with the Muslim community who lived there in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Royapuram - Very near to the village of Tondiarpet, Royapuram derives its name from "Rayar Puram" meaning St Peter's town. St Peter is fondly remembered as Rayappar by the Catholic community and hence the name. The famous St Peter's church was built in the early 19th century by the Christian fishing community which migrated from the village of Chepauk. Royapuram silently holds the record to own the first railway station of South India. To the north of Royapuram, there is a place called Clive Battery even today. It is said that Robert Clive a British officer gathered his battery of artillery at this place and fought against the French troop. In the early 19th century Britishers used to throw social parties which were called 'Rave' party. 'Rave' party became Rave while Clive's Battery became Clive battery. Both these places are adjacent to the town of Royapuram.
Chepauk - Located close to the village of Triplicane and Mylapore, Chepauk is said to derive its name from the Urdu "Che Bagh) means a place of six gardens. The Nawab Muhammed Ali Khan Wallajah or famously the Nawab of Arcot resided in Chepauk palace during the 18th century. Wallajah road in Chepauk remembers this great man to till date.
Purasawalkam - It was once a land of paddy fields, Neem trees and the famous "Flame of the forest" tree - "Mullu Murungai" or "Purasai" tree in Tamil, when it is full of flowers it gives an impression of a Forest fire. Even today this tree stands tall in the famous Gangadeeswarar Temple on Gangadeeswarar Koil Street.
Nungambakkam - Another old village which dates back to the 11th century AD, it features in the copper plate referring to Rajendra Chola. It had vast empty lands till the early 20th century but is the centre of attraction today. The Valluvar Kottam high road is still called 'Village Road" due to its long history.
Perambur - A couple of centuries back, it was a bamboo forest. It derives its name from Tamil word Perambu (Bamboo) and Oor (village).
Thiruvottiyur - One of the most ancient places in Chennai and is the home for many famous temples like Thyagaraja Temple or famously called the Vadivudaiamman Temple, Pattinathar temple etc. It is believed that Kambar composed Ramayana in this very own Vadivudaiamman Temple. Thiruvottiyur derives its name from the Tamil word 'Thiruvodu' and 'Oor' meaning 'begging bowl of the sanyasis' and 'Village' respectively. Pattinathar spent his final years in this area with a 'Thiruvodu', hence the name. The North Madras residents would have comes across a small area called 'Kaladipettai' in Thiruvottiyur. Like the 'Rave' and 'Clive Battery' areas of Royapuram, the Kaladipet has an interesting history as well. In 1719 British Governor Joseph Collett founded a new colony for weavers and painters of cloth near Tiruvottiyur. This village was called 'Collettpetah' in his honor. Like many other English names getting localized 'Collettpetah' became 'Kaladipettai'.
Chetpet - It is believed that Chetpet derived its name from 'Chettiar Pettai'. One of the famous master builders during the 19th century, T. Namberumal Chetty, had most of his bungalows in this region, hence the name. This place also has a rich history for its Dhobikhana dating back to the 19th century.
Chintadripet - It derives its name from Tamil, "Chinna Thari Pettai". Weaver's village, Chintadripet is a twin sister to the 'Collettpetah' as both these villages came into existence in equal times. During early 18th century the Dubashes and chief merchants of the English East India Company engaged in the supply of cotton goods rose to great prosperity. One of them is Alangatha Pillai who founded and built the Ekambareswarar Temple, and another of them, Sunkurama had a large garden in the bend of the Cooum River south of Periamet which was taken over in 1735 for a new weavers' village known as Chintadripettah.
Washermanpet - It derives its name from Tamil "Vannaara Pettai". It was during the period of Governor Joseph Collett that cotton trade reached great prosperity. The village of Peddunaickenpettah where the weavers and painters settled complained that the water of the river was not pure. They were subsequently relocated to the north of the Black Town where the ground water was rich with fresh springs. The place where they settled was, therefore, known as Washerman Town and its present appellation of Washermanpet is apt.
Chennai's history cannot be explained in just one webpage and there are lot to be explored. The one common mistake committed by our ancestors was not to record the events and literature in a safer way. The historic evidence that we got of Chennai and Tamil Nadu by large is just a tip of an iceberg. Most of the information that we have now is from the journals of various English officers and not from Tamil scholars. Hope we can carry our cultural history to the generations to come.
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