Madras

Madras is the former name of the city now known as Chennai, which is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The name “Madras” was derived from “Madraspatnam,” a fishing village located on the Coromandel Coast in South India. The British East India Company established the city of Madraspatnam in the 17th century, and it served as one of their key trading posts on the Indian subcontinent.

In 1996, the government of Tamil Nadu officially changed the name of the city from Madras to Chennai to reflect the city’s Tamil cultural heritage. However, the name “Madras” is still sometimes used colloquially and is associated with the city’s history. Chennai is a major cultural, economic, and educational hub in South India and is known for its rich traditions, diverse cuisine, historical landmarks, and vibrant arts scene.