Popularly called as the ‘Detroit of India’, the most sensational city of India turns 380! Wow! This makes us supremely nostalgic and takes us down the memory lane. Can we quickly rewind & revisit the significant chapters along the journey of Madras?
Come on! Let us take a few minutes to cherish the historical timeline of ‘Namma Ooru Madras’.
These unforgettable highlights never get old!
- On 22nd August 1639 – our ‘Madras’ was founded by the East Indian company and established from the land bought from Nayak rulers.
The rest is history!
- Do you know which is the first Medical institution in India? It is our very own Madras Medical College. It was established in the year 1664. The oldest institution indeed!
Madras Medical College - Almost everyone would have heard about the famous Kalikambal temple? Located in Parry’s corner, this famous temple witnesses a large number of devotees on a daily basis. It was built very long ago…..around 1678!
- The Chennai Corporation (formerly called as Madras Municipal Corporation) was inaugurated on 29th September 1688. It is known to be the oldest municipal body of the Commonwealth of Nations outside Great Britain.
Madras Corporation - Today there might be water shortage in several areas, but those are the days when the city was thriving with abundant water bodies and resources. The popular Seven Wells Scheme was launched in 1772, which was regarded as the first organized water supply method. Over the years, the crisis level increased mainly due to developmental projects & illegal encroachments. (Let’s unite together to bring back our usual sustenance)
Cooum river - We have a lot many newspaper publications in Chennai, but are you aware of the first newspaper in our city? The first newspaper namely, ‘The Madras Courier’ was founded in the year 1785.
- Do you know that the first general postal system was initially launched in 1786 at the Fort St.George Square?
- The most famous College of Engineering, Guindy was established in the year 1794. It stands tall majestically for about 225 years to date.
- Many of us are familiar with the Triplicane Big Mosque, but do you know when was it built? Also called as ‘Wallajah Mosque’, it was built in 1795.
- The first bookstore chain ever launched in India is ‘Higginbothams’ and the very first bookshop of the country was established at Mount road in 1844.
- The prestigious Egmore museum or Madras museum was built in the year 1851.
Egmore museum It is recognized as the second oldest historic & cultural museum of India.
- How can we not know about our famous Madras High court? Fondly called as the ‘Supreme court of Madras’, it was established in 1862.
Madras High court - We all would have visited the leading shopping malls such as the Ampa Skywalk, Phoenix Market city, Express Avenue and many more. But, the oldest shopping mall of Madras is the Spencer Plaza, launched in the year 1864. It is known to be one of the modern landmarks of the city.
Spencer Plaza - The introduction to Madras city starts with this iconic building. Yes! It is none other than the Central Railway station. This busiest station in South India was inaugurated in 1873 at Parktown.
Central Railway station
An undeniable fact is that among the Indian metropolitan cities, Madras is the chief city of modern India. Top historians, renowned scholars claim Madras to be the first in everything as technically every development began from here – be it education, municipality, hospitals and so on.
In 1996, many cities underwent a change of name – Madras was not an exception. The government of Tamil Nadu officially gave the new name – ‘Chennai’. Though the city got a new name, ‘Madras’ seems to be strongly imprinted in the hearts of the people and even today, many of us use it occasionally.
Our bond with Madras cannot be described in words. It’s something beyond eternity! Do we need specific reasons to love Namma Madras?
Still, these are our top favourite things – A long walk in our lovely Marina beach, The early morning super tasty breakfast containing hot idlis and sambar, Weekend drives along ECR road, Top hero first day first show watching at our local theatres, Visiting the famous attractions of the city like the Vandalur Zoo, Snake park, Fort St.George, etc.
Enjoying a nail-biting CSK match, Budget shopping in T.Nagar & window shopping at our favourite malls, Witnessing the best musical events & shows, Relishing the spiciest Buhari Chicken 65, The appetizing aroma of Filter Kaapi and the list goes on….
Madras is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world with a huge population estimating around 70 lakhs, still, it never fails to embrace diverse cultural and religious beliefs. It is one of the top budget-friendly destinations and that is the reason, people from different economic backgrounds can survive peacefully in this adorable city!
Let us join together to celebrate the spirit of Madras now and forever. We love you Madras!
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