Chennai

Fort St. George, Chennai

Madras (Baedeker, 1914)

Chennai 80.26884E 13.04434N

GreaterFlamingo-Mudaliarkuppam

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Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is one of the largest cultural, economic, and educational centers in South India. According to the 2011 Indian census, Chennai is the sixth-most populous city and fourth-most populous urban agglomeration in India. The city together with the adjoining regions constitutes the Chennai Metropolitan Area, which is the 36th-largest urban area by population in the world.

History

The region around Chennai has served as an important administrative, military, and economic centre for many centuries. Chennai's history dates back to over 2,000 years ago, with the establishment of the Pallava kingdom in the 4th century. The city was known by various names such as Madraspatnam and Chennapatnam. The British East India Company established a settlement in the area in 1639, which was incorporated into the British Empire. The city was officially renamed Chennai in 1996, in a move to reflect its traditional name before the British colonization.

Geography

Chennai is located on the southeastern coast of India in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu on a flat coastal plain known as the Eastern Coastal Plains. Its average elevation is around 6.7 meters (22 ft), and its highest point is 60 meters (200 ft). The city spans an area of about 426 km² (164 sq mi). The Adyar River and the Cooum River flow through the city, with the Cooum dividing the city into almost equal halves.

Climate

Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate, with the Bay of Bengal influencing it to have hot and humid weather for most of the year. The city experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The hottest part of the year is late May to early June, with maximum temperatures around 38-42 °C (100-108 °F). The monsoon season is from June to September, with the northeast monsoon bringing the majority of its rainfall from October to December.

Economy

Chennai has a diversified economy. The automobile industry is one of the largest in India, with the city and its suburbs being termed as the "Detroit of India". Chennai is also an IT and BPO hub, with the software services sector contributing significantly to the city's economy. The Chennai Port and Ennore Port are among the busiest cargo ports in India, facilitating much of the maritime trade.

Culture

Chennai is known for its vibrant culture, which is a blend of traditional Tamil heritage and British colonial influence. The city is famous for its classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, and its distinctive music form, Carnatic music. Chennai is also home to the Tamil film industry, known as Kollywood. The city hosts the annual Madras Music Season, which has been described as one of the largest cultural events in the world.

Education

Chennai is a major center for education in South India. It is home to several prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Anna University, and Madras Medical College. The city has a literacy rate of over 90%, one of the highest among Indian cities.

Transportation

Chennai is well-connected by land, sea, and air. The Chennai International Airport is the fourth busiest in India in terms of passenger traffic. The city has two major ports, Chennai Port and Ennore Port. Chennai is also a major hub for the railway network in southern India, with the Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore stations serving as the main terminals. The city has a growing public transportation network, including buses, a metro system, and suburban railways.

Challenges

Chennai faces several challenges, including water scarcity, flooding during the monsoon season, and traffic congestion. Efforts are being made to address these issues, including water desalination projects and improvements in public transportation and infrastructure.