Madras Presidency

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Madras Presidency was an administrative subdivision (presidency) of British India. At its greatest extent, it included most of southern India, including the present-day Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and parts of Kerala and Odisha. The capital of the presidency was Madras, now known as Chennai.

History[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency was established in 1653 by the British East India Company as the Agency of Fort St George. It was elevated to a presidency in 1684. The presidency expanded over the next two centuries through both direct conquest and the annexation of princely states.

Early Period[edit | edit source]

The British East India Company established its first settlement in the region at Masulipatnam in 1611. The agency was moved to Madras in 1639, where Fort St George was constructed. The presidency was formally established in 1653.

Expansion[edit | edit source]

The presidency expanded significantly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Key acquisitions included the Northern Circars in 1765, the Carnatic region in 1801, and the annexation of the Kingdom of Mysore in 1831. The Anglo-Mysore Wars and the Anglo-Maratha Wars were significant conflicts that led to the expansion of the presidency.

Administration[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency was administered by a Governor, who was appointed by the British Crown. The Governor was assisted by a council. The presidency was divided into several districts, each headed by a District Collector.

Geography[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency covered a vast area of southern India. It was bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Western Ghats to the west, and the Eastern Ghats to the north. Major rivers included the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of the Madras Presidency was primarily agrarian. Major crops included rice, cotton, and indigo. The presidency also had significant textile and salt industries. The Madras Railway network, established in the mid-19th century, facilitated trade and commerce.

Education and Culture[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency was a center of education and culture in southern India. The University of Madras, established in 1857, was one of the first modern universities in India. The presidency was also home to several prominent cultural institutions, including the Madras Music Academy.

Independence Movement[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. Prominent leaders from the region included C. Rajagopalachari, Annie Besant, and Subramania Bharati. The presidency was a major center of the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Dissolution[edit | edit source]

The Madras Presidency was dissolved in 1947 following India's independence. It was reorganized into the state of Madras State, which was later renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969. Parts of the presidency were also incorporated into the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.