Is Chennai still called Madras?

Chennai was previously called Madras. Madras was the shortened name of the fishing village Madraspatnam, where the British East India Company built a fort and factory (trading post) in 1639–40. Tamil Nadu officially changed the name of the city to Chennai in 1996.

What is the new name given to Madras?

Tamil Nadu
In 1967, the DMK defeated the Congress in the Assembly elections and Annadurai became chief minister. A draft resolution was tabled in the Assembly that year, recommending to the Centre that the the name of Madras state be changed from Madras to “Tamil Nadu”.

Why did Madras change its name to Chennai after independence?

Before Independence the name Madras denoted the states Tamil Nadu, present Andhra (also with Telungana)Pradesh and Karnataka under British rule. After Independence on July 17,1966 Madras became Chennai! It was named so in rememberance of land donar to British Chennappa Naik.

Who gave the name Chennai to the capital of Tamil Nadu?

On July 17th 1996, M. Karunanidhi, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu announced in the state assembly that the state capital of Madras would from then on be known as Chennai.

Why is Madras called the capital of South India?

Madras was the official name and later since it was capital for the entire south the south was known as Madras Presidency. After independence Madras presidency was reorganised in four southern states based on languages spoken there, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra and Karnataka.

What is the difference between Madras and Tamil Nadu?

Similarly, Madras state was divided linguistically, the Malayalam speaking Malabar region was made part of the new state of Kerala and a new Union Territory comprising of Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindvi islands was created. Madras State was officially renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969.