Why Madras name changed as Chennai?

In 1996, Tamil Nadu capital Chennai got its current name. Earlier it was known as Madras. At that time the nationwide trend was to rename cities in native language. Elangovan said Madras was renamed as Chennai in memory of the Telugu ruler Chennappa.

Is Chennai and Madras the same?

In 1996, the Government of Tamil Nadu officially changed the name from Madras to Chennai. At that time many Indian cities underwent a change of name.

Is Madras old name of Chennai?

Chennai, originally known as Madras Patnam, was located in the province of Tondaimandalam, an area lying between Pennar river of Nellore and the Pennar river of Cuddalore. The capital of the province was Kancheepuram.

Who changed Madras into Tamilnadu?

On 26 January 1950, it was formed as Madras State by the Government of India. As a result of the 1956 States Reorganisation Act, the state’s boundaries were re-organized following linguistic lines. The state was finally renamed Tamil Nadu on 14 January 1969 by C.N. Annadurai, Chief Minister.

What was Tamil Nadu before?

Madras State
In 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu, meaning “Tamil country”.

How did the name Madras originate?

The name Madras was Derived from Madrasan a fisherman head who lived in coastal area of Madras. The modern city of “Chennai” arose from the British settlement of Fort St. George and its subsequent expansion through merging numerous native villages and European settlements around Fort St. George into the city of Madras.

Who Built Chennai?

Francis Day and his superior Andrew Cogan can be considered as the founders of Madras (now Chennai). They began construction of the Fort St George on 23 April 1640 and houses for their residence….Acquisitions.