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Introduction : |
When one thinks of Chennai, a picture comes to the mind of traditionally dressed dancers performing Bharatnatiyam, of shore temples, and exquisite silk.
Chennai was formerly known as Madras. The capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is the fourth largest metro city in India. The city grew around the English settlement of Fort Saint George, and, gradually absorbed the surrounding towns |
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and villages.
The name Madras is a derivation from Madraspatnam, the site chosen by the British East India Company in 1639 for its permanent settlement in India. There is another theory that explains the derivation of the name. It says that the name, Madras, originated from the Portuguese name, Madre de Sois, a Portuguese high authority who was one among the early settlers in 1500. Another small town, Chennapatnam, lay to the south of it. In due course, the two towns were merged, and the term Madras was favored by the British. However, locals used to refer to it as Chennapatnam or Chennapuri. Chennai means ‘beautiful city.’ It is strange, that in spite of the strong British influence, Chennai has retained its traditional Tamil Hindu culture and effectively blended it with the foreign influence.
Chennai's culture reflects its diverse population. In fact, Chennia-ites are known to guard their culture with an unsurpassed zeal! What makes the city particularly charming is its adherence to ancient traditions, even in the face of modernization it has undergone; its willingness to spread out beyond the city limits rather than develop into a multi-storey concrete jungle. The result is a widespread city - still open to skies; a city with several vestiges of its rural past. Chennai is known for its classical dance, Bharatnatiyam, and Hindu temples. Retaining much of its traditional charm, this 350 year old city is the gateway to the south, providing many a fascinating view of southern heritage. Rich in history, temples and shrines to forts and palaces, the past lives easily with the present.
Today, it is a major trade centre, being well linked by road, rail and air to important cities. It is also a sea port. Compared to the other major metros of India, it is far less congested and polluted.
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