Capital of Tamil Nadu – Chennai

Capital of Tamil Nadu: Chennai, previously known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast, Bay of Bengal, Chennai is known as the “Health Capital of India”. It is also known as “Gateway to South India”. With its strategic location, diverse population, and dynamic growth, Chennai continues to play a significant role in shaping the social, economic, and cultural landscape of India.

This article will provide you with information about the city of Chennai.

Capital of Tamil Nadu

Overview of Chennai

Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
Region	Coromandel
District	Chennai district
Former Name	Madras
Established	1639
Government	Municipal Corporation
Area	Megacity- 426 km2 Metro- 5904 km2
Population 2022	Megacity- 12,395,000 Rank- 6th

Historical Background- Capital of Tamil Nadu

The historical background of the capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, is rich and varied, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural and political heritage.

1. Early Settlements: The area around present-day Chennai has a history dating back thousands of years, with evidence of early settlements and trade activities by the Pallavas, Cholas, and other ancient South Indian dynasties.
2. Founding of Madras: Chennai, formerly known as Madras, owes its modern origins to the founding of the British East India Company settlement of Fort St. George in 1639. The British established a trading post here, which later grew into a bustling colonial port city.
3. Colonial Rule: Madras became the capital of the Madras Presidency under British colonial rule. It served as an important administrative, commercial, and military center for the British Empire in India.
4. Cultural Melting Pot: Throughout its history, Madras attracted people from various parts of India and beyond, contributing to its multicultural character. The city became a melting pot of different languages, religions, and traditions.
5. Role in Indian Independence Movement: Madras played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. It was the site of several important events and movements led by Indian nationalist leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and C. Rajagopalachari.
6. Renaming to Chennai: In 1996, the state government officially renamed Madras to Chennai, reclaiming the city’s pre-colonial Tamil roots. The name “Chennai” is derived from the ancient Tamil word “Chennapattanam,” meaning the “town of Chenni,” a local fisherman community.
7. Capital of Tamil Nadu: After India gained independence in 1947, Chennai continued to serve as the capital of the Madras Presidency, which later became the state of Tamil Nadu in 1950. Since then, Chennai has remained the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu.
8. Modern Development: In recent decades, Chennai has experienced rapid urbanization and development, emerging as a major economic, educational, and cultural hub in South India. It is renowned for its IT industry, educational institutions, and vibrant cultural scene.

Population of Tamil Nadu

As of the 2011 census, the population of Tamil Nadu was approximately 72,147,030. However, it’s important to note that this figure is from the 2011 census, and there have been population changes since then. For the most accurate and up-to-date population data, you would need to refer to more recent sources such as estimates from government agencies or academic studies.

10 Points About Tamil Nadu

Here are 10 points about Tamil Nadu:

1. Geographical Location: Tamil Nadu is located in the southern part of India and is bordered by the Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as the union territory of Puducherry.
2. Capital: The capital of Tamil Nadu is Chennai, which is one of the largest cities in India and serves as a major economic, cultural, and educational hub in South India.
3. Language and Culture: Tamil Nadu is predominantly Tamil-speaking and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including classical Tamil literature, music, dance forms like Bharatanatyam, and traditional festivals such as Pongal and Tamil New Year.
4. History: Tamil Nadu has a long and storied history, with evidence of ancient civilizations dating back over 3,000 years. The region was ruled by several powerful dynasties, including the Cholas, Pallavas, and Pandyas, who left behind impressive architectural and cultural legacies.
5. Religion: Tamil Nadu is home to numerous temples, both ancient and modern, and is known as the Land of Temples. Hinduism is the predominant religion, but the state also has significant Christian and Muslim populations.
6. Economy: Tamil Nadu has a diverse economy with sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism contributing significantly to its GDP. The state is known for its automobile manufacturing, textile industries, and IT sector.
7. Education: Tamil Nadu has a strong educational infrastructure with a large number of universities, colleges, and research institutions. The state is known for its emphasis on education and boasts high literacy rates compared to the national average.
8. Politics: Tamil Nadu has a vibrant political landscape characterized by the presence of several regional political parties. Dravidian parties, such as the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), have historically dominated the state’s politics.
9. Natural Beauty: Tamil Nadu is blessed with diverse landscapes, including lush forests, picturesque hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal, and long stretches of coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The state is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
10. Cuisine: Tamil Nadu is renowned for its delicious cuisine, which is characterized by its use of spices, rice, lentils, and coconut. Traditional Tamil dishes such as dosa, idli, sambar, and rasam are enjoyed not only in Tamil Nadu but also across India and the world.

Arts and Culture of Chennai

Some important points on the arts and culture of Chennai include:

1. Chennai is a major cultural center of South India.
2. Chennai has many museums and many festivals are held there.
3. Chennai is a major centre for music, art and culture in India.
4. Chennai has centuries of history and added to UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
5. Chennai has major film production centre and also has Bharatnatyam classical dance centre.

Climate of Chennai

Chennai has a warm and humid climate. The annual average temperature ranges from 25-35 C with an annual rainfall of around 1200 mm.

Economy of Chennai

Chennai is called as the “Detroit of India” due to the presence of a wide range of industries- automobile, IT, manufacturing, healthcare etc.

Madras Stock Exchange is the third largest stock exchange behind the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. According to the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), the economy generated from Chennai is projected to cross US $100 billion.

Chennai is home to a large portion of the automobile industry of India. It produces around 45% of the country’s total auto components.

Education of Chennai

Chennai is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutions of the country. With a literacy rate of over 90%, it ranks 2nd among the metropolitan cities of India. The city has a mix of public and private institutions. University of Madras, IIT Madras, Anna University, College of Engineering are some of the popular universities situated in Chennai.

Tourism of Chennai

Chennai is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Being a place of historical significance and located in the coastal region, Chennai is famous for its beaches and temples. Chennai was the third most visited Indian city in 2015. It is known as the “Gateway to South India.”

Capital of Tamil Nadu – FAQs

What is the capital of Tamil Nadu?

Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu.

What is the old name of Tamil Nadu?

Chennai was previously known as Madras

Why is Chennai the capital of Tamil Nadu?

Chennai became the capital of Tamil Nadu due to its historical significance, strategic location, and economic importance. It was chosen as the capital during the British colonial period and has remained so after India gained independence.

What is the population of Chennai?

As of the 2011 census, the population of Chennai was approximately 7 million. However, the population has likely grown since then, and updated figures may be available from more recent sources.

Is Chennai a cultural hub?

Yes, Chennai is considered a cultural hub, known for its rich heritage in classical music, dance, and literature. It hosts several cultural events, including the Chennai Music Season, one of the largest music festivals in the world.