Country | India |
Population | 6748026 |
Area | 426 km2 (164 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 13.08784, 80.27847 |
Highest elevation | 7 m (23 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a vibrant metropolis with a rich historical and cultural heritage. According to the 2011 Indian census, Chennai is the sixth-most populous city in India, with the fourth-most populous urban agglomeration.
Incorporated in 1688, the Greater Chennai Corporation is the oldest municipal corporation in India and the second oldest in the world, after London. Historically, the region was part of the Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara kingdoms. The area, originally containing the fishing village Madrasapattinam, was purchased by the British East India Company from the Nayak ruler Chennapa Nayaka in the 17th century. The British established the city of Madras, built Fort St. George, and made it the winter capital of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj.
After India gained independence in 1947, Madras continued as the capital of Madras State, which was later renamed Tamil Nadu. In 1996, the city was officially renamed Chennai. Today, Chennai is coterminous with Chennai district and, together with its adjoining suburbs, constitutes the Chennai Metropolitan Area, the 35th-largest urban area in the world by population and one of the largest metropolitan economies in India.
Chennai boasts the fifth-largest urban economy in India and had the third-largest expatriate population in the country. As a gateway to South India, Chennai ranks among the most-visited Indian cities, placing 36th among the most-visited cities globally in 2019. Recognized as a beta-level city in the Global Cities Index, Chennai is consistently rated among the best cities to live in India and one of the safest.
The city is a major center for medical tourism, often referred to as “India’s health capital.” It houses a significant portion of India’s automobile industry, earning the nickname “Detroit of India.” Additionally, Chennai was the only South Asian city listed among National Geographic’s “Top 10 food cities” in 2015 and ranked ninth on Lonely Planet’s list of the best cosmopolitan cities in the world. In October 2017, Chennai was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) list.
Chennai is also a major film production center, home to the Tamil-language film industry, often referred to as Kollywood. The city’s cultural landmarks include the historic Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Its vibrant cultural scene is reflected in its music, dance, and festivals, which attract visitors from across the globe.
Geographically, Chennai is situated on the southeast coast of India, featuring a tropical wet and dry climate. The city covers an area of 426 square kilometers (164 square miles) and experiences hot and humid weather for most of the year, with moderate temperatures during the monsoon season.
Economically, Chennai is a powerhouse with a diverse industrial base that includes automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The city’s port, one of the largest in India, plays a crucial role in international trade.
Chennai’s human resources are bolstered by numerous educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), Anna University, and the University of Madras. These institutions contribute to a highly skilled workforce that supports the city’s various industries.
In summary, Chennai is a dynamic city that blends its rich historical legacy with modern advancements. Its strategic location, economic strength, cultural richness, and educational institutions make it a key player in India’s continued development and a fascinating city for both residents and visitors.
Leave a Reply