Chennai

From ArticleWorld

Chennai is the fourth largest metropolitan city of India. Having a history of around 370 years, with its rich heritage of culture and legacy of monuments and temples was a flourishing place throughout. It was formerly ruled by famous South Indian Dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas, the Pandyas and the Vijay Nagar empires. In those days it was a strategic center for administration, Army and academic pursuits.

History

In 1639, the British East India Company had been granted land by Nayak of Vandavasi for permanent residence and a base for commercial activities. After Fort St.George was built, most of the concentration of the colonial city had settled in Madras, around the fort. The British had turned the city into a major urban center and a naval base. The then other important cities Calcutta and Mumbai had been connected by the advent of railways for facilitating trade and telecommunication. In 1947 after Indian Independence, Madras city became the Capital of the then Madras State. During the eventual formation of states along with linguistic lines, the state of Madras was renamed Tamil Nadu of which madras was retained as its Capital.

Economy culture & tradition

Chennai, having a large commercial & industrial background is the automobile capital of India also called the Detroit of South Asia. Chennai Open, the only ATP Tennis Tournament of India is hosted here.

The Bharatnatyam, the Official dance of Tamil Nadu is a very popular Indian Classical Dance that has of late gained acclaim globally too. Kala Shreshta in south Chennai promotes Bharatnatyam. It provides for teaching, holding competitions, managing shows and has kept the traditional values and cultures intact.

Chennai is the home of a thriving & hugely diverse Tamil Movie industry, churning out about 300 movies a year and sound tracks of various genres for a large following of music buffs. It is the host a five week long music season claiming to be one of the biggest cultural programme by performing the Dravadian Carnatic music by hundreds of artists of national and international repute.

Chennai is also sought after as an attractive tourist destination for its long sandy beaches, historical temples and divine architecture, having monuments and landmarks, cultural and art centers and having beautiful parks. The 12 km long Marina Beach has always been a major retreat and is held as a place of pride in Chennai. India’s smallest national park, Guindy National Park is located here. The famous hand woven Kanchipuram silk sarees, contemporary and traditional art, stone sculptures and jewelry are also very much sought after.