Chennai (formerly known as Madras) stands on a territory where the most ancient of all the civilizations on Earth was born. The founders of this civilization were Dravidians – mysterious people whose ancestors still live in India. In modern Chennai the thing that will remind you of the Dravidians is the Kapaleeshwarar temple – Shiva’s sanctuary.
The city itself appeared in 1639 when British East India Company built the first English permanent settlement next to the Madras village. Meanwhile, a fishing fort and a settlement were founded not far from the Madraspatnam village, which was later named Chennapatnam. An Indian town appeared north of Chennapatnam. So there were a “white”, or a Christian town, and a “black” town. In due course the two towns were merged, and the term Madras was favoured by the British. However, locals still called it Chennapatnam or Chennapuri, and in 1996 this became the city’s official name.
Madras is the centre for Hinduistic traditions, Bharata natyam (classic dance) and the centre from temple sculpture, which is at the same time embodiment of Tamil beliefs and mastery.
Nowadays more than 6 million people live here. It is the fourth largest Indian city, the country’s port and the railway junction with a well-developed industry. Moreover, it is the trading and educational centre. For instance, school of arts was founded here in 1870 whereas the first university was built in 1857.
The old city is located in the north, the so-called George Town next to the Chennai harbour. Here you will find the Madras High Court, a good example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Its central tower is 49 meters high and is functioning as a lighthouse. Go south along the coast past modern buildings and you will get to the Fort St. George and the St. Maria Church, consecrated in 1680. The church’s spire is seen from far away. The fort’s façade is a good example of the British colonial style. This building houses the administrative headquarters for the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state, several state institutions and the museum which exhibits items of the British rule.
As for Shiva’s temple, it is remarkable for its gopuram, the rising tower at the temple’s entrance, decorated with numerous sculptures. In the other part of the building you will find a pond and a marquee supported by columns. The pond is overgrown with lotus – a sacred flower.
There are also some other attractions like the deer park, where you can see Indian antelopes, the snake park and the crocodile farm 44 kilometres from Madras. Thousands of Indian and African crocodiles are kept here.
At the same time, a visit to Chennai is also a good opportunity to enjoy the sun and the sea. Its 13-kilometre Marina Beach is one of the biggest in Asia, with the city’s most beautiful buildings rising above the beach.
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