Every year on August 22, Chennai briefly turns to its past to commemorate when the land was purchased by the East India Company for settlement, thus forming Madras. However, Chennai has never been merely a city that exists neatly in one time or one name. It is Madras and Chennai, colonial forts and concrete flyovers, air filled with the devotion of Carnatic music and the electric frenzy of film songs, cool sea breeze and a scorching afternoon.
Between the aroma of filter coffee and the jasmine flowers that adorn long tresses, the city’s history refuses to sit quietly in museums and libraries; it lingers in its streets and its food.
Here’s a look are five fascinating facts about Chennai or Madras.
World War 1 connection
Madras (now Chennai), holds a rather unusual place in India’s wartime history. In 1914, during World War I, the German light cruiser SMS Emden bombarded the city, making it the only Indian city to come under attack during the war. The attack targeted oil storage tanks near the harbour and lasted for just a few minutes, but left an enduring mark on the city’s history.
Home of Chicken 65
The fiery, crispy Chicken 65 was born in Madras. It is widely believed to have originated at the iconic Buhari Hotel in the city in 1965. The dish, with its deep-fried chicken, red chilli and distinctive spices, has since travelled far beyond its birthplace, becoming a staple on Indian restaurant menus worldwide.
India’s ‘Health Capital’
From advanced cardiac care to cancer treatment and organ transplantation, Chennai has emerged as one of India’s biggest healthcare destinations. Often called India’s ‘Health Capital’, the city attracts patients from across the country and abroad, thanks to its concentration of specialised hospitals, doctors and medical institutions.
The Anna Centenary Library
The Anna Centenary Library, spread across 8 acres, is among the largest libraries in Asia. Opened in 2010, the vast facility can accommodate around 1.2 million books, making it a monument to Chennai’s long-standing relationship with education and learning.
Spencer Plaza
Long before Chennai’s sprawling malls, there was Spencer Plaza. Established in the 1860s during British rule, it is regarded as one of India’s oldest shopping complexes. What began as a department store eventually evolved into the iconic commercial complex that still stands on Mount Road, connecting modern Chennai to its colonial past.
