CHENNAI A BIOGRAPHY (HB)

Chennai that was Madras is
India?s southern metropolis and is considered by many to be synonymous with
South India. It has the reputation of being conservative, rigid, and
unexciting. Chennai too plays along, preferring to hide its history and
heritage and downplaying its manifold achievements. To set the record
straight, Madras has a strong claim to being the first proper city of modern
India and boasts many debuts in that regard?the first regiment of the Indian
Army was founded here, the city saw the formation of the first urban
corporation in the country, it is home to India?s oldest bookshop, railway
station, and lots more. It is also the city where social reformers fought for
representation and equality for the most depressed classes much before such
movements gained ground elsewhere in India. In short, Chennai is a city of
flair, colour, creativity, and numerous distinctions.? V. Sriram takes us through various aspects
of the city?s history from the time when it was just a set of scattered
villages, through the years of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, to the
(disputed) date of founding of the modern city, the debates surrounding its
two names, the institutions, systems, and structures that were built by its
rulers (from the Cholas to the Vijayanagar kings to the nawabs of Arcot and
the British), the Dravidian politics that came out of the Self-Respect
Movement, arguments and riots over the imposition of Hindi, and a lot else
besides. In addition to its history, he delves into the city?s delectable
food, culture, music, dance, and cinema. Rounding off this portrait, he looks
at the city as a powerhouse of education, medicare, heavy engineering,
automobiles, leather goods, and software.?
He shows us what makes Chennai a thriving city, one that effortlessly
combines the old and the new, and pulses with life, energy, and
opportunities?all attributes of a grand city.