4th Standard Social Science Term-III
The Story of Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency
Madras Presidency was formed in 1801. It was an important province of British India. It was also known as Madras Province and officially known as the Presidency of Fort St. George. It included areas of southern India, such as the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, parts of Odisha and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
The city of Madras now known as Chennai was the capital of the Presidency. In 1862, the province was divided into 22 districts. Then it was divided into 24 districts. Later in 1911, the province was further divided into 26 districts including North Arcot, South Arcot, Chingleput, Madras, Salem, Coimbatore, Trichinopoly, Tanjore, Madura, Ramnad, Tirunelveli and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. It was uner British rule until 1947.
After Independence
After 147 years of its formation, the Madras Presidency was renamed as Madras State in 1947 as India gained Independence.
In 1956, the Madrass State consisted of (four regions comprising of) 13 districts namely Madras, Chengalpattu, North Arcot, South Arcot, Salem, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, The Nilgiris, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram and Kanniyakumari. It was officially renamed as Tamil Nadu in 1969. Let us learn more about the four regions of Tamil Nadu.
REGION - I
Madras
The modern districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu constituted the Madras district. British bought a part of the land from the Nayak rulers in 1639. They built Fort St. George and named the area Madrasapattinam.
Gudiyam Caves are rock shelters in South India and are known or their prehistoric stone tools and evidence of humans living there near by two lakh years ago.
Mamallapuram was created by the Pallava Dynasty. It has many rock sculptures and is declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Uthiramerur, an ancient Chola village, is located in Kancheepuram district. The temple inscriptions of Uthiramerur are notable for their historical descriptions of rural self-governance.
North Arcot
The modern districts of Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur and Ranipettai constituted the North Arcot district.
Vellore Fort is an ancient fort built in 1566 by Chinna Bommi Nayak and Thimma Reddy Nayak.
The Vainu Bappu Observatory is an astronomical observatory. It is located at Kavalur. This is the biggest observatory in Asia.
South Arcot
The modern districts of Villupuram, Cuddalore and Kallakurichi constituted the South Arcot district.
Auroville is an experimental township in Villupuram district near Puducherry. It is a place where people from all over the world come and live together to build a culture of unity.
Gingee Fort also called as Senji Fort is one of the beautiful forts in Tamil Nadu. This fortress is built across three hillocks in Villupuram district. The British called this fort as "Tray of the East".
Porto Novo also called as Parangipettai, is situated in Cuddalore district. The first iron and steel industry of India was located at Porto Novo in 1830.
REGION - II
Salem
The modern district of Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri and Namakkal constituted the Salem district. The name Salem is derived from the word "SAILAM". It means an area surrounded by Mountains.
Mettur Dam also called as Stanely Reservoir was constructed across the river Cauvery in 1934. Hogenakkal is one of the waterfalls located in Dharmapuri district. Boat riding on Coracle made of bamboo is an attraction here. Hosur is an industrial city, located in Krishnagiri district.
Coimbatore
During British India, the Coimbatore district comprised the modern districts of Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, The Nilgiris and a part of Dindigul.
Coimbatore is called as "The Manchester of South India". Anaimalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Coimbatore district. It is now called as Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. Erode district is famous for the production of handloom, power loom ad readymade garments.
The Nilgiris
The Nilgiris was a place of special attraction for the Europeans because of its natural charm and pleasant climate. Doddabetta is the highest peak in the Nilgiris and it is the fourth highest peak in South India.
The 'Queen of Hill Stations' Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty, is the most popular hill station in South India. Ooty was the summer capital of the Madras Presidency. John Sullivan, the district Collector of Coimbatore, is credited for developing the beautiful hill station of Ooty.
REGION - III
Tiruchirapalli
The modern districts of Tiruchirapalli, Karur, Pudukkottai Perambalur and Ariyalur formed the Trichinopoly district.
Tiruchirappalli Rockfort is a temple built on an ancient rock. It is constructed on a rock that is 83 meters tall. There are two Hindu temples inside the fort.
Ranjankudi Fort is located in Perambalur. This fort was constructed by Nawab of the Carnatic.
Gangaikonda Cholapura is located in Ariyalur district. UNESCO declared this temple as one of the world famous heritage monuments. Ariyalur district is also known for its rich prehistoric fossils.
Thanjavur
The modern districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Mayiladuthurai formed the Tanjore District.
Thanjavur is popularly known as the Delta area and the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu". Manora Fort is located in the district of Tanjore. It is known for the eight-storied miniature fortress built by Rajah Serfoji.
Kallanai is an ancient dam built across the River Cauvery in South India. This dam was constructed in 2nd century AD(CE) by the Chola King Karikalan.
Brihadeeswara Temple is popularly known as "Thanjai Periya Koil".
REGION - IV
Madurai
The modern districts of Madurai Ramanathapuram. Theni and parts of Sivagangai, Virudhunagar and Dindigul formed the Madurai district.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace built by Thirumalai Nayakkar located in the district of Madurai. It is classic fusion of Dravidian and Islamic architecture.
Bodinayakkanur is at the foothills of the Western Ghats. It is popularly known as "Cardamom City". It is located i the district of Theni.
Keeladi is located in Sivagangai district. According to Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department report Keeladi is an urban settlement of Sangam Age. This cultural finding belongs to the 6th century BC(BCE).
Tirunelveli
The modern districts of Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi along with a part of Virudhunagar formed the Tirunelveli district.
Tirunelveli is located on the banks of the river Tamiraparani. Courtallam is located on the Western Ghats. It is called as the "Spa of the South India". Kattabomman Memorial Fort was constructed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It is located in Panchalankurichi, 21 km from Thoothukudi. Thoothukudi is called as the Pearl City because pearl fishing is one of the chief occupations carried out in the town.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu possesses many glorious sculptures, paintings, murals adorning walls and pillars. In addition to that giant temple towers (gopurams) were constructed by Tamil Kings. These have preserved the arts and culture of Tamil Nadu. This attracts the tourists all around the world.
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