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| Madras High court 1880 image. Alamy.com |
George Town, one of Chennai’s oldest quarters, was initially known as "Black Town" and dates back to the mid-17th century, when the British East India Company began establishing their influence on India's southeastern coast. This region lies adjacent to Fort St. George, which was set up by the British in 1640 after officials like Francis Day negotiated with local Nayak rulers for a stretch of land.
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| Black Town, Madras, Colonial time en.wikipedia.org |
George Town, originally known as "Black Town," is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chennai, tracing its origins to the establishment of Fort St. George by the British East India Company in 1640. Located near this fort, George Town emerged as a significant urban settlement during the colonial period. The area was initially reserved for Indian residents and traders, while "White Town" housed the British settlers and administrative offices near the fort. Over time, Black Town became a bustling commercial hub, deeply intertwined with the region's economic history and serving as a gateway for foreign traders, especially after the British secured trading rights along the Coromandel Coast. This division was based more on race than on services offered by the natives.
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| Colonial Ftt.St. George and adjacent area Madras en.wikipedia.org |
Fort St. George, constructed to safeguard British trading interests, soon became the political and economic center for the British in southern India. Black Town was strategically positioned just outside the fort's walls and became home to Indian artisans, merchants, and workers essential to the British economy. The area accommodated a large Tamil-speaking population, alongside other communities, including Armenians, Gujaratis, and Marwari merchants. Due to its diverse demographic, Black Town served as a melting pot of languages and cultures, a characteristic that shaped its vibrant marketplace and unique heritage.
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| colonial White Black Town Indiaslideserve.com |
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| Colonial madras White town slideserve.com |
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| Black Town, Madras, Colonial time en.wikipedia.org |
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| colonial Madras Black Town. slideserve.com |
Architectural and Cultural Legacy
George Town’s architecture reflects a blend of colonial and traditional South Indian styles, with prominent religious and civic buildings that stand to this day. For instance, the Kalikambal Temple, a key landmark, exemplifies the integration of local faiths within a colonial setup. It was built by Tamil intermediaries, or “Dubashes,” who played an important role in mediating between the British and local merchants. Another significant structure, the Armenian Church on Armenian Street, remains a symbol of the area's once-thriving Armenian community, who were involved in regional trade networks. Additionally, many heritage buildings in the area, including Gokhale Hall and various market structures, highlight the architectural richness of George Town's commercial legacy.
Transformation into George Town
In 1911, Black Town was officially renamed George Town in honor of King George V's visit to India. The town’s vibrant markets, such as Parry’s Corner and Mint Street, further expanded, facilitating the trade of textiles, spices, and other goods. Parry’s Corner, named after the EID Parry Company established by British entrepreneur Thomas Parry, became an important commercial landmark. Meanwhile, Mint Street was named after a colonial mint that operated in the vicinity, symbolizing the area's economic significance.
Modern Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Today, George Town remains a bustling business district, though urban development pressures threaten its historical architecture. Several structures face challenges related to preservation, as rapid modernization often disregards the need to maintain these historical sites. However, efforts by heritage enthusiasts and conservation organizations aim to protect and revitalize these colonial-era landmarks, ensuring that George Town's cultural and historical identity endures in Chennai's urban landscape.
For more insights into George Town's history see the following
based on Nov 15. 2014 Novarangblog.com
https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/forgotten-george-town/article5764328.ece
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Town_Chennai
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 - based on ''Race and Services'' offered by native!!){kind=link}