Lately, many social media reels claim to explain the history of place names in Chennai. However, most of them rely on guesswork rather than evidence. Some repeat old myths. For instance, many claim that Chepauk comes from Cheh Bagh or “Six Gardens.” Others offer newer theories, such as linking Madipakkam to madi, the practice of ritual purity.
Over time, I had almost given up hope of tracing the true origins of these names. However, a 19th-century work now available digitally offers some useful insights.
A Key Source on Chennai’s Place Names
The book in question is Manual of the Administration of Madras Presidency by C. D. Maclean, first published in 1885. Like many colonial works, it spans multiple volumes. It is dense, detailed, and carefully indexed. Although it is not meant for continuous reading, its index makes it an excellent reference tool.
In fact, it often proves more useful than many modern publications.
Insights into Chennai from the Madras Presidency Records
The book covers the entire Madras Presidency from Odisha to Kanyakumari. However, it gives considerable attention to the city of Madras. Scattered throughout are several interesting details. Yet, the most valuable section is the index entry on Madras. This section lists various localities and offers explanations for their names.
Since Maclean does not cite sources, we can only assume these theories were current in his time.
Etymology of Key Localities in Chennai
The list of place names is long. Here are a few examples where the explanations seem relatively clear. Chetpet, for instance, comes from Chetru Pattu, meaning a marshy place. This challenges the popular belief that it derives from “Chetty Pettai.” Egmore has another explanation. It reportedly consisted of seven hamlets, although Maclean lists only six—all from the 18th century.
Interestingly, the name Ezhumooru dates back to at least the 4th century. Perambur, according to Maclean, was once a rattan grove. Later, Vellalars from Madurai and Tirunelveli settled there under the Tondaiman rulers.
Changing Interpretations of Chennai Place Names
Teynampet appears to have had two sections Vanniyar and Vellalar. Maclean links its name to Devanayagam Pettai. This raises an interesting question. Dubash Subba Devanayaka lived nearby in Nungambakkam in the early 19th century. Could this have been his property? Royapettah offers another surprising interpretation.
The book attributes its name to the Vijayanagar ruler Krishnadevaraya.Similarly, Vyasarpadi was already associated with sage Vyasa in the 19th century. According to the book, he considered Thiruvottriyur so sacred that he worshipped Siva from afar instead of entering it.
Lost and Forgotten Names in Chennai
Some place names have disappeared over time. For example, Thousand Lights was once known as Naksha in Hindustani. However, the book does not explain this name. Similarly, Broadway was called Market Theru in Tamil. Wall Tax Road was known as Nel Mandi Theru. Another forgotten name is Samuthira Varavadi—the “bridge over the sea.”
This referred to the early pier that served as the city’s first harbour. Work on it began in 1875. However, repeated cyclones soon destroyed it.
The Long Tank and Chennai’s Lost Water Heritage
Another lost landmark is the Long Tank of Mylapore. As many know, authorities filled it in. They later used the land to develop what is now T. Nagar. However, the book adds an important detail.
When full, the Long Tank could supply water to the city for five months. In addition, about 840 acres of farmland depended on it. Clearly, Chennai’s water problems might have been less severe if such tanks had been preserved.
The Two Pudupettais of Chennai
The book also clarifies a long-standing puzzle—the existence of two Pudupettais. The first is today’s auto spares market. It was once Nawabi property. A Marwari later foreclosed it due to unpaid debt. He then developed it into plots during the 19th century.
The second Pudupettai lies in Royapettah. Dubash Samudra Mudali developed it in the 18th century. He created it as an endowment for the Thiruvatteeswarar temple in Thiruvallikeni.
This article appeared in The Hindu–https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-etymology-of-some-place-names-in-chennai/article70888120.ece
My book, Chennai, A Biography can be ordered–https://sriramv.com/2021/12/27/how-to-buy-autographed-copies-of-chennai-a-biography-from-outstation/20.ece
Very interesting information packed article.