Though Chennai has grown tall in diverse fields in the last few decades, deep in its heart still lies the ancient city of Chennapatnam. Let us take a look at how the city was founded a few centuries ago.
Located along the coast, it was originally an unpolluted and pristine area in the province of Tondaimandalam. It lay between the Pennar river of Nellore and Pennar river of Cuddalore. Slowly the city grew by merging a few villages such as Thiruvotriyur, Tiruallikeni and Tirumylai along the Coromandel Coast.
The Nayak of Poonamallee was the local chieftain who owed allegiance to the Rajah of Chandragiri.
Originally written for The Hindu, read more at https://www.thehindu.com/features/downtown/chennapatnam-legacy-of-a-370yearold-city/article3404348.ece