View source for Chennai

{{Short description|Capital of Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{redirect|Madras}}
{{about|the city|its eponymous district|Chennai district|other uses}}
{{good article}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Chennai
| other_name         = Madras
| nicknames          = Gateway of South India<ref name="OI_Turns375">{{cite news|last=Sharma|first=Reetu|title=Chennai turns 375: Things you should know about 'Gateway to South India'|work=One India|date=23 August 2014|url=https://www.oneindia.com/feature/chennai-turns-375-years-old-things-you-should-know-1507481.html|access-date=20 March 2021|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032944/https://www.oneindia.com/feature/chennai-turns-375-years-old-things-you-should-know-1507481.html|url-status=live}}</ref> <br/> Detroit of India<ref name="USDept1997">{{cite book|title=Business America|date=1997|publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce|page=14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Aa4AAAAIAAJ|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135928/https://books.google.com/books?id=0Aa4AAAAIAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> <br/> Health Capital of India<ref name="HC"/>
| settlement_type    = [[Megacity]]<!-- Chennai is the mother city with a population of more than 10 million, so it is a megacity. If the page includes surrounding places, then it can be mentioned as metropolitan area -->
| image_shield       = Chennai Corporation Emblem.png
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/2/2/2
|border = infobox
|total_width = 300
|image1 = Chennai Central.jpg
|caption1 = [[Chennai Central railway station]]
|image2 = Kapaleeswarar_Temple%2C_Mylapore%2C_Chennai.jpg
|caption2 = [[Kapaleeswarar Temple]]
|image3 = Valluvar_Kottam_Edit1.JPG
|caption3 = [[Valluvar Kottam]]
|image4 = Chennai LabourStatue Closeup.jpg
|caption4 = [[Triumph of Labour]]
|image5 = Kathipara Crop.jpg
|caption5 = [[Kathipara junction|Kathipara Flyover]]
|image6 = Ripon Building Chennai.JPG
|caption6 = [[Ripon Building]]
|image7 = Chennai - bird's-eye view.jpg
|caption7 = [[Marina Beach]]
}}
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|type=shape-inverse|id=Q955990|frame-width=275|stroke-width=2|frame-lat=13.05|frame-long=80.2|zoom=9}}
---------
{{Switcher
| {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|type=shape-inverse|id=	Q1445|frame-width=275|frame-height=275|stroke-width=2|frame-lat=10.83|frame-long=78.60|zoom=6|type2=point|coord2={{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E}}|marker2=city|marker-size2=small}}
| Location in Tamil Nadu
| {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=y|frame-height=275|frame-width=275|frame-lat=23.0681|frame-long=82.6115|zoom=3|
|type=shape-inverse|id=Q668|stroke-width=2
|type2=shape|id2=Q200130|stroke-width2=2
|type3=shape|id3=Q200697|stroke-width3=2
|type4=shape|id4=Q230830|stroke-width4=2	
|type5=shape|id5=Q1819167|stroke-width5=2
|type6=point|coord6={{coord|12|58|56|N|80|9|49|E}}|marker6=city|marker-size6=small}}
| Location in India
}}
| coordinates        = {{Wikidatacoord|Q1352|region:IN-TN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = India
| subdivision_type1  = [[States of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Districts of Tamil Nadu|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Chennai district|Chennai]]{{efn|name=CMA|The [[Chennai Metropolitan Area]] also includes portions of [[Kanchipuram District|Kanchipuram]], [[Chengalpattu district|Chengalpattu]], [[Tiruvallur District|Tiruvallur]] districts adjoining the [[Chennai District]]}}
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = 1639
| named_for          = {{ubl|[[Chennakesava Perumal Temple|Chennakesava Perumal]]|[[Damarla Chennappa Nayaka|Chennappa Nayaka]]}}{{efn|There is a disagreement among scholars as to the origin of the first use of the name.}}
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporation (India)|Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body     = [[Greater Chennai Corporation]]
| leader_title1      = [[Mayor of Chennai|Mayor]]
| leader_name1       = [[Priya Rajan]]
| leader_title2      = Commissioner
| leader_name2       = J. Kumaragurubaran [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CET">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-city-just-got-bigger/articleshow/5393680.cms|title=Chennai city just got bigger|date=30 December 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208145408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-city-just-got-bigger/articleshow/5393680.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 426
| area_metro_km2     = 5904
| area_metro_footnotes = <ref name="CMDA">{{cite web|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/|title=CMDA, about us|publisher=CMDA|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208134637/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|name=CMA}}
| elevation_m        = 7
| elevation_ft       = 23
| population_total   = 6,748,026
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    = [[List of most populous cities in India|6th]]
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite report|title=Cities having population 1 Lakh and above|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, [[Government of India]]|access-date=17 October 2011|year=2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|archive-date=7 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="UA2011">{{cite report|title=Census 2011: Population of cities in India|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42876/download/46544/CLASS_I.xlsx|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, [[Government of India]]|access-date=7 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019053153if_/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/42876/download/46544/CLASS_I.xlsx|archive-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>
| population_metro   = 8,696,010
| population_blank1_title = Metro rank
| population_blank1  = [[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|4th]]
| population_demonym = Chennaiite
| demographics_type1 = [[Gross domestic product|GDP]] (2022–23)
| demographics1_title1 = [[Megacity]]{{efn|name=GDP|The GDP numbers are projected numbers at current prices and correspond to the pre-expansion city limits.}}
| demographics1_info1 = $143.9 billion<ref name="C40">{{cite web|title=Chennai - C40 Cities|url=https://www.c40.org/cities/chennai/|publisher=[[C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group|C40 Group]]|access-date=11 July 2024}}</ref><ref name="GDDP">{{cite report|title=District Income estimates|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ACy4CmwnWHZqLCRvL4vNWyHQbKvRLq8E/view?usp=sharing|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +05:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|Pincode(s)]]
| postal_code        = 600xxx
| area_code          = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91-44]]
| registration_plate = TN-01 to TN-14, TN-18, TN-22, TN-85
| blank_name_sec1    = Official languages
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[English language|English]]
| website            = {{URL|chennaicorporation.gov.in}}
| footnotes          = Population Note: The population as per 2011 census calculated basis pre-expansion city area of 174 sq.km. was 
4,646,732.<ref name="UA2011"/> Post expansion of city limits to 426 sq.km.,<ref name="CET"/> the population including the new city limits was provided by Government of Tamil Nadu was 6,748,026.<ref name="Cpop">{{cite web|url=https://chennai.nic.in/|title=About Chennai district|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Government of Tamil Nadu|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930033706/https://chennai.nic.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2011 census data for the urban agglomeration is available and has been provided.<ref name="UA2011"/>
}}

'''Chennai''',{{Efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=Ta-ind-Chennai_EshwerShiv.ogg|ˈ|tʃ|ɛ|n|aɪ}}; {{IPA|ta|ˈt͡ɕɛnːɐɪ̯|lang}}, [[ISO 15919|ISO]]: {{IAST|Ceṉṉai}}}} also known as '''Madras'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=Madras MW.ogg|m|ə|ˈ|d|r|ɑː|s}} or {{IPAc-en|-|ˈ|d|r|æ|s}}<ref>{{citation|last=Jones|first=Daniel|author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician)|title=English Pronouncing Dictionary|editor-first=Peter|editor-last=Roach|editor-first2=James|editor-last2=Hartmann|editor-first3=Jane|editor-last3=Setter|place=Cambridge|publisher=Cambridge University Press|orig-year=1917|year=2003|isbn=3-12-539683-2}}</ref>}} (its official name until 1996), is the [[capital city|capital]] and [[List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population|largest]] city of [[Tamil Nadu]], the southernmost [[states and territories of India|state of India]]. It is located on the [[Coromandel Coast]] of the [[Bay of Bengal]]. According to the [[2011 Census of India|2011 Indian census]], Chennai is the [[List of most populous cities in India|sixth-most-populous city]] in India and forms the [[List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India|fourth-most-populous urban agglomeration]]. Incorporated in 1688, the [[Greater Chennai Corporation]] is the oldest [[municipal corporation]] in India and the second oldest in the world after [[City of London Corporation|London]].

Historically, the region was part of the [[Chola dynasty|Chola]], [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya]], [[Pallava dynasty|Pallava]] and [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]] kingdoms during various eras. The coastal land which then contained the fishing village Madrasapattinam, was purchased by the [[British East India Company]] from the [[Nayak (title)|Nayak]] ruler [[Damarla Chennapa Nayaka|Chennapa Nayaka]] in the 17th century. The British garrison established the Madras city and [[Chennai port|port]] and built [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St. George]], the first British fortress in India. The city was made the winter capital of the [[Madras Presidency]], a [[Colonialism|colonial]] province of the [[British Raj]] in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. After [[Indian independence movement|India gained independence]] in 1947, Madras continued as the capital city of the [[Madras State]] and present-day Tamil Nadu. The city was officially [[List of renamed Indian cities and states#Tamil Nadu|renamed]] as Chennai in 1996.

The city is coterminous with [[Chennai district]], which together with the adjoining suburbs constitutes the [[Chennai Metropolitan Area]],{{efn|The term Chennai is often used to denote the Chennai Metropolitan Area, colloquially applied for the wider area than just the city. This area includes the city/district of Chennai, and adjacent parts from its three neighbouring districts. This wider usage of the term has been documented as far back as 1639, when the Madras Municipal Corporation was created}} the [[List of urban areas by population|35th-largest urban area in the world by population]] and one of the largest metropolitan economies of India. Chennai has the [[List of cities by GDP|fifth-largest urban economy]] and the third-largest [[expatriate]] population in India. Known as the gateway to South India, Chennai is amongst the most-visited Indian cities by international tourists and was ranked 36th among the most-visited cities in the world in 2019 by [[Euromonitor]]. Ranked as a beta-level city in the [[Globalization and World Cities Research Network|Global Cities Index]], it was ranked as the second-safest city in India by [[National Crime Records Bureau]] in 2023.

Chennai is a major centre for [[medical tourism]] and is termed "India's health capital". Chennai houses a major portion of India's automobile industry, hence the name "[[Detroit]] of India". It was the only South Asian city to be ranked among [[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]'s "Top 10 food cities" in 2015 and ranked ninth on [[Lonely Planet]]'s best cosmopolitan cities in the world. In October 2017, Chennai was added to the [[UNESCO]] Creative Cities Network (UCCN) list. It is a major [[film production]] centre and home to the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil-language film industry]].

== Etymology ==
{{see also|Names of Chennai in different languages}}
The name ''Chennai'' was derived from the name of [[Damarla Chennapa Nayaka|Chennappa Nayaka]], a [[Nayak (title)|Nayak]] ruler who served as a general under [[Peda Venkata Raya|Venkata Raya]] of the [[Vijayanagar Empire|Vijayanagara Empire]] from whom [[East India Company|the British East India Company]] took the town in lease in 1639.<ref name="Hist">{{cite web|url=https://chennai.nic.in/history/|date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209121530/https://chennai.nic.in/history/|archive-date=9 December 2023 |url-status=live |title=History &#124; Chennai District &#124; India }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|via=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=27 November 2023|first=C S|last=Srinivasachari|title=History of the City of Madrae|year=1939|pages=63–69|publisher=P Varadachary and co|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofthecity035512mbp}}</ref> The first official use of the name was in August 1639 in a sale deed to [[Francis Day of Madras|Francis Day]] of the East India Company.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-columns/the-town-temple-resurrected/article2960548.ece|title=The 'Town Temple' resurrected|last=Muthiah|first=S.|date=4 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307234509/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article2960548.ece|archive-date=7 March 2012|location=Chennai, India|url-status=live}}</ref> A land grant was given to the [[Chennakesava Perumal Temple, Chennai|Chennakesava Perumal Temple]] in Chennapatanam later in 1646, which some scholars argue to be the first use of the name.<ref>{{cite book|author=S. Muthiah|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|title=Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India|publisher=Palaniappa Brothers|year=2008|isbn=978-81-8379-468-8|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135924/https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hist"/>

The name ''Madras'' is of native origin, and has been shown to have been in use before the British established a presence in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/which-came-first-madras-or-chennai/article70004592.ece |title=Which came first — Madras or Chennai? |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=3 September 2025|access-date=25 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/when-madras-was-inscribed-in-history-652-years-ago/articleshow/70324895.cms |title=When ‘Madras’ was inscribed in history 652 years ago |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-is-not-alien/article6338551.ece|title=Madras is not alien|first=Suganthy|last=Krishnamachari|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119060322/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-is-not-alien/article6338551.ece|archive-date=19 January 2021}}</ref> A Vijayanagara-era inscription found in 2015 was dated to the year 1367 and mentions the port of Mādarasanpattanam, along with other small ports on the east coast, and it was theorized that the aforementioned port is the fishing port of [[Royapuram]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-is-not-alien/article6338551.ece|title=Madras is not alien|last1=Krishnamachari|first1=Suganthy|date=21 August 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=19 December 2015|issue=Friday Review|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119060322/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-is-not-alien/article6338551.ece|archive-date=19 January 2021}}</ref> ''Madras'' might have been derived from Madraspattinam, a fishing village north of [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St. George]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xPUvqtdfjyAC&pg=PA181|title=The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places|publisher=Britannica Educational Publishing|year=2011|isbn=978-1-61530-202-4|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135929/https://books.google.com/books?id=xPUvqtdfjyAC&pg=PA181|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1996, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] officially [[Geographical renaming|changed]] the name from Madras to Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Madras' 384th anniversary: The making of Madras|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/Aug/22/madras-384th-anniversary-the-making-of-madras-2607438.html|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=22 August 2023|access-date=28 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128054045/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/aug/22/madras-384th-anniversary-the-making-of-madras-2607438.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The name "Madras" continues to be used occasionally for the city as well as for places or things named after the city in the past.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-nalla-madras/article3296560.ece|title=Madras nalla Madras!|date=9 April 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208125552/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/madras-nalla-madras/article3296560.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
{{see also|History of Chennai|Timeline of Chennai history}}

[[Stone Age]] implements have been found near [[Pallavaram]] in Chennai; according to the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI), Pallavaram was a [[megalith]]ic cultural establishment, and pre-historic communities resided in the settlement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Road workers stumble upon ancient grinding stone in Pallavaram|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/road-workers-stumble-upon-ancient-grinding-stone-in-pallavaram/articleshow/6581764.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 September 2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407175605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/road-workers-stumble-upon-ancient-grinding-stone-in-pallavaram/articleshow/6581764.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> The region around Chennai was an important administrative, military, and economic centre for many centuries. During the 1st century [[common era|CE]], a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] poet named [[Thiruvalluvar]] lived in the town of [[Mylapore]], a neighbourhood of present-day Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=Awakening Indians to India|publisher=Central Chinmaya Mission Trust|page=215|year=2008|isbn=978-8-17597-433-3}}</ref> The region was part of Tondaimandalam which was ruled by the [[Early Cholas]] in the 2nd century CE by subduing [[Kurumbas]], the original inhabitants of the region.<ref name="Chist">{{cite web|url=https://chennai.nic.in/history/|title=Chennai, history|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209121530/https://chennai.nic.in/history/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] of [[Kanchipuram|Kanchi]] became independent rulers of the region from 3rd to 9th century CE, and the areas of [[Mahabalipuram]] and Pallavaram were built during the reign of [[Mahendravarman I]].<ref>{{cite book|title=A brief history of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kwnv3I6qIosC&pg=PA173|publisher=Alain Daniélou|page=173|year=2003|first1=Alain|last1=Daniélou|first2=Kenneth|last2=Hurry|isbn=978-1-59477-794-3|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135925/https://books.google.com/books?id=Kwnv3I6qIosC&pg=PA173|url-status=live}}</ref> In 879, Pallavas were defeated by the [[Later Cholas]] led by [[Aditya I]], and [[Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan]] later brought the region under the [[Pandyas|Pandya]] rule in 1264.<ref name="Chist"/> The region came under the influence of [[Vijayanagara Empire]] in the 15th century CE.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chola, Vijayanagara period copper coins found on riverbed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chola-vijayanagara-period-copper-coins-found-on-riverbed/articleshow/104270641.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 October 2023|access-date=28 November 2023|archive-date=16 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016131901/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chola-vijayanagara-period-copper-coins-found-on-riverbed/articleshow/104270641.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Chist"/>

[[File:Fort St. George, Chennai.jpg|thumb|left|18th-century print of Fort St. George, the oldest English settlement in India]]

The [[Kingdom of Portugal|Portuguese]] arrived in 1522 and built a port named São Tomé after the Christian apostle [[Thomas (apostle)|St. Thomas]], who is believed to have preached in the area between 52 and 70&nbsp;CE. In 1612, the [[Dutch East India Company|Dutch]] established themselves near [[Pulicat]], north of Chennai.<ref name="COR">{{cite web |title=Origin of the Name Madras |url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/abFout-GCC/about-chennai/origin-and-growth/ |access-date=25 January 2023 |publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]] |archive-date=6 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406202458/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/origin-and-growth/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 August 1639, Francis Day of the [[British East India Company]], along with the [[Nayak of Kalahasti]] Chennappa Nayaka, met with the Vijayanager Emperor [[Peda Venkata Raya]] at [[Chandragiri]] and obtained a grant for land on the Coromandel coast on which the company could build a factory and warehouse for their trading activities.<ref>{{cite book|title=Symbols of substance : court and state in Nayaka period Tamilnadu|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|page=xix, 349 p., [16] p. of plates : ill., maps; 22&nbsp;cm|year=1998|first1=Velcheru Narayana|last1=Rao|first2=David|last2=Shulman|first3=Sanjay|last3=Subrahmanyam|isbn=978-0-19564-399-2}}</ref> On 22 August, he secured the grant for a strip of land about {{cvt|6|mi|order=flip}} long and {{cvt|1|mi|order=flip}} inland in return for a yearly sum of five hundred [[lakh]] [[Pagoda (coin)|pagodas]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3HCbDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA583|title=Facets of Contemporary history|last1=Thilakavathy|first1=M.|last2=Maya|first2=R. K.|date=5 June 2019|publisher=MJP Publishers|pages=583|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082111/https://books.google.com/books?id=3HCbDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA583#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mXgSDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180|title=Christianity in India: From Beginnings to the Present|last=Frykenberg|first=Robert Eric|date=26 June 2008|publisher=OUP Oxford|isbn=978-0-19826-377-7|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082100/https://books.google.com/books?id=mXgSDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA180#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> The region was then formerly a fishing village known as "Madraspatnam".<ref name="COR"/> A year later, the company built [[Fort St. George]], the first major English settlement in India, which became the nucleus of the growing colonial city and urban Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=A short history of the world|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3QZXvUhGwhAC|publisher=Helicon Publishing|page=277|year=1997|author=Roberts J. M.|isbn=978-0-19511-504-8|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603081944/https://books.google.com/books?id=3QZXvUhGwhAC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Wagret|first=Paul|title=Nagel's encyclopedia-guide|publisher=Nagel Publishers|location=Geneva|year=1977|series=India, Nepal|page=556|isbn=978-2-82630-023-6|oclc=4202160}}</ref>

[[File:Madras (Baedeker, 1914).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Map of Madras, {{circa|1914}}]]

In 1746, Fort St. George and the town [[Battle of Madras|were captured]] by the [[French India|French]] under General [[Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais|La Bourdonnais]], the Governor of [[Mauritius]], who plundered the town and its outlying villages.<ref name="COR"/> The British regained control in 1749 through the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] and strengthened the town's fortress wall to withstand further attacks from the French and [[Hyder Ali]], the [[Kingdom of Mysore|king of Mysore]].<ref>{{cite book|title=A global chronology of conflict|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC&pg=PA756|publisher=ABC—CLIO|page=756|year=2010|first=Spencer C.|last=Tucker|isbn=978-1-85109-667-1|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082105/https://books.google.com/books?id=h5_tSnygvbIC&pg=PA756|url-status=live}}</ref> They resisted a [[Siege of Madras|French siege attempt]] in 1759.<ref>{{cite news|title=Madras Miscellany: When Pondy was wasted|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany-When-Pondy-was-wasted/article15719768.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 November 2010|last=S.|first=Muthiah|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=1 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501074741/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/Madras-Miscellany-When-Pondy-was-wasted/article15719768.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1769, the city was threatened by Hyder Ali during the [[First Anglo-Mysore War]] with the [[Treaty of Madras]] ending the conflict.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of Modern India:1707 A.D. to 2000 A.D|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MS_jrForJOoC&pg=PA94|publisher=Atlantic Publishers and Distributors|page=94|year=2002|author=Radhey Shyam Chaurasia|isbn=978-8-12690-085-5|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082104/https://books.google.com/books?id=MS_jrForJOoC&pg=PA94#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> By the 18th century, the British had conquered most of the region and established the [[Madras Presidency]] with Madras as the capital.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Madras-Presidency|title=Madras Presidency|encyclopedia=[[Britannica]]|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017071545/https://www.britannica.com/place/Madras-Presidency|url-status=live}}</ref>

The city became a major naval base and became the central administrative centre for the British in South India.<ref>{{cite book|title=World and Its Peoples: Eastern and Southern Asia|author=Marshall Cavendish Corporation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ZBaVhmRvCkC&pg=PA442|page=442|isbn=978-0-76147-645-0|year=2007|publisher=Marshall Cavendish|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135935/https://books.google.com/books?id=5ZBaVhmRvCkC&pg=PA442|url-status=live}}</ref> The city was the baseline for the [[Great Trigonometrical Survey|Great Trigonometrical Survey of India]], which was started on 10 April 1802.<ref name="Gill">{{cite report|author=Gill, B.|year=2001|title=Surveying Sir George Everest|publisher=Professional Surveyor Magazine|url=https://www.krcmar.ca/resource-articles/2000_Winter_The%20Big%20Man-%20Surveying%20Sir%20George_1.pdf|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327033525/https://www.krcmar.ca/resource-articles/2000_Winter_The%20Big%20Man-%20Surveying%20Sir%20George_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With the advent of [[Rail transport in India|railways in India]] in the 19th century, the city was connected to other major cities such as [[Bombay]] and [[Calcutta]], promoting increased communication and trade with the [[hinterland]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Understanding the cultural landscape|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2J3YXhZaG8C|publisher=The Guilford Press|page=195|year=2005|first=Bret|last=Wallach|isbn=978-1-59385-119-4|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135930/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2J3YXhZaG8C|url-status=live}}</ref>

After [[Indian independence movement|India gained its independence]] in 1947, the city became the capital of [[Madras State]], the predecessor of the current state of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTamilNadu.htm|title=Madras Renamed Tamil Nadu|work=Hubert Herald|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911082149/http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTamilNadu.htm|archive-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The city was the location of the hunger strike and death of [[Potti Sreeramulu]], which resulted in the formation of [[Andhra State]] in 1953 and eventually the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|re-organization of Indian states]] based on linguistic boundaries in 1956.<ref>{{cite book|last=Murthy|first=Chippada Suryanarayana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xahAAAAAMAAJ|title=Andhra Martyr Amarajeevi Potti Sriramulu|date=1984|publisher=International Telugu Institute}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/explainer-reorganization-states-india-and-why-it-happened-52273|title=The reorganization of states in India and why it happened|date=2 November 2016|access-date=1 June 2024|work=News Minute|archive-date=14 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114014912/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/explainer-reorganization-states-india-and-why-it-happened-52273|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1965, [[Anti-Hindi agitations|agitations]] against the [[imposition of Hindi]] and in support of continuing English as a medium of communication arose which marked a major shift in the [[Politics of Tamil Nadu|political dynamics]] of the city and eventually led to English being retained as an official language of India alongside Hindi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai says it in Hindi|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/chennai-says-it-in-hindi/|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=14 August 2011|author=V. Shoba|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430174614/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/chennai-says-it-in-hindi/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite act|url=http://meity.gov.in/content/official-language-act|title=Official Language Act|legislature=[[Parliament of India]]|year=1963|access-date=24 January 2017}}</ref> On 17 July 1996, the city was officially renamed from Madras to Chennai, in line with then a [[Renaming of cities in India|nationwide trend]] to using less Anglicised names.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/july-17-1996-madras-came-to-be-known-as-chennai|title=Madras renamed Chennai|date=17 July 2013|publisher=Maps of India|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=17 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717002209/https://www.mapsofindia.com/on-this-day/july-17-1996-madras-came-to-be-known-as-chennai|url-status=live}}</ref> On 26 December 2004, a [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|tsunami]] lashed the shores of Chennai, killing 206 people in Chennai and permanently altering the coastline.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Impact of tsunami on meiofauna of Marina beach, Chennai, India|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24110427|journal=Current Science|volume=89|issue=1|last=Altaff|first=K|author2=J Sugumaran, Maryland S Naveed|date=10 July 2005|pages=34–38|jstor=24110427|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=13 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113053446/https://www.jstor.org/stable/24110427|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2015 South Indian floods|2015 Chennai Floods]] submerged major portions of the city, killing 269 people and resulting in damages of {{INRConvert|86.4|b|0}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil Nadu government pegs flood damage at Rs 8,481 crore, CM Jayalalithaa writes to PM Modi|work=Daily News and Analysis|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-tamil-nadu-government-pegs-flood-damage-at-rs-8481-crore-cm-jayalalithaa-writes-to-pm-modi-2148012|date=23 November 2015|access-date=1 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907224318/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-tamil-nadu-government-pegs-flood-damage-at-rs-8481-crore-cm-jayalalithaa-writes-to-pm-modi-2148012|archive-date=7 September 2020}}</ref>

== Environment ==
=== Geography ===
{{Main|Geography of Chennai}}

[[File:Chennai 80.26884E 13.04434N.jpg|thumb|Satellite image of Chennai]]

Chennai is located on the [[Coastline of Tamil Nadu|southeastern coast]] of India in the northeastern part of Tamil Nadu on a flat coastal plain known as the [[Eastern Coastal Plains]] with an average elevation of {{cvt|6.7|m|ft}} and highest point at {{cvt|60|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite report|title=Human Development Report, Chennai|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|url=https://spc.tn.gov.in/Exe_Summary_DHDR/Chennai.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708155304/http://www.spc.tn.gov.in/Exe_Summary_DHDR/Chennai.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 July 2021|page=4|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="highest-point">{{cite journal|last=Pulikesi|first=M|author2=P. Baskaralingam|author3=D. Elango|author4=V.N. Rayudu|author5=V. Ramamurthi|author6=S. Sivanesan|title=Air quality monitoring in Chennai, India, in the summer of 2005|journal=Journal of Hazardous Materials|volume=136|issue=3|pages=589–596|date=25 August 2006|quote=Chennai is fairly low–lying, its highest point being only {{cvt|300|m|ft}} above sea level is a rugged barren hill opposite to the Airport called Pallavapuram Hill.|doi=10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.12.039|pmid=16442714|bibcode=2006JHzM..136..589P | issn = 0304-3894}}</ref> Chennai's soil is mostly [[clay]], [[shale]] and [[sandstone]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Practices and Practitioners|url=http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Urban/Practices-and-practitioners.htm|publisher=Centre for Science and Environment|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227031943/http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Urban/Practices-and-practitioners.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Clay underlies most of the city with sandy areas found along the river banks and coasts where rainwater [[Surface runoff|runoff]] [[percolation|percolates]] quickly through the soil. Certain areas in South Chennai have a hard rock surface.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/quality-of-groundwater-better-this-year/articleshow/7381926.cms|title=Quality of groundwater better this year|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|date=29 January 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426110806/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Quality-of-groundwater-better-this-year/articleshow/7381926.cms|archive-date=26 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmi|first=K.|title=Tardy monsoon: Chennai water table rises only marginally|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=28 August 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tardy-monsoon-chennai-water-table-rises-only-marginally/article3828935.ece|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922181939/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tardy-monsoon-chennai-water-table-rises-only-marginally/article3828935.ece|archive-date=22 September 2020}}</ref> As of 2018, the city had a green cover of 14.9 per cent, with a per capita green cover of 8.5 square metres against the [[World Health Organization]] recommendation of nine square metres.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lopez|first=Aloysius Xavier|title=A Rs. 228-cr. project to take city's green cover to 20%|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=31 August 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-228-cr-project-to-take-citys-green-cover-to-20/article24824653.ece|access-date=2 September 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203112857/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-228-cr-project-to-take-citys-green-cover-to-20/article24824653.ece|archive-date=3 December 2020}}</ref>

{{As of|2017}}, water bodies cover an estimated {{cvt|3.2|km2}} area of the city.<ref name="Shrunk">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-chennai-one-of-the-worlds-wettest-major-cities-ran-out-of-water/articleshow/80680182.cms?from=mdr|title=How Chennai, one of the world's wettest major cities, ran out of water|date=4 February 2021|access-date=1 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529002022/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/how-chennai-one-of-the-worlds-wettest-major-cities-ran-out-of-water/articleshow/80680182.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> Two major rivers flow through Chennai, the [[Cooum River]] (or ''Koovam'') through the centre and the [[Adyar River]] to the south.<ref name="River">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/its-official-chennais-rivers-are-dead/articleshow/97076908.cms|title=It's official: Chennai's rivers are 'dead'|date=18 January 2023|access-date=1 June 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=7 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507030243/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/its-official-chennais-rivers-are-dead/articleshow/97076908.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> A section of the [[Buckingham Canal]] built in 1877–78, runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal coast, linking the two rivers.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/city/2020/08/30/those-were-the-days-buckingham-canal-and-its-sociopolitical-influences|title=Those were the days: Buckingham Canal and its socio-political influences|date=30 August 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[Daily Thanthi]]|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628082601/https://www.dtnext.in/city/2020/08/30/those-were-the-days-buckingham-canal-and-its-sociopolitical-influences|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kosasthalaiyar River]] traverses through the northern fringes of the city before draining into the Bay of Bengal, at [[Ennore Creek]].<ref name="Ennore">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Jan/06/fishersmull-peoples-plan-for-ennore-creek-restoration-2648396.html|title=Fishers mull 'people's plan' for Ennore creek restoration|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=6 January 2024|access-date=10 June 2024|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628082552/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Jan/06/fishersmull-peoples-plan-for-ennore-creek-restoration-2648396.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Otteri Nullah]], an east–west stream, runs through north Chennai and meets the Buckingham Canal at [[Basin Bridge]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-along-otteri-nullah-complain-of-pollution-health-risk-and-flooding/article67263643.ece|title=Residents along Otteri Nullah complain of pollution, health risk and flooding|date=3 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112217/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-along-otteri-nullah-complain-of-pollution-health-risk-and-flooding/article67263643.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Water table|groundwater table]] in Chennai is at {{cvt|4–5|m}} below ground level on average and is replenished mainly by rainwater.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Susheela|last1=Raghavan|first2=Indira|last2=Narayanan|editor=S.Muthiah|title=Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India, Volume 1|publisher=Palaniappa Brothers|year=2008|page=13|chapter=Chapter 1: Geography|isbn=978-8-18379-468-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135924/https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|url-status=live}}</ref> Of the {{cvt|24.87|km}} coastline of the city, {{cvt|3.08|km}} experiences erosion, with sand accretion along the shoreline at the [[Marina beach]] and the area between the [[Ennore Port]] and [[Kosasthalaiyar river]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmi|first=K.|title=T.N. lost 41% shoreline to erosion: study|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 November 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-lost-41-shoreline-to-erosion-study/article25458192.ece|access-date=10 November 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129180742/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-lost-41-shoreline-to-erosion-study/article25458192.ece|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Geology ===
Chennai is situated in [[Seismic hazard|Seismic Zone III]], indicating a moderate risk of damage from [[earthquakes]].<ref>{{cite news|last=John|first=Ekatha Ann|title=Disaster body for panel to monitor highrises in Chennai|location=Chennai|date=29 September 2012|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/disaster-body-for-panel-to-monitor-highrises-in-chennai/articleshow/16596651.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112216/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/disaster-body-for-panel-to-monitor-highrises-in-chennai/articleshow/16596651.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Owing to the tectonic zone the city falls in, the city is considered a potential [[geothermal energy]] site. The [[crust (geology)|crust]] has old granite rocks dating back nearly a billion years indicating volcanic activities in the past with expected temperatures of {{cvt|200-300|°C}} at {{cvt|4-5|km}} depth.<ref>{{cite news|last=Yadav|first=Priya|title=Soon, power from ancient rocks|location=Chennai|date=10 January 2013|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/soon-power-from-ancient-rocks/articleshow/17962871.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 January 2023|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925233731/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/soon-power-from-ancient-rocks/articleshow/17962871.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Chennai has the dry-summer version of a [[tropical savanna climate]] (''As''),<ref>{{cite book |last1=Elbeltagi |first1=Ahmed |last2=Pande |first2=Chaitanya B. |last3=Moharir |first3=Kanak N. |last4=Pham |first4=Quoc Bao |last5=Singh |first5=Sudhir Kumar |title=Climate Change Impacts on Natural Resources, Ecosystems and Agricultural Systems |date=13 February 2023 |publisher=[[Springer International]] |isbn=978-3-03119-059-9 |page=348}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Khan |first1=Ansar |last2=Akbari |first2=Hashem |last3=Fiorito |first3=Francesco |last4=Mithun |first4=Sk |last5=Niyogi |first5=Dev |title=Global Heat Island Migration |date=2022 |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=978-0-323-85539-6 |page=160 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7JYEAAAQBAJ&dq=chennai+dry+summer+climate+As+koppen&pg=PA160}}</ref> closely bordering the dry-winter version (''Aw'') due to a February average rainfall of {{cvt|4.7|mm}}. The city lies on the [[thermal equator]] and as it is also located on the coast, there is no extreme variation in seasonal temperature.<ref name="CMDAA">{{cite web|title=About Chennai|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/tenders/ChengalpattuNewTownDevelopmentPlan/TOR.pdf|page=28|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]}}</ref> The hottest time of the year is from April to June with an average temperature of {{cvt|35–40|°C}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heat may gradually relent over most parts of the State after June 18, says IMD|date=15 June 2023|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heat-may-gradually-relent-over-most-parts-of-the-state-after-june-18-says-imd/article66973265.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 November 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112216/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heat-may-gradually-relent-over-most-parts-of-the-state-after-june-18-says-imd/article66973265.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The highest recorded temperature was {{cvt|45|°C}} on 31 May 2003.<ref name="IMDE">{{cite report|url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf|title=Climatology tables:Extremes till 2012|publisher=[[India Meteorological Department]]|access-date=29 May 2023|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The coldest time of the year is in December{{ndash}}January, with average temperature of {{cvt|19|–|25|C|F}} and the lowest recorded temperature of {{cvt|13.9|°C|°F}} on 11 December 1895 and 29 January 1905.<ref name="IMDNorm">{{cite report|title=Climatology tables:Normal 1981-2010|url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20(STATWISE).pdf|publisher=[[India Meteorological Department]]|page=279|access-date=29 May 2023|archive-date=20 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620142419/https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Chennai receives most of its rainfall from the [[northeast monsoon]] between October and December while smaller amounts of rain also come from the [[southwest monsoon]] between June and September. The dry season is between January and May, with March having the least average rainfall at {{cvt|3.4|mm}}. The average annual rainfall is about {{cvt|120|cm}}.<ref>{{cite report|title=Ground Water Brochure, Chennai|url=https://cgwb.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-10/chennai.pdf|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=Central Ground Water Board, [[Government of India]]|archive-date=13 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213065623/https://cgwb.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-10/chennai.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The highest annual rainfall recorded was {{cvt|257|cm}} in 2005.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northeast monsoon dumps 57% excess rainfall in Tamil Nadu in 2021|date=31 December 2021|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/northeast-monsoon-dumps-57-excess-rainfall-in-tamil-nadu-in-2021-1066547.html|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|access-date=31 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112216/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/northeast-monsoon-dumps-57-excess-rainfall-in-tamil-nadu-in-2021-1066547.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Prevailing winds in Chennai are usually southwesterly between April and October and northeasterly during the rest of the year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/easterly-southeasterly-winds-keep-city-cool/articleshow/58454114.cms|title=Easterly, southeasterly winds keep city cool|date=1 May 2007|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112216/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/easterly-southeasterly-winds-keep-city-cool/articleshow/58454114.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The city relies on the annual monsoon rains to replenish water reservoirs.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://mausam.imd.gov.in/chennai/mcdata/ne_monsoon_2022.pdf|title=Northeast Monsoon, 2022|publisher=[[India Meteorological Department]]|access-date=19 March 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112218/https://mausam.imd.gov.in/chennai/mcdata/ne_monsoon_2022.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> [[North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone|Cyclones and depressions]] are common features during the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=NE monsoon sets in, brings in copious rains|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/2005/oct/12imd.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926100107/https://www.rediff.com/news/2005/oct/12imd.htm|archive-date=26 September 2020|work=[[Rediff]]|date=12 October 2005|access-date=1 June 2011}}</ref> Water inundation and flooding happen in low-lying areas during the season with significant flooding in [[2015 South India floods#Chennai|2015]] and [[2023 Chennai floods|2023]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai Flooded, 2015 All Over Again! Cyclonic Storm Michaung to blame or infrastructure|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/chennai-flooded-2015-all-over-again-cyclonic-storm-michaung-to-blame-or-infrastructure-article-105728590|work=Times Now|date=4 December 2023|access-date=5 December 2023|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204114100/https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/chennai-flooded-2015-all-over-again-cyclonic-storm-michaung-to-blame-or-infrastructure-article-105728590|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{#section:Geography of Chennai|weatherbox}}

=== Flora and fauna ===
[[File:GreaterFlamingo-Mudaliarkuppam.jpg|thumb|[[Greater flamingo]]s wintering at Mudaliarkuppam]]

{{Main|Flora and fauna of Chennai}}

A protected [[estuary]] on the Adyar River forms a natural habitat for several species of birds and animals.<ref>{{cite book|author=S. Theodore Baskaran|editor=S. Muthiah|title=Madras, Chennai: A 400-year Record of the First City of Modern India, Volume 1|publisher=Palaniappa Brothers|year=2008|page=55|chapter=Chapter 2: Wildlife|isbn=978-8-18379-468-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629135924/https://books.google.com/books?id=tbR_LLkqdI8C|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai is also a [[Birding in Chennai|popular city for birding]] with more than 130 recorded species of birds have been recorded in the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pictorial Handbook: Birds Of Chennai|last=G. Thirumalai and S. Krishnan|date=July 2005|publisher=Zoological Survey of India|place=Kolkata|url=http://www.vedamsbooks.com/no41408.htm|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=18 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618145534/http://www.vedamsbooks.com/no41408.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Marshy wetlands such as [[Pallikaranai wetland|Pallikaranai]] and inland lakes also host a number of migratory birds during the monsoon and winter.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/PDF/WET.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321122516/http://www.tnenvis.nic.in/PDF/WET.pdf|archive-date=21 March 2012|title=Wetlands in Tamil Nadu|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=12 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/chennai-welcomes-migratory-birds-here-is-a-guide-to-begin-bird-watching/article67457419.ece|title=Chennai welcomes migratory birds. Here is a guide to begin bird watching|date=27 February 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=28 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628082552/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/chennai-welcomes-migratory-birds-here-is-a-guide-to-begin-bird-watching/article67457419.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The southern stretch of Chennai's coast from Tiruvanmiyur to Neelangarai are favoured by the endangered [[olive ridley sea turtle]]s to lay eggs every winter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/good-nesting-season-of-olive-ridley-turtles-ends-along-chennais-coast/article66854180.ece|title=Good nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles ends along Chennai's coast|date=23 May 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208075300/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/good-nesting-season-of-olive-ridley-turtles-ends-along-chennais-coast/article66854180.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Guindy National Park]] is a protected area within the city limits and wildlife conservation and research activities take place at [[Arignar Anna Zoological Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/wildlife-centre-at-vandalur-zoo-replaces-night-safari/article5314832.ece|title=Wildlife centre at Vandalur zoo replaces safari|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730145915/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/wildlife-centre-at-vandalur-zoo-replaces-night-safari/article5314832.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> [[Madras Crocodile Bank Trust]] is a [[herpetology]] research station, located {{cvt|40|km}} south of Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/madras-crocodile-bank-trust-and-its-partner-ngos-in-india-working-to-raise-awareness-on-snakebites/article67329345.ece|title=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and its partner NGOs in India working to raise awareness on snakebites|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=22 September 2013|access-date=29 August 2022|archive-date=27 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927154926/https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/madras-crocodile-bank-trust-and-its-partner-ngos-in-india-working-to-raise-awareness-on-snakebites/article67329345.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Shankar Raman|first=T. R.|author2=R. K. G. Menon|author3=R. Sukumar|title=Ecology and Management of Chital and Blackbuck in Guindy National Park, Madras|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=93|issue=2|pages=178–192|year=1996|url=http://blackbuck.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/raman-menon-sukumar-jbnhs.pdf|access-date=21 Jul 2012|archive-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718093532/http://blackbuck.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/raman-menon-sukumar-jbnhs.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The city's tree cover is estimated to be around {{cvt|64.06|km2}} with 121 recorded species belonging to 94 genera and 42 families. Major species include [[Copper pod]], [[Indian beech]], [[Gulmohar]], [[Samanea saman|Raintree]], [[Neem]], and [[Tropical Almond]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Tree cover in city is only around 15%|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=11 February 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/tree-cover-in-city-is-only-around-15/article22719066.ece|access-date=11 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730152628/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/tree-cover-in-city-is-only-around-15/article22719066.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The city's marine and inland water bodies house a number of fresh water and salt water fishes, and marine organisms.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.fisheries.tn.gov.in/includes/assets/cms_uploads/pdf/glance/Fisheries_Policy_Note_2022-23_English.pdf|title=Fisheries policy note|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=29 August 2022|archive-date=25 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625144534/https://www.fisheries.tn.gov.in/includes/assets/cms_uploads/pdf/glance/Fisheries_Policy_Note_2022-23_English.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/569 |title=Species persistence: a re-look at the freshwater fish fauna of Chennai, India |journal=Journal of Threatened Taxa |date=2010 |doi=10.11609/JoTT.o2519.1334-7 |access-date=1 August 2023 |last1=Knight |first1=J.D. Marcus |last2=Devi |first2=K. Rema |volume=2 |issue=12 |pages=1334–1337 |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208112216/https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/569 |url-status=live |doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Environmental issues ===
[[File:Chitlapakkam-lake-chennai-7-r.jpg|thumb|[[Chitlapakkam Lake]] in the southern part of the city]]

Chennai had many lakes spread across the city, but [[urbanization]] has led to the shrinkage of water bodies and wetlands.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/vanishing-wetlands/article6860776.ece|title=Vanishing wetlands|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730150251/https://www.thehindu.com/features/kids/vanishing-wetlands/article6860776.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmi|first=K.|title=The vanishing waterbodies of Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 April 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-vanishing-waterbodies-of-chennai/article23404437.ece|access-date=21 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127175534/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-vanishing-waterbodies-of-chennai/article23404437.ece|archive-date=27 November 2020}}</ref> The water bodies have shrunk from an estimated {{cvt|12.6|km2}} in 1893 to {{cvt|3.2|km2}} in 2017.<ref name="Shrunk"/> The number of wetlands in the city has decreased from 650 in 1970 to 27 in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Next time by water|url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2015/12/12/next-time-by-water|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|access-date=11 December 2015|issn=0013-0613|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027132431/https://www.economist.com/asia/2015/12/12/next-time-by-water|archive-date=27 October 2020}}</ref> Nearly half of the native plant species in the city's wetlands have disappeared with only 25 per cent of the erstwhile area covered with aquatic plants still viable.<ref>{{cite news|last=K.|first=Lakshmi|title=Indigenous flora in city wetlands under threat|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 January 2019|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indigenous-flora-in-city-wetlands-under-threat/article26039519.ece|access-date=3 February 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203021114/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indigenous-flora-in-city-wetlands-under-threat/article26039519.ece|archive-date=3 February 2021}}</ref> The major water bodies including the Adyar, Cooum and Kosathaliyar rivers, and the Buckingham canal are heavily polluted with effluents and waste from domestic and commercial sources.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/issues-of-pollution-raised-at-meeting-for-adyar-river-restoration/article6194140.ece|title=Adyar River pollution|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730140403/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-society/issues-of-pollution-raised-at-meeting-for-adyar-river-restoration/article6194140.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/TNs-Cooum-river-80-dirtier-than-sewage/articleshow/3382689.cms|title=Couvum River pollution|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310100749/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/tns-cooum-river-80-dirtier-than-sewage/articleshow/3382689.cms|archive-date=10 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="River"/> The encroachment of urban development on wetlands has hampered the sustainability of water bodies and was a major contributor to the floods in 2015 and [[2023 Chennai floods|2023]] and [[2019 Chennai water crisis|water scarcity crisis in 2019]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/living-without-water-in-chennai/article28065458.ece|title=Living without water in Chennai|last=V|first=Jinoy Jose P|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 June 2019|language=en|access-date=19 June 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225161257/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/living-without-water-in-chennai/article28065458.ece|archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Nagarajan|last2=Megson|first2=Jody|last3=Wu|first3=Jin|first1=Ganesh|title=How One of the World's Wettest Major Cities Ran Out of Water|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-02-03/how-a-water-crisis-hit-india-s-chennai-one-of-the-world-s-wettest-cities|access-date=15 February 2021|newspaper=[[Bloomberg News]]|date=3 February 2021|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402180757/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-02-03/how-a-water-crisis-hit-india-s-chennai-one-of-the-world-s-wettest-cities|archive-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>

The Chennai River Restoration Trust set up by the government of Tamil Nadu is working on the restoration of the Adyar River.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/good-governance/tamil-nadu/Muck-in-Chennai-rivers-may-soon-turn-manure/articleshow/49074041.cms|title=Muck in Chennai rivers to turn into manure|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102012423/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/good-governance/tamil-nadu/Muck-in-Chennai-rivers-may-soon-turn-manure/articleshow/49074041.cms|archive-date=2 January 2016}}</ref> The [[Environmentalist Foundation of India]] is a volunteering group working towards wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/more-citizens-initiatives-for-restoring-waterbodies/article7748606.ece|title=More citizens initiative for restoring water bodies|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730150443/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/more-citizens-initiatives-for-restoring-waterbodies/article7748606.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/water-security-mission-to-watch-out-for-citys-needs/article7700011.ece|title=Water security mission to watch out for city's needs|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407180443/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/water-security-mission-to-watch-out-for-citys-needs/article7700011.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Chennai|Religion in Chennai}}
{{Historical population
|state = collapsed
|source = {{ubl|
*1639–1791:<ref>{{cite book|title=Vestiges of Old Madras, Vol 3|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.24142|chapter=Population of Madras|author=H. D. Love|year=1913|page=557}}</ref>
*1871–1901:<ref>{{cite book|title=Imperial Gazetter of India, Volume 16|year=1908|publisher=Clarendon Press}}</ref>
*1871–1931:<ref>{{cite book|title=The politics of heritage from Madras to Chennai|url=https://archive.org/details/politicsheritage00hanc|url-access=limited|author=Mary Elizabeth Hancock|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=2008|isbn=978-0-253-35223-1|page=[https://archive.org/details/politicsheritage00hanc/page/n236 220]}}</ref>
*1931–1951:<ref>{{cite book|title=Madras Rediscovered|last=Muthiah|first=S.|year=2004|author-link=S. Muthiah|publisher=East West Books (Madras) Pvt Ltd|isbn=81-88661-24-4|page=22}}</ref>
*1951–1961:<ref>{{cite book|title=Studies in Demography|first=Sangya|last=Srivastava|publisher=Anmol Publications PVT. LTD|year=2005|isbn=978-81-261-1992-9|page=251}}</ref>
*1991–2001:<ref>{{cite report|title=Statistical handbook 2017 – 2018|url=https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s313f3cf8c531952d72e5847c4183e6910/uploads/2018/06/2018062923.pdf|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|archive-date=18 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118180529/http://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s313f3cf8c531952d72e5847c4183e6910/uploads/2018/06/2018062923.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2001:<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=2011 Census results|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=7 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
*2011:<ref name="Cpop"/>
}}
|1639| 7000
|1646| 19000
|1670| 40000
|1681| 200000
|1685| 300000
|1691| 400000
|1715| 100000
|1726| 100000
|1733| 100000
|1791| 300000
|1871| 367552
|1881| 405848
|1891| 452518
|1901| 509346
|1911| 518660
|1921| 526911
|1931| 647232
|1941| 777481
|1951| 1416056
|1961| 1729141
|1971| 2469449
|1981| 3266034
|1991| 3841396
|2001| 4343645
|2011| 6748026
}}

A resident of Chennai is called a ''Chennaite''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lakshmi|first=C. S.|title=The Unhurried City: Writings on Chennai|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LnflUVu0w2QC|date=1 January 2004|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-0-143-03026-3|page=11|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140450/https://books.google.com/books?id=LnflUVu0w2QC|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Bergman|title=Introduction to Geography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ws6om7JHZ-sC|date=2003|publisher=[[Pearson Education]]|isbn=978-8-131-70210-9|page=485|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140451/https://books.google.com/books?id=ws6om7JHZ-sC|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]], the city had a population of 4,646,732, within an area of {{cvt|174|km2}}.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://smartcities.gov.in/writereaddata/CitiesProfile/TamilNadu_Chennai.pdf|title=Smart Cities Mission|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=17 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017002449/http://smartcities.gov.in/writereaddata/CitiesProfile/TamilNadu_Chennai.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Post expansion of the city to {{cvt|426|km2}}, the Chennai Municipal Corporation was renamed as [[Greater Chennai Corporation]] and the population including the new city limits as per the 2011 census was 6,748,026.<ref name="Cpop"/><ref name="CET"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai Corporation is re-christened Greater Chennai Corporation|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/It%E2%80%99s-all-about-the-glories-of-Greater-Chennai/article14029085.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=31 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020183202/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/It%E2%80%99s-all-about-the-glories-of-Greater-Chennai/article14029085.ece|archive-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, 40 per cent of the 1.788&nbsp;million families in the city live below the [[poverty line]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Number of people below the poverty line to increase in city|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 May 2019|location=Chennai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/number-of-people-below-the-poverty-line-to-increase-in-city/article27111004.ece|access-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024213617/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/number-of-people-below-the-poverty-line-to-increase-in-city/article27111004.ece|archive-date=24 October 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2017}}, the city had 2.2&nbsp;million households, with 40 per cent of the residents not owning a house.<ref>{{cite news|last=Xavier Lopez|first=Aloysius|title=The shelter stalemate|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=26 August 2017|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-shelter-stalemate/article19562923.ece|access-date=30 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112041140/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-shelter-stalemate/article19562923.ece|archive-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> There are about 1,131 [[slums in Chennai|slums]] in the city housing more than 300,000 households.<ref>{{cite report|title=Slum Clearance plan|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|url=https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/22_13th_csmc_tamilnadu.pdf|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095313/https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/22_13th_csmc_tamilnadu.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Administration and politics ==
=== Administration ===
[[File:Chennai District.png|upright=0.8|thumb|Divisions of Chennai district]]
{{Main|Administration of Chennai}}

The city is governed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (formerly "Corporation of Madras"), which was established on 29 September 1688. It is the oldest surviving [[municipal corporation]] in India and the second oldest surviving corporation in the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai, the 2nd oldest corporation in the world|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-the-2nd-oldest-corporation-in-the-world/article5180124.ece|date=29 September 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108073927/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-the-2nd-oldest-corporation-in-the-world/article5180124.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the jurisdiction of the Chennai Corporation was expanded from {{cvt|174|km2}} to an area of {{cvt|426|km2}}, divided into three regions North, South and Central covering [[List of Chennai Corporation wards|200 wards]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/scope-of-digital-mapping-exercise-in-city-likely-to-be-enlarged/article2745099.ece|title=Scope of digital mapping exercise in city likely to be enlarged|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 December 2011|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115231204/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/scope-of-digital-mapping-exercise-in-city-likely-to-be-enlarged/article2745099.ece|archive-date=15 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai ward map|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/delimited_ward/|publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|date=12 September 2011|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=26 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226112713/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/delimited_ward/|url-status=live}}</ref> The corporation is headed by a [[Mayor of Chennai|mayor]], elected by the [[councillors]], who are elected through a popular vote by the residents.<ref>{{cite report|title=Executive Chart|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/images/executive_chart.pdf|publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=17 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117061733/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/images/executive_chart.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=3 March 2022|title=Chennai to get its youngest and first Dalit woman as mayor; meet R Priya|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/chennai-to-get-its-youngest-and-first-dalit-woman-as-mayor-meet-r-priya-101646304060975.html|access-date=1 October 2022|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001165924/https://www.hindustantimes.com/elections/chennai-to-get-its-youngest-and-first-dalit-woman-as-mayor-meet-r-priya-101646304060975.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]] (CMDA) is the nodal agency responsible for the planning and development of the [[Chennai Metropolitan Area]], which is spread over an area of {{cvt|1189|km2}}, covering the [[Chennai district]] and parts of [[Tiruvallur district|Tiruvallur]], [[Kanchipuram district|Kanchipuram]] and [[Chengalpattu district|Chengalpattu]] districts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Srivathsan|first=A|title=Indecisiveness keeps urban projects on hold|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=19 September 2013|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indecisiveness-keeps-urban-projects-on-hold/article5142863.ece|access-date=20 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730160819/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/indecisiveness-keeps-urban-projects-on-hold/article5142863.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> The metropolitan area consists of four [[municipal corporation]]s, 12 municipalities and other smaller [[Panchayati Raj|panchayats]].<ref name="CMDA"/><ref>{{cite web|title=About Corporation of Chennai|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/greater-chennai-corporation/brief-note-about-GCC/|publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=15 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915090006/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/greater-chennai-corporation/brief-note-about-GCC/|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, the city houses the state executive and [[legislature|legislative]] headquarters primarily in the secretariat buildings in Fort St George.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/history_fort.php|title=History of Tamil Nadu Assembly|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 June 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082644/https://assembly.tn.gov.in/history/history_fort.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras High Court]] is the highest [[judicial]] authority in the state, whose jurisdiction extends across Tamil Nadu and [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hcmadras.tn.nic.in/|title=Madras High Court|publisher=[[Madras High Court]]|access-date=19 January 2023|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220160337/https://www.hcmadras.tn.nic.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Law and order ===
[[File:Chennai High Court.jpg|thumb|left|[[Madras High Court]]]]
[[File:Gcp patrol car.jpg|thumb|A police patrol car]]

The [[Greater Chennai Police]] (GCP) is the primary law enforcement agency in the city and is headed by a [[police commissioner|commissioner of police]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tnpmcbe.in/history.html|title=Tamil Nadu police, history|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu Police]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923233152/http://tnpmcbe.in/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Greater Chennai Police is a division of the [[Tamil Nadu Police]], the administrative control of which lies with the [[Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise|Home ministry]] of the Government of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/department/14|title=Home, Prohibition and Excise Department|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=17 December 2013|archive-date=19 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219012543/http://www.tn.gov.in/department/14|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/|title=Chennai Metro Police|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu Police]]|access-date=12 October 2015|archive-date=18 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818230634/http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chennai City Traffic Police|Greater Chennai Traffic Police]] (GCTP) is responsible for the traffic management in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-traffic-police-issues-advisory-ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-on-friday-january-19/article67751710.ece|title=Chennai Traffic Police issues advisory ahead of PM Modi's visit on January 19|date=19 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=4 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304165756/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-traffic-police-issues-advisory-ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-on-friday-january-19/article67751710.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The metropolitan suburbs are policed by the [[Chennai Metropolitan Police]], headed by the [[Chennai Police Commissionerate]], and the outer district areas of the CMDA are policed by respective police departments of Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet districts.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.tn.gov.in/tcp/acts_rules/Town_Country_Planning_Act_1971.pdf|title=The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971 (Tamil Nadu Act 35 of 1972)|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616025502/http://www.tn.gov.in/tcp/acts_rules/Town_Country_Planning_Act_1971.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|2021}}, Greater Chennai had 135 police stations across four zones with 20,000 police personnel.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/greater-chennai-police-may-be-bifurcated/article35905908.ece|title=Greater Chennai Police may be bifurcated|date=14 August 2021|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404060321/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/greater-chennai-police-may-be-bifurcated/article35905908.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/police-station/|title=About Chennai Police|publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208094840/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/about-GCC/about-chennai/police-station/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, the crime rate in the city was 101.2 per hundred thousand people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/article/with-2nd-rank-chennai-at-delhi-s-heels-in-crime-rate-among-major-indian-metro-cities-reveals-ncrb-data/812708|title=With 2nd rank, Chennai at Delhi's heels in crime rate among major Indian metro cities, reveals NCRB data|date=16 September 2021|work=Times Now|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208094839/https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/article/with-2nd-rank-chennai-at-delhi-s-heels-in-crime-rate-among-major-indian-metro-cities-reveals-ncrb-data/812708|url-status=live}}</ref> It was ranked as the second most safest city in India by [[National Crime Records Bureau]] in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/web-stories/top-10-safest-cities-in-india-ranked-by-ncrb-1278911.html|title=Top 10 safest cities in India|work=Money control|date=6 December 2023|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> In 2009, [[Madras Central Prison]], the major prison and one of the oldest in India was demolished with the prisoners moved to the newly constructed [[Puzhal Central Prison]].<ref>{{cite news|title=150-yr-old Central prison closed for good|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/150-yr-old-central-prison-closed-for-good/articleshow/4003254.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 January 2009|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305024821/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/150-yr-old-Central-prison-closed-for-good/articleshow/4003254.cms|archive-date=5 March 2017}}</ref>

=== Politics ===
[[File:Fort St. George, Chennai 2.jpg|thumb|[[Fort St. George|Tamil Nadu legislative assembly]]]]

While the major part of the city falls under three [[Parliament of India|parliamentary]] constituencies ([[Chennai North (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chennai North]], [[Chennai Central (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chennai Central]] and [[Chennai South (Lok Sabha constituency)|Chennai South]]), the Chennai metropolitan area is spread across five constituencies. It elects 28 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLAs]] to the state legislature.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.elections.tn.gov.in/Web/TNLA_map.htm|title=List of TN Assembly constituencies|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208120121/https://www.elections.tn.gov.in/Web/TNLA_map.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Metropolitan Area&nbsp;– Profile|publisher=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008183728/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref> Being the capital of the [[Madras Province]] that covered a large area of the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] region, Chennai remained the centre of politics during the British colonial era. Chennai is the birthplace of the idea of the [[Indian National Congress]], which was founded by the members of the [[Theosophical Society]] movement based on the idea conceived in a private meeting after a Theosophical convention held in the city in December 1884.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sitaramayya|first=Pattabhi|year=1935|title=The History of the Indian National Congress|publisher=Working Committee of the Congress}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/73b4862g?display=all|title=Theosophy and the Origins of the Indian National Congress|last=Bevir|first=Mark|journal=International Journal of Hindu Studies|publisher=University of California, Berkeley|year=2003|volume=7|issue=1–3|pages=14–18|doi=10.1007/s11407-003-0005-4|s2cid=54542458|quote="Theosophical Society provided the framework for action within which some of its Indian and British members worked to form the Indian National Congress.", "1884 annual convention of the Theosophical Society. At this convention, Rao argued that the Society should start formally to discuss the political situation in India as well as more strictly religious matters. Although Rao did not get his way, he did arrange a meeting of sympathetic theosophists to be held at his home. Those who attended this meeting with Rao included Aiyar, Ananda Charlu, and M. Viraraghavachariar. They formed the Madras Mahajana Sabha," "meeting to coincide with the next annual convention of the Theosophical Society. This meeting would promote their idea of an all-India body." "Hume was probably the single most important individual for the formation of the Indian National Congress."|access-date=23 September 2012|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630205548/http://escholarship.org/uc/item/73b4862g?display=all|url-status=live}}</ref> The city has hosted yearly conferences of the Congress seven times, playing a major part in the [[Indian independence movement]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Political and Social Conflict in South India; The non-Brahmin movement and Tamil Separatism, 1916–1929|last=Irschick|first=Eugene F.|year=1969|oclc=249254802|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|isbn=978-0-83641-918-4}}</ref> Chennai is also the birthplace of regional political parties such as the South Indian Welfare Association in 1916 which later became the [[Justice Party (India)|Justice Party]] and [[Dravidar Kazhagam]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Taylor|first=Richard Warren|title=Religion and Society: The First Twenty-five Years, 1953–1978|publisher=Christian Literature Society (for the Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society, Bangalore)|year=1982|oclc=9007066|page=242}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Rajaraman|first=P.|title=The Justice Party: a historical perspective, 1916–37|publisher=Poompozhil Publishers|year=1988|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GGMmAAAAMAAJ|oclc=20453430|at=ch. 4 (Ideology, Organisation and Programme of the Justice Party)}}</ref>

Politics is characterized by a mix of regional and national political parties.<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Political Parties|last=Ralhan|first=O.P.|year=2002|publisher=Print House|pages=180–199|isbn=978-8-1748-8287-5}}</ref> During the 1920s and 1930s, the [[Self-Respect Movement]], spearheaded by [[Theagaroya Chetty]] and [[E. V. Ramaswamy]] emerged in Madras.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tamil-nadu-politics-history-dravidian-movement-brahmins-lower-caste-casteism-madras-presidency-4388452/|date=22 November 2016|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|title=A century of reform|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629150750/https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/tamil-nadu-politics-history-dravidian-movement-brahmins-lower-caste-casteism-madras-presidency-4388452/|url-status=live}}</ref> Congress dominated the political scene post Independence in the 1950s and 1960s under [[C. Rajagopalachari]] and later [[K. Kamaraj]].<ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year=1990|page=[https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/164 164]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, [[Government of India]]|asin=B003DXXMC4}}</ref> The Anti-Hindi agitations led to the rise of [[Dravidian parties]] with [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) forming the first government under [[C. N. Annadurai]] in 1967. In 1972, a split in the DMK resulted in the formation of the [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) led by [[M. G. Ramachandran]]. The two Dravidian parties continue to dominate electoral politics, the national parties usually aligning as junior partners to the two major Dravidian parties.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wyatt|first=A.K.J.|title=New Alignments in South Indian Politics: The 2001 Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu|journal=[[Asian Survey]]|volume=42|issue=5|pages=733–753|publisher=[[University of California Press]]|year=2002|doi=10.1525/as.2002.42.5.733|df=dmy-all|hdl=1983/1811|url=https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/new-alignments-in-south-indian-politics-the-2001-assembly-elections-in-tamil-nadu(ccd8e236-7d18-4981-92b0-5a1d63ff695d).html|hdl-access=free|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212070038/https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/new-alignments-in-south-indian-politics-the-2001-assembly-elections-in-tamil-nadu(ccd8e236-7d18-4981-92b0-5a1d63ff695d).html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/Readers-Editor/article61129.ece|title=Language issue again: the need for a clear-headed policy|author=S. Viswanathan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 December 2009|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120072025/http://beta.thehindu.com/opinion/Readers-Editor/article61129.ece|archive-date=20 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Many film personalities became politicians and later chief ministers, including C. N. Annadurai, [[M. Karunanidhi]], M. G. Ramachandran, [[Janaki Ramachandran]] and [[Jayalalithaa]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Dan|last1=Ellens|first2=Lakshmi|last2=Srinivas|title=A Time for India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Nsyr3J1fpIC|year=2005|publisher=Vantage Press|isbn=978-0-53315-092-2|access-date=26 March 2018|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140433/https://books.google.com/books?id=6Nsyr3J1fpIC|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Chennai}}
{{See also|Tamil culture}}

=== Languages ===
[[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the language spoken by most of Chennai's population; [[Indian English|English]] is largely spoken by [[white-collar worker]]s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Siddique|first=Zahra|year=2008|title=Ethnicity, Race and Gender in the Labor Market|page=30|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kqRLGSCgfLUC&pg=PA30|isbn=978-0-549-50781-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first1=Joseph|last1=Getter|author2=B.Balasubrahmaniyan|editor-first=Mark|editor-last=Slobin|title=Global Soundtracks: Worlds of Film Music|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VQw5Ci7sbasC&pg=PA119|date=29 September 2008|page=119|chapter=Tamil Film Music: Sound and Significance|isbn=978-0-81956-882-3|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140452/https://books.google.com/books?id=VQw5Ci7sbasC&pg=PA119#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the most spoken language with 3,640,389 (78.3%) of speakers followed by [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (432,295), [[Urdu]] (198,505), [[Hindi]] (159,474) and [[Malayalam]] (104,994).<ref>{{cite report|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|title=Census India Catalog|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151656/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Bashai]] is a [[Variety (linguistics)|variety]] of the Tamil spoken by people in the city.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Smirnitskaya|first1=Anna|title=Diglossia and Tamil varieties in Chennai|journal=Acta Linguistica Petropolitana|date=March 2019|volume=XiV |issue=3|pages=318–334|doi=10.30842/alp2306573714317|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782|access-date=4 November 2022|doi-access=free|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173206/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782_Diglossia_and_Tamil_varieties_in_Chennai|url-status=live}}</ref> It originated with words introduced from other languages such as [[English language|English]] and Telugu on the Tamil originally spoken by the native people of the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=Theoretical perspectives on word order in South Asian languages|chapter=Compound Typology in Tamil|pages=263–264|first=K. G.|last=Vijayakrishnan|publisher=Centre for Study of Language|isbn=978-1-88152-649-0|year=1995}}</ref> [[Korean language|Korean]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|title=K and the city: Why are more and more Chennaiites learning Korean?|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128030545/https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|archive-date=28 November 2020}}</ref> [[Japanese Language|Japanese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|title=Konnichiwa!|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 September 2017|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020210354/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|archive-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> [[French language|French]],<ref name="FP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|title=How many tongues can you speak?|website=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107191558/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> [[Mandarin Chinese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|title=How Mandarin has become crucial in Chennai|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203115726/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|archive-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> [[German language|German]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|title=Guten Morgen! Chennaiites signing up for German lessons on the rise|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129115236/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> and [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] are spoken by foreign expatriates residing in the city.<ref name="FP"/>

===Religion and ethnicity===
{{main|Religion in Chennai}}
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Chennai City (2011)<ref name="Rel2011"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|80.73}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|9.45}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|dodgerblue|7.72}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|2.10}}
}}

Chennai is home to a diverse population of ethno-religious communities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|title=The magic of melting pot called Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 December 2011|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201746/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|archive-date=11 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|date=25 August 2016|title=A different mirror|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> As per census of 2011, Chennai's population was majority [[Hindu]] (80.73%) with 9.45% [[Muslim]], 7.72% [[Christians|Christian]], 1.27% others and 0.83% with no religion or not indicating any religious preference.<ref name="Rel2011">{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, [[Government of India]]|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tamil people|Tamils]] form majority of the population with minorities including [[Telugu people|Telugus]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/telugu-speaking-people-in-tn-are-not-aliens-587462.html|title='Telugu Speaking People in TN are Not Aliens'|date=18 March 2014|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044308/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/Telugu-Speaking-People-in-TN-are-Not-Aliens-587462.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marwaris]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|title=From Rajasthan with love|date=6 November 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044310/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gujarati people|Gujaratis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|title=Go Gujrati this navratri|date=20 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044309/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Parsi]]s,<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|title=The Parsis of Madras|journal=Madras Musings|date=15 October 2008|volume=XVIII|issue=12|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619183804/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|title=Sindhis to usher in new year with fanfare|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 March 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002201726/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|archive-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> [[Odia people|Odias]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/why-oriyas-find-chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|title=Why Oriyas find Chennai warm and hospitable|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 May 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003065711/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Why-Oriyas-find-Chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|archive-date=3 October 2016}}</ref> [[Goans]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/12/18/stories/101872mz.htm|title=Goan spirit in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 December 2000|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318134242/http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/12/18/stories/101872mz.htm|archive-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> [[Kannadigas]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chennais-kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|title=Chennai's Kannadigas not complaining|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 April 2008|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180609022307/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chennais-Kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|archive-date=9 June 2018}}</ref> [[Anglo-Indians]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|title=The Anglo-Indians of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=15 October 2010|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309162918/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bengali people|Bengalis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|title=A slice of Bengal in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 October 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407181944/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|first=Madhu|last=B.R.|title=The Punjabis of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=16 September 2009|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217003501/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Malayalees]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|title=Chennai Malayalee Club leads Onam 2023 celebrations|newspaper=Media India|date=1 September 2023|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128145731/https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city also has a significant expatriate population.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|title=When Madras welcomed them|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=27 August 2007|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|title=Deepavali, the expat edition|date=24 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2001}}, out of the 2,937,000 migrants in the city, 61.5% were from other parts of the state, 33.8% were from rest of India and 3.7% were from outside the country.<ref>{{cite report|title=Demography of Chennai|publisher=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter02_Demography.pdf|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228081642/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter02_Demography.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Architecture of Chennai}}
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Chennai|Heritage structures in Chennai}}
[[File:Tiruvallikeni1.jpg|thumb|[[Parthasarathy Temple]] is one of the oldest buildings in the city]]

With the history of Chennai dating back centuries, the architecture of Chennai ranges in a wide chronology. The oldest buildings in the city date from the 6th to 8th centuries CE, which include the [[Kapaleeshwarar Temple]] in [[Mylapore]] and the [[Parthasarathy Temple]] in [[Triplicane]], built in the [[Dravidian architecture]] encompassing various styles developed during the reigns of different empires.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kamath|first=Rina|title=Chennai|year=2000|publisher=Orient Longman Limited|location=Chennai|isbn=978-8-12501-378-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA31|pages=31–33|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140435/https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA31#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Dravidian architecture]], the [[Hindu temples]] consisted of large [[mantapa]]s with gate-pyramids called ''[[gopuram]]s'' in quadrangular enclosures that surround the temple.<ref>{{cite book|last= Fergusson|first= James|title= History of Indian and Eastern Architecture|orig-date= 1910|edition= 3rd|year= 1997|publisher=Low Price Publications|location= New Delhi|page= 309}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Francis D.K.|last= Ching| year= 2007|title= A Global History of Architecture| publisher=John Wiley and Sons|location=New York|isbn=978-0-47126-892-5|page= 762|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The Gopuram, a monumental tower usually ornate at the entrance of the temple forms a prominent feature of [[Koil]]s and whose origins can be traced back to the [[Pallava art and architecture|Pallavas]] who built the group of monuments in [[Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|Mamallapuram]].<ref>{{cite book|first=James G.|last=Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch|url-access=registration|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-82393-179-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/n405 399]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|title=Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202145914/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|url-status=live}}</ref> The associated ''[[Agraharam]]'' architecture, which consists of traditional row houses can still be seen in the areas surrounding the temples.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sujatha|first=R.|title=Agraharam – time virtually stands still here|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=29 April 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/agraharam-time-virtually-stands-still-here/article3367816.ece|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320191553/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/agraharam-time-virtually-stands-still-here/article3367816.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai has the second highest number of heritage buildings in the country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ravishankar|first=Sandhya|title=No fire safety norms at Chennai heritage buildings|work=IBN Live|location=Chennai|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=6 September 2007|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-fire-safety-norms-at-chennai-heritage-buildings/48155-3-1.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103111402/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-fire-safety-norms-at-chennai-heritage-buildings/48155-3-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Parrys Corner, Chennai, India.jpg|thumb|left|[[Parry's Corner]], one of the oldest business areas lined up with [[Art Deco]] buildings]]

With the [[Mugal Empire|Mugals]] influence in mediaeval times and the [[British Empire|British]] later, the city saw a rise in a blend of [[Hindu]], [[Islamic]] and [[Gothic revival]] styles, resulting in the distinct [[Indo-Saracenic]] architecture.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Metcalfe|first=Thomas R.|title=A Tradition Created: Indo-Saracenic Architecture under the Raj|journal=History Today|volume=32|issue=9|url=http://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230153/https://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|url-status=live}}</ref> The architecture for several institutions followed the Indo-Saracenic style with the [[Chepauk Palace]] designed by [[Paul Benfield]] amongst the first Indo-Saracenic buildings in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indo-saracenic Architecture|work=Henry Irwin, Architect in India, 1841–1922|publisher=higman.de|url=http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730131008/http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> Other buildings in the city from the era designed in this style of architecture include [[Fort St. George]] (1640), [[Amir Mahal]] (1798), [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] (1854), [[University of Madras#Senate House|Senate House of the University of Madras]] (1879), [[Victoria Public Hall]] (1886), [[Madras High Court]] (1892), [[Bharat Insurance Building]] (1897), [[Ripon Building]] (1913), [[College of Engineering, Guindy|College of Engineering]] (1920) and [[Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai|Southern Railway headquarters]] (1921).<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeyaraj|first=George J.|title=Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai|publisher=CMDA|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/Indo_Saracenic_Architecture_in_Chennai.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725063408/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/Indo_Saracenic_Architecture_in_Chennai.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:LIC_building.jpg|thumb|[[LIC Building]] was the tallest building in the country when completed in 1959]]

Gothic revival-style buildings include the [[Chennai Central]] and [[Chennai Egmore]] railway stations. The [[Santhome Church]], which was originally built by the Portuguese in 1523 and is believed to house the remains of the [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostle]] [[Thomas the Apostle|St. Thomas]], was rebuilt in 1893, in [[neo-Gothic]] style.<ref>{{cite web|title=Santhome Cathedral|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/santhome-cathedral-and-basilica|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=Tamil Nadu tourism|archive-date=30 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130204928/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/santhome-cathedral-and-basilica|url-status=live}}</ref> By the early 20th century, the [[art deco]] made its entry upon the city's urban landscape with buildings in [[George Town, Chennai|George Town]] including the United India building (presently housing [[Life Insurance Corporation of India|LIC]]) and the Burma Shell building (presently the Chennai House), both built in the 1930s, and the Dare House built in 1940 examples of this architecture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Art Deco Style Remains, But Elements Missing|date=2 September 2014|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/art-deco-style-remains-but-elements-missing-655242.html|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]d|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132502/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/Art-Deco-Style-Remains-But-Elements-Missing-655242.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After [[Partition of India|Independence]], the city witnessed a rise in [[Modernism]], and the completion of the [[LIC Building]] in 1959, the tallest building in the country at that time, marked the transition from lime-and-brick construction to concrete columns.<ref name="Look">{{cite news|title=Chennai looks to the skies|date=31 October 2014|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132503/https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

The presence of the [[Doppler weather radar|weather radar]] at the [[Chennai Port]] prohibited the construction of buildings taller than 60&nbsp;m around a radius of 10&nbsp;km till 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Koshy|first=Jacob P.|title=Doppler radar may put cap on building heights|newspaper=Livemint|location=New Delhi|date=13 December 2007|url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/OODRIEHbh9UFiYHBvNgaJP/Doppler-radar-may-put-cap-on-building-heights.html|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224134258/https://www.livemint.com/Industry/OODRIEHbh9UFiYHBvNgaJP/Doppler-radar-may-put-cap-on-building-heights.html|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="Look"/> This resulted in the central business district expanding horizontally, unlike other metropolitan cities, while the peripheral regions began experiencing vertical growth with the construction of taller buildings with the tallest building at {{convert|161|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Living in a city within a city: How is SPR City redefining the residential market?|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=30 May 2019|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/living-in-a-city-within-a-city-how-is-spr-city-redefining-the-residential-market/articleshow/67414866.cms|access-date=9 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105115119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/living-in-a-city-within-a-city-how-is-spr-city-redefining-the-residential-market/articleshow/67414866.cms|archive-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Arts ===
[[File:Chennai National Art Gallery.jpg|thumb|[[National Art Gallery, Chennai|National Art Gallery]], one of the oldest art galleries in India]]

Chennai is a major centre for music, art and dance in India.<ref>{{cite book|title=Global Soundtracks: Worlds of Film Music|first=Mark|last=Slobin|isbn=978-0-81956-882-3|year=2008|page=140|publisher=Wesleyan University Press}}</ref> The city is called the Cultural Capital of South India.<ref>{{cite book|first=Rina|last=Kamath|title=Chennai|year=2000|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-8-12501-378-5|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082657/https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Music Season]], initiated by [[Madras Music Academy]] in 1927, is celebrated every year during the month of December and features performances of traditional [[Carnatic music]] by artists from the city.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Douglas M. Jr.|title=Balasaraswati: Her Art and Life|year=2010|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=978-0-81956-906-6|page=78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3EsA2NooW4C}}</ref> [[Madras University]] introduced a course of music, as part of the [[Bachelor of Arts]] curriculum in 1930.<ref>{{cite book|title=New Mansions for Music: Performance, Pedagogy and Criticism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hY6PQ_eK7IUC|first=Lakshmi|last=Subramanian|pages=121–122|isbn=978-8-18735-834-3|year=2008| publisher=Berghahn Books}}</ref> [[Gaana]], a combination of various folk music, is sung mainly in the working-class area of North Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Torching prejudice through gumption and Gaana|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|last=G|first=Ezekiel Majello|date=10 October 2019|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=12 May 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015436/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|archive-date=6 December 2020}}</ref> [[Chennai Sangamam]], an art festival showcasing various arts of [[South India]] is held every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaisangamam.com/|title=Chennai Sangamam 2011|publisher=The official website|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230093936/http://www.chennaisangamam.com/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Chennai has been featured in [[UNESCO Creative Cities Network]] list since October 2017 for its old musical tradition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-now-part-of-creative-cities-network/article20008340.ece|title=Chennai is now part of UNESCO's 'creative cities network'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112055136/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-now-part-of-creative-cities-network/article20008340.ece|archive-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Madras_museum_theatre_in_October_2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]], the second oldest museum in India]]

Chennai has a diverse theatre scene and is a prominent centre for [[Bharata Natyam]], a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and the oldest dance form in India.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|title=World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures|publisher=Oxford University Press|first=Peter|last=Fletcher|isbn=978-0-19816-636-8|date=29 April 2004|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703055734/https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|url-status=live}}</ref> Cultural centres in the city include [[Kalakshetra]] and Government Music College.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/chennai/kalakshetra.html|title=Kalakshetra|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=Incredible India|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007021514/https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/chennai/kalakshetra.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai is also home to some choirs, who during the Christmas season stage various carol performances across the city in Tamil and English.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/of-choirs-and-carols-110122500009_1.html|title=Of choirs and carols|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210221239/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/of-choirs-and-carols-110122500009_1.html|archive-date=10 February 2021}}</ref>

Chennai is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions that engage in arts research and are major tourist attractions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|title=CM moots a global arts fest in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 December 2012|access-date=29 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208140112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in the early 18th century, the [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] and the [[National Art Gallery, Chennai|National Art Gallery]] are amongst the oldest in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/education/college-and-university/for-a-solid-grounding-in-arts/article2042038.ece|title=For a solid grounding in arts|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 April 2009|access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> The museum inside the premises of Fort St. George maintains a collection of objects of the British era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|title=Fort St. George museum|publisher=[[Archaeological Survey of India]]|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201063923/https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum is managed by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] and has in its possession, the first [[Flag of India]] hoisted at [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St George]] after the declaration of India's Independence on [[Independence Day (India)|15 August 1947]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian tri-colour hoisted at Chennai in 1947 to be on display|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407182137/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

Chennai is the base for [[Tamil cinema]], nicknamed Kollywood, alluding to the neighbourhood of [[Kodambakkam]] where several film studios are located.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiro|first=Dilip|title=After Empire: The Birth of a Multipolar World|year=2010|isbn=978-1-56858-427-0|page=248|publisher=Public Affairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zlivv_pQWnAC&pg=PA248 }}</ref> The history of cinema in South India started in 1897 when a European exhibitor first screened a selection of silent short films at the [[Victoria Public Hall]] in the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=Folklore, public sphere, and civil society|page=116|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&q=Victoria+Public+Hall&pg=PA117|isbn=978-8-19014-814-6|last1=Muthukumaraswamy|first1=M. D|last2=Kaushal|first2=Molly|year=2004|publisher=NFSC|access-date=9 December 2023|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140959/https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&q=Victoria+Public+Hall&pg=PA117#v=snippet&q=Victoria%20Public%20Hall&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Swamikannu Vincent]] purchased a [[Movie projector|film projector]] and erected tents for screening films which became popular in the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rajmohan|first=Joshi|title=Encyclopaedia of Journalism and Mass Communication: Media and mass communication|page=68|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_aoH81IN8SsC&q=Swamikannu+Vincent&pg=PA68|isbn=978-8-18205-366-3|year=2006|publisher=Isha Books|access-date=9 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172925/https://books.google.com/books?id=_aoH81IN8SsC&q=Swamikannu+Vincent&pg=PA68|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Keechaka Vadham]], the first film in South India, was produced in the city and released in 1917.<ref>{{cite book| title=Tamil Cinema: The Cultural Politics of India's Other Film wenr Industry| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema| last=Velayutham| first=Selvaraj| chapter='India' in Tamil silent era cinema| year=2008| page=156| publisher=Routledge| isbn=978-0-415-39680-6| access-date=9 December 2023| archive-date=28 March 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172926/https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema| url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gemini Studios|Gemini]] and [[Vijaya Studios|Vijaya Vauhini studios]], established in the 1940s, were amongst the largest and earliest in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/madras375/the-true-tinsel-town/article6281515.ece|title=The true tinsel town|date=5 August 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 June 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209040916/https://www.thehindu.com/madras375/the-true-tinsel-town/article6281515.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai hosts many major film studios, including [[AVM Productions]], the oldest surviving studio in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heritage walk around old studios|location=Chennai|date=22 August 2011|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heritage-walk-around-old-studios/article2381749.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208134610/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heritage-walk-around-old-studios/article2381749.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Veg Full Meals in Tamil Nadu.JPG|thumb|upright=0.78|A typical vegetarian meal]]

===Cuisine===
{{See also|Tamil cuisine}}
Chennai cuisine is predominantly [[South Indian]] with rice as its base. Most local restaurants still retain their rural flavour, with many restaurants serving food over a banana leaf.<ref>{{cite web|title=Serving on a banana leaf|url=https://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|access-date=1 January 2023|publisher=[[ISKCON]]|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531220859/http://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eating on a banana leaf is an old custom and imparts a unique flavour to the food and is considered healthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|title=The Benefits of Eating Food on Banana Leaves|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041415/http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref> [[Idly]] and [[Dosa (food)|dosa]] are popular [[breakfast]] dishes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/snack-street-combines-taste-of-street-food-with-hygiene-of-restaurant/article4930415.ece|title=Snack Street combines taste of street food with hygiene of restaurant|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 July 2013|access-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221211858/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/snack-street-combines-taste-of-street-food-with-hygiene-of-restaurant/article4930415.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Achaya|first=K.T.|title=The story of our food|date=1 November 2003|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=978-81-7371-293-7|page=80}}</ref> Chennai has an active street food culture and various cuisine options for dining including [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Continental breakfast|continental]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/clean-street-food-hubs-to-be-established-in-chennai-and-suburbs/article67153115.ece|title=Clean street food hubs to be established in Chennai and five districts|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 August 2023|access-date=3 August 2023|archive-date=3 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803092246/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/clean-street-food-hubs-to-be-established-in-chennai-and-suburbs/article67153115.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-stories/10-street-foods-of-chennai-that-are-a-must-try/photostory/105053604.cms|title=Chennai Street food|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 November 2023|access-date=3 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172928/https://recipes.timesofindia.com/web-stories/10-street-foods-of-chennai-that-are-a-must-try/photostory/105053604.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The influx of industries in the early 21st century also bought distinct cuisines from other countries such as [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] and [[Korean cuisine|Korean]] to the city.<ref name="Expat">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190208-how-carmakers-brought-new-cuisine-to-chennai|title=How carmakers brought new cuisine to Chennai|date=12 February 2019|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=3 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209043348/https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190208-how-carmakers-brought-new-cuisine-to-chennai|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai was the only South Asian city to be ranked among [[National Geographic]]'s "Top 10 food cities" in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/food-cities|title=Top 10 food cities|work=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]|date=22 January 2015|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309194124/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/food-cities|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai was named as the most [[vegan]] friendly city in India in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 November 2018 |title=Chennai wins 'Most Vegan-Friendly City' award |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-wins-most-vegan-friendly-city-award/articleshow/66710576.cms |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Chennai}}
[[File:Dare House,Chennai.jpg|thumb|Dare House, the corporate headquarters of [[Murugappa Group]] in Chennai]]

The economy of Chennai consistently exceeded national average growth rates due to [[Economic reforms in India|reform-oriented]] economic policies in the 1970s.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|title=Economic Growth in Indian States|publisher=ICRIER|first=K.L.|last=Krishna|date=September 2004|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924032647/http://www.icrier.org/pdf/wp144.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With the presence of two major ports, an international airport, and a converging road and rail networks, Chennai is often referred to as the "Gateway to South India".<ref name="OI_Turns375"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Grover|first=Amar|title=Chennai unwrapped: Why the city is the great international gateway to South India|newspaper=The National|date=17 September 2019|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/travel/chennai-unwrapped-why-the-city-is-the-great-international-gateway-to-south-india-1.911568|access-date=31 December 2021|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231145928/https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/travel/chennai-unwrapped-why-the-city-is-the-great-international-gateway-to-south-india-1.911568|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the [[Globalization and World Cities Research Network]], Chennai is amongst the cities most integrated with the global economy, classified as a [[Global city|beta-city]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The World According to GaWC 2020|url=https://www.lboro.ac.uk/microsites/geography/gawc/world2020t.html|access-date=31 July 2022|website=www.lboro.ac.uk|archive-date=12 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612112616/https://www.lboro.ac.uk/microsites/geography/gawc/world2020t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023|March|31|bare=}}, Chennai had an estimated [[GDP]] of $143.9&nbsp;billion, ranking it among the [[List of cities by GDP|most productive metro area]]s in India.<ref name="C40"/><ref name="GDDP"/> Chennai has a diversified industrial base anchored by different sectors including [[automobile]]s, [[software services]], [[Electronic hardware|hardware]], [[healthcare]] and [[financial services]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Making Tamil Nadu future ready|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/making-tamil-nadu-future-ready/articleshow/96338870.cms|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=15 October 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603084703/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/making-tamil-nadu-future-ready/articleshow/96338870.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://dcmsme.gov.in/publications/traderep/chennai/chennai8.htm|title=Industrial potential in Chennai|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327011055/http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/publications/traderep/chennai/chennai8.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021}}, Chennai is amongst the top export districts in the country, with more than US$2563 billion in exports.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1780245|title=Top Export Districts in The Country|date=21 December 2021|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619011426/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1780245|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Tid.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tidel Park]], the first [[Information Technology|IT]] [[Special Economic Zone|SEZ]] in the city]] 
The city has a permanent exhibition complex [[Chennai Trade Centre]] at [[Nandambakkam]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Trade Centre:A Profile|publisher=India Trade Promotion Organisation|url=https://www.chennaitradecentre.org/|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=6 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206152622/https://chennaitradecentre.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city hosts the [[Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet]], a business summit organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianembassybrussels.gov.in/pdf/TN-GIM-Brochure-2019.pdf|title=TN GIM - Brochure New - 13 Nov - TN-GIM-Brochure-2019.pdf|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=3 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103052219/https://indianembassybrussels.gov.in/pdf/TN-GIM-Brochure-2019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> With about 62% of the population classified as affluent with less than 1% asset-poor, Chennai has the fifth highest number of millionaires.<ref>{{cite news|title=Are you living in the company of the richest individuals|newspaper=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]|date=21 September 2022|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/are-you-living-in-the-company-of-the-rich-indian-cities-with-the-richest-individuals-347854-2022-09-21|access-date=19 October 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226122245/https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/are-you-living-in-the-company-of-the-rich-indian-cities-with-the-richest-individuals-347854-2022-09-21|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Aravind|first=Indulekha|title=Chennai swank|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=26 October 2012|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/chennai-swank-112102700056_1.html|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804035213/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/chennai-swank-112102700056_1.html|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/DymS22taK4EyAbSYRx0rSO/Where-Indias-affluent-classes-live.html|title=Where Indias affluent classes live|work=Mint|date=8 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226122248/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/DymS22taK4EyAbSYRx0rSO/Where-Indias-affluent-classes-live.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:ALCOB_Ashok_Leyland_Corporate_Building_in_Guindy,_Chennai.jpg|thumb|Headquarters of major automobile producer [[Ashok Leyland]] in Chennai]]

Chennai is among the major [[Software industry in Chennai|information technology]] (IT) hubs of India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai emerging as India's Silicon Valley?|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Software/Chennai_emerging_as_Indias_Silicon_Valley/articleshow/3000410.cms|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=1 May 2008|access-date=28 December 2012|first=Rajesh|last=Chandramouli|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820000027/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Software/Chennai_emerging_as_Indias_Silicon_Valley/articleshow/3000410.cms|archive-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> [[Tidel Park]], established in 2000, was amongst the first and largest IT parks in Asia.<ref name="fordithub">{{cite news|title=PM opens Asia's largest IT park|url=https://www.ciol.com/pm-asias-largest-it-park-chennai/|date=4 July 2000|publisher=CIOL|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062949/https://www.ciol.com/pm-asias-largest-it-park-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> The presence of [[Special Economic Zone|SEZ]]s and government policies have contributed to the growth of the sector, which has attracted foreign investments and job seekers from other parts of the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-delhi-maharastra-tn-received-highest-fdi-equity-inflows-in-fy15-114113000130_1.html|title=Maharashtra tops FDI equity inflows|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=1 December 2012|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=23 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723070339/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/after-delhi-maharastra-tn-received-highest-fdi-equity-inflows-in-fy15-114113000130_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-a-small-step-in-inclusivity-a-giant-leap-in-industry/articleshow/99926653.cms|title=Tamil Nadu: A small step in inclusivity, a giant leap in India|date=2 May 2023|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-a-small-step-in-inclusivity-a-giant-leap-in-industry/articleshow/99926653.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 2020s, the city has become a major provider of [[Software as a service|SaaS]] and has been dubbed the "SaaS Capital of India".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crayondata.com/heres-why-chennai-is-the-saas-capital-of-india/|title=Here's why Chennai is the SAAS capital of India|date=24 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=Crayon|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506031522/https://www.crayondata.com/heres-why-chennai-is-the-saas-capital-of-india/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/a-silent-saas-revolution-is-brewing-in-chennai/articleshow/67583586.cms|title=A silent SaaS revolution is brewing in Chennai|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515030121/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/a-silent-saas-revolution-is-brewing-in-chennai/articleshow/67583586.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[automotive industry in Chennai]] accounts for more than 35% of India's overall automotive components and automobile output, earning the nickname "[[Detroit of India]]".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2000/oct/25cars.htm|title=Madras, the Detroit of South Asia|publisher=[[Rediff]]|date=30 April 2004|access-date=22 July 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133843/http://www.rediff.com/money/2000/oct/25cars.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=U.S. International Trade Commission|title=Competitive Conditions for Foreign Direct Investment in India, Staff Research Study #30|year=2007|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=978-1-4578-1829-5|pages=2–10|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hMIo-FZXCYEC&pg=SA2-PA10|access-date=26 March 2018|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173000/https://books.google.com/books?id=hMIo-FZXCYEC&pg=SA2-PA10#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> A large number of automotive companies have their manufacturing bases in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/special-videos/chennai-the-next-global-auto-manufacturing-hub_539405.html|title=Chennai: The next global auto manufacturing hub?|work=CNBC-TV18|access-date=28 December 2012|date=27 April 2011|publisher=[[CNBC]]|archive-date=11 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111093534/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/special-videos/chennai-the-next-global-auto-manufacturing-hub_539405.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Integral Coach Factory]] in Chennai manufactures railway coaches and other rolling stock for the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Profile|publisher=Integral Coach Factory|url=https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062951/https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ambattur Industrial Estate]] housing various manufacturing units is among the largest small-scale industrial estates in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=IT parks in Ambattur Estate wallow with space abegging|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 January 2013|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/it-parks-in-ambattur-estate-wallow-with-space-abegging/article4291094.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home|access-date=10 January 2013|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172933/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai contributes more than 50 per cent of India's leather exports.<ref>{{cite report|title=Development Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=13|url=http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/toolkit/CDP_CHENNAI.PDF|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226213256/http://www.jnnurm.nic.in/toolkit/CDP_CHENNAI.PDF|archive-date=26 February 2008}}</ref> Chennai is a major electronics hardware exporter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-emerges-as-top-exporter-of-electronic-goods-tripling-in-a-year-101688499546169.html|title=TN tops in electronic goods' export|date=5 July 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062949/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-emerges-as-top-exporter-of-electronic-goods-tripling-in-a-year-101688499546169.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Arjun Mk 1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Arjun (tank)|Arjun]] battle tank, manufactured by [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] at Chennai]]

The city was home to the now-defunct [[Madras Stock Exchange]], India's third-largest by trading volume behind the [[Bombay Stock Exchange]] and the [[National Stock Exchange of India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Investors told to go in for long term investment, index funds|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/investors-told-to-go-in-for-long-term-investment-index-funds/article3222777.ece|date=25 March 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804024931/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/investors-told-to-go-in-for-long-term-investment-index-funds/article3222777.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sebi.gov.in/stock-exchanges.html|title=List of Stock exchanges|publisher=SEBI|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828151333/https://www.sebi.gov.in/stock-exchanges.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Madras Bank, the first European-style banking system in India, was established on 21 June 1683 followed by first commercial banks such as Bank of Hindustan (1770) and General Bank of India (1786).<ref>{{cite news|last=Mukund|first=Kanakalatha|title=Insight into the progress of banking|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=3 April 2007|url=http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/04/03/stories/2007040300301600.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=1 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701143955/http://www.hindu.com/br/2007/04/03/stories/2007040300301600.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bank of Madras]] merged with two other presidency banks to form [[Imperial Bank of India]] in 1921 which in 1955 became the [[State Bank of India]], the largest bank in India.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Shiv|title=200 years and going strong|newspaper=The Tribune|date=26 June 2005|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050626/spectrum/main1.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804210248/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050626/spectrum/main1.htm|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> Chennai is the headquarters of [[Banking in India|nationalized banks]] such as [[Indian Bank]] and [[Indian Overseas Bank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianbank.in/BranchAddress.htm|title=Indian Bank Head Office|publisher=Indian Bank|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070801224238/http://www.indianbank.in/BranchAddress.htm|archive-date=1 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=IOB set to takeover Bharat Overseas Bank|work=[[Rediff]]|date=28 January 2006|url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2006/jan/28iob.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022215206/https://www.rediff.com/money/2006/jan/28iob.htm|archive-date=22 October 2020}}</ref> Chennai hosts the [[Reserve Bank of India, South Zonal Office|south zonal office]] of the [[Reserve Bank of India]], the country's central bank, along with its zonal training centre and staff College, one of the two colleges run by the bank.<ref>{{cite web|title=RBI staff college|publisher=Reserve Bank of India|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/rbsc.aspx|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=30 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130123403/https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/rbsc.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> The city also houses a [[World Bank office, Chennai|permanent back office]] of the [[World Bank]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/world-bank-expands-footprint-in-city-adds-70k-sqft-back-office-space/articleshow/54860801.cms|title=World Bank expands footprint in city, adds 70k sqft back office|date=5 October 2015|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209064452/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/world-bank-expands-footprint-in-city-adds-70k-sqft-back-office-space/articleshow/54860801.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> About 400 financial industry businesses are headquartered in the city.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/28/chennai-finance-city-taking-shape-1779935.html|title=Chennai Finance City taking shape|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|date=28 February 2018|access-date=17 March 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107162239/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/28/chennai-finance-city-taking-shape-1779935.html|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shivakumar|first=C.|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/jun/08/state-of-the-art-commerce-hub-likely-on-anna-salai-1987448.html|title=State-of-the-art commerce hub likely on Anna Salai|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|date=8 June 2019|access-date=1 March 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921100423/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/jun/08/state-of-the-art-commerce-hub-likely-on-anna-salai-1987448.html|archive-date=21 September 2020}}</ref>

[[Defence Research and Development Organisation|DRDO]], India's premier defence research agency, operates various facilities in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/whats-new/cvrde-chennai-invites-applications-eligible-candidates-apprenticeship-training|title=CVRDE invites applications|publisher=DRDO|access-date=29 March 2023|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629141042/https://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/whats-new/cvrde-chennai-invites-applications-eligible-candidates-apprenticeship-training|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Heavy Vehicles Factory]] of the [[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited|AVANI]], headquartered in Chennai, manufactures [[Armoured fighting vehicle]]s, [[Main battle tank]]s, tank engines and armoured clothing for the use of the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Roche|first1=Elizabeth|title=New defence PSUs will help India become self-reliant: PM|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-urges-restructured-defence-units-to-help-india-become-military-industry-power-11634288891758.html|access-date=16 October 2021|newspaper=Mint|date=15 October 2021|archive-date=22 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122133224/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/pm-urges-restructured-defence-units-to-help-india-become-military-industry-power-11634288891758.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Seven new defence companies, carved out of OFB, dedicated to the Nation on the occasion of Vijayadashami|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1764148|access-date=16 October 2021|work=[[Ministry of Defence (India)]]|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]]|date=5 October 2021|archive-date=14 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514174348/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1764148|url-status=live}}</ref> [[ISRO]], the premier Indian space agency primarily responsible for performing tasks related to [[space exploration]], operates research facilities in the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Space Research Organisation-IITM research cell|url=https://icandsr.iitm.ac.in/isro.html|access-date=22 August 2023|publisher=[[Indian Space Research Organisation]]|archive-date=6 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206100150/https://icandsr.iitm.ac.in/isro.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As per [[Euromonitor]], Chennai is the fourth-most visited city in India by international tourists and 36th internationally in 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/7-indian-cities-on-list-of-worlds-most-popular-city-destinations-in-2019-2143659|title=7 Indian Cities On List Of World's Most Popular City Destinations In 2019|date=5 December 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|work=[[NDTV]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|last1=Bremner|first1=Caroline|title=Top 100 City Destinations Ranking|url=http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/2017%20Top%20100%20Cities%20Destinations%20Final%20Report.pdf|publisher=Euromonitor International|access-date=9 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223093124/http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/2017%20Top%20100%20Cities%20Destinations%20Final%20Report.pdf|archive-date=23 December 2019}}</ref> [[Medical tourism]] forms an important part of the city's economy, with more than 40% of total medical tourists visiting India making it to Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=Medical Tourism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1Un-gGsozMC&pg=PA71|page=71|last=Connell|first=John|isbn=978-1-84593-660-0|year=2011|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173511/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q1Un-gGsozMC&pg=PA71#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
=== Water supply ===
[[File:Chembarambakkam_Lake_-_September_2018.jpg|thumb|[[Chembarambakkam Lake]], one of the major water reservoirs in the city]]
{{See also|Water management in Chennai}}

The city's water supply and sewage treatment are managed by the [[Chennai MetroWater Supply and Sewage Board]]. Water is drawn from [[Red Hills Lake]] and [[Chembarambakkam Lake]], the major water reservoirs in the city and treated at water treatment plants located at [[Kilpauk]], [[Puzhal]], [[Chembarambakkam]] and supplied to the city through 27 water distribution stations.<ref>{{cite report|title=Second Master Plan|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|pages=157–159|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104135527/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Second Master Plan|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|page=163|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104135527/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The city receives 530&nbsp;million litres per day (mld) of water from [[Krishna River]] through [[Telugu Ganga project]] and 180 mld of water from the [[Veeranam]] lake project.<ref name="Metro Water">{{cite web|title=Water Supply System|url=http://www.chennaimetrowater.tn.nic.in/departments/operation/developwss.htm|publisher=Chennai Metro Water|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015122930/http://www.chennaimetrowater.tn.nic.in/departments/operation/developwss.htm|archive-date=15 October 2013}}</ref> 100 million litres of treated water per day is produced from the Minjur [[desalination]] plant, the country's largest seawater desalination plant.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/india-s-biggest-desalination-plant-opens-in-chennai/story-cH4doM5UnG3bjLHYAqms7H.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803150810/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-s-biggest-desalination-plant-opens-in-Chennai/Article1-580562.aspx|archive-date=3 August 2010|title=India's biggest desalination plant opens in Chennai|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=1 August 2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai is predicted to face a deficit of 713 mld of water by 2026 as the demand is projected at 2,248 mld and supply estimated at 1,535 mld.<ref>{{cite book|page=102|title=State of India's Cities: An Assessment of Urban Conditions in Four Mega Cities|first1=Kala |last1=Seetharam Sridhar|first2=Nivedita|last2=Kashyap|year=2012|isbn=978-8-18881-617-0|publisher=Public Affairs Centre}}</ref> The city's sewer system was designed in 1910, with some modifications in 1958.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|title=Infrastructure|publisher=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=15|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923085807/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter07_Infrasructure.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Waste management ===
Chennai generates 4,500 tonnes of garbage every day, of which 429 tonnes are plastic waste.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramkumar|first=Pratiksha|title=Chennai stares at a plastic disaster|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=4 April 2013|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-stares-at-a-plastic-disaster/articleshow/19373649.cms|access-date=6 April 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928021708/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-stares-at-a-plastic-disaster/articleshow/19373649.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref> The Greater Chennai Corporation undertakes garbage collection and processing with collection in some of the wards contracted to private companies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/new-firm-to-begin-conservancy-work-next-week/article2773817.ece|title=New firm to begin conservancy work next week|access-date=28 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=4 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803235405/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/new-firm-to-begin-conservancy-work-next-week/article2773817.ece|archive-date=3 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/New-garbage-collection-street-cleaning-mechanism/article13383057.ece|title=New garbage collection, street cleaning mechanism|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|date=27 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804032350/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/New-garbage-collection-street-cleaning-mechanism/article13383057.ece|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, an average of 150 tonnes of garbage disposal is done in two landfill sites at [[Kodungaiyur]] and [[Pallikaranai]] daily.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/solid-waste-management/|title=Solid Waste Management|publisher=Corporation of Chennai|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208094842/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/solid-waste-management/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/cluster-based-solid-waste-mgmt-may-ease-pressure-on-dump-yards/articleshow/12564826.cms|title=Cluster-based solid waste mgmt may ease pressure on dump yards|newspaper=The Times of India|date=7 April 2012|last=Madhavan|first=D.|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928023326/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Cluster-based-solid-waste-mgmt-may-ease-pressure-on-dump-yards/articleshow/12564826.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref> In market and business areas, the conservancy work is done during the night.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/SMS-fillip-for-garbage-collection/article13379578.ece|title=SMS fillip for garbage collection|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|first=Deepa H|last=Ramakrishnan|date=25 January 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804174939/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/SMS-fillip-for-garbage-collection/article13379578.ece|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, there are public toilets in 943 locations, managed by the city corporation.<ref>{{cite news|title=GCC pilots 3 maintenance models for public toilets in Chennai|date=21 November 2022|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/gcc-pilots-3-maintenance-models-for-public-toilets-in-chennai/article66145593.ece|access-date=28 November 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208094839/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/gcc-pilots-3-maintenance-models-for-public-toilets-in-chennai/article66145593.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Communication ===
Chennai is one of four Indian cities connected by [[Submarine communications cable|undersea fibre-optic cables]] and is the [[Cable landing point|landing point]] of [[SEA-ME-WE 4|SMW<sub>4</sub>]] (connecting with [[Europe]], [[Middle East]] and [[Southeast Asia]]), [[i2i]] and [[TIISCS|TIC]] (connecting with [[Singapore]]), [[Bay of Bengal Gateway|BBG]] (connecting with Middle East, Southeast Asia and [[Sri Lanka]]), [[Gulf Bridge International]] (connecting with Middle East), and [[BRICS Cable|BRICS]] (connecting with [[Brazil]], [[Russia]], [[China]] and [[South Africa]]) with {{convert|3175|km}} long i2i having the world's largest design capacity of 8.4 terabits per second.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bharti and SingTel Establish Network i2i Limited|newspaper=Submarine network|date=8 August 2011|url=https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/intra-asia/i2i/bharti-and-singtel-establish-network-i2i-limited|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202122711/https://www.submarinenetworks.com/systems/intra-asia/i2i/bharti-and-singtel-establish-network-i2i-limited|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India's 1st undersea cable network ready|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|location=Singapore|date=8 April 2002|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6306817.cms|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817121213/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6306817.cms|archive-date=17 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=BRICS Cable Unveiled for Direct and Cohesive Communications Services Between Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa|work=Business Wire|date=16 April 2012|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120416005804/en/Brics-Cable-Unveiled-for-Direct-and-Cohesive-Communcations-Services-between-Brazil-Russia-India-China-and-South-Africa|access-date=1 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208184214/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120416005804/en/Brics-Cable-Unveiled-for-Direct-and-Cohesive-Communcations-Services-between-Brazil-Russia-India-China-and-South-Africa|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, four mobile phone service companies operate [[GSM]] networks including [[Bharti Airtel]], [[BSNL]], [[Vodafone Idea]] and [[Reliance Jio]] offering [[4G]] and [[5G]] mobile services.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.airtel.in/press-release/01-2023/airtel-5g-plus-now-live-in-5-cities-of-tamil-nadu|title=Coimbatore, Madurai, Hosur & Trichy gets ultrafast Airtel 5G Plus services in addition to Chennai|date=24 January 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Bharti Airtel]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182655/https://www.airtel.in/press-release/01-2023/airtel-5g-plus-now-live-in-5-cities-of-tamil-nadu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TRAI">{{cite report|url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.124of2023_0.pdf|title=TRAI report, August 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|publisher=[[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095115/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.124of2023_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Wireline and broadband services are offered by five major operators and other smaller local operators.<ref name="TRAI"/> Chennai is amongst the cities with a high internet usage and penetration.<ref>{{cite news|title=After losing 600,000 internet connections, Tamil Nadu adds|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=24 January 2021|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/after-losing-6l-net-connections-state-adds-2-million-in-july-sept/articleshow/80426908.cms|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/after-losing-6l-net-connections-state-adds-2-million-in-july-sept/articleshow/80426908.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, the city had the highest average broadband speed among Indian cities, with a recorded download speed of 32.67&nbsp;Mbit/s.<ref>{{cite news|title=City tops in broadband speed|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=19 August 2022|url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/chennai-tops-average-broadband-speeds-in-india-ookla-report-story-6wrmsQSZ2RWAjtALmd1xEJ.html|access-date=17 March 2023|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607155612/https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/chennai-tops-average-broadband-speeds-in-india-ookla-report-story-6wrmsQSZ2RWAjtALmd1xEJ.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Power ===
[[File:Kalpakkam 04710083 (8386517544).jpg|thumb|Madras Atomic Power Station at [[Kalpakkam]]]]

Electricity distribution is done by the [[Tamil Nadu Electricity Board]] headquartered in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=TANGEDCO, contact|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|url=https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208185659/https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the city consumes an average of 2,750 MW of power daily, which is above 18% of the total power consumption of 15,000 MW by the state of Tamil Nadu and ranks the second highest among all cities nationally.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/01/chennai-ranks-second-among-big-cities-in-power-usage-2610530.html|title=Chennai ranks second among big cities in power usage|date=1 September 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182654/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/01/chennai-ranks-second-among-big-cities-in-power-usage-2610530.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The city has over 248,000 streetlights maintained by the corporation.<ref>{{cite news|title=LED lights on roads in added city areas soon|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=3 February 2013|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/led-lights-on-roads-in-added-city-areas-soon/article4373161.ece|access-date=3 February 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730164641/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/led-lights-on-roads-in-added-city-areas-soon/article4373161.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> Major [[fossil fuel]] power plants in the city include [[North Chennai Thermal Power Station]], [[GMR Vasavi Diesel Power Plant]], [[Ennore Thermal Power Station]], [[Basin Bridge Gas Turbine Power Station]], [[Madras Atomic Power Station]] and [[Vallur Thermal Power Station|Vallur Thermal Power Project]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|title=TANGEDCO, about us|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208185659/https://www.tangedco.org/en/tangedco/reach-us/contact-information/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Atomic Power Station]] located at [[Kalpakkam]] about {{cvt|80|km}} south of the city is a comprehensive [[nuclear power]] production, fuel [[Nuclear reprocessing|reprocessing]], and [[Nuclear waste|waste treatment]] facility and is the first fully indigenous nuclear power station in India.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Chetal|first1=SC|title=Beyond PFBR to FBR 1 and 2|journal=IGC Newsletter|date=January 2013|volume=95|page=2|url=http://www.igcar.gov.in/lis/nl95/igc95.pdf|publisher=[[Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research]]|access-date=16 April 2021|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416223156/http://www.igcar.gov.in/lis/nl95/igc95.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Health care ===
{{Main|Healthcare in Chennai}}
[[File:GovernmentHospitalChennai.JPG|thumb|[[Government General Hospital, Chennai|General Hospital]], the primary public hospital in Chennai]]

Chennai has a well-developed health infrastructure, including both government-run and private hospitals. The corporation runs 138 primary health centres, 14 secondary health centres, three maternity hospitals and three veterinary health centres.<ref name="HCR">{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/health/|title=Health department|publisher=Greater Chennai Corporation|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182652/https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/health/|url-status=live}}</ref> The corporation also runs six diagnostic centres, 37 shelters and 10 health centres for the homeless.<ref name="HCR"/> The city attracts many health tourists from abroad and other states and has been termed as India's health capital.<ref name="HC">{{cite news|last=Hamid|first=Zubeda|title=The medical capital's place in history|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=20 August 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-medical-capitals-place-in-history/article3796305.ece|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031054/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-medical-capitals-place-in-history/article3796305.ece|archive-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> Major government run hospitals include [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|Government General Hospital]], [[Government multi-super speciality hospital, Chennai|Government multi-super specialty hospital]], [[Kilpauk Medical College|Kilpauk medical college hospital]], [[Government Royapettah Hospital]], [[Stanley Medical College|Stanley medical college hospital]], [[Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, Chennai|Government hospital of thoracic medicine]], [[Adyar Cancer Institute]], [[Tambaram TB Sanatorium|TB Sanatorium]] and [[National Institute of Siddha]].<ref name="Hosp">{{cite book|last=De|first=Barun Kumar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLBwsuW26oMC&pg=PA39|title=Public System Management|isbn=978-8-12241-767-8|publisher=New Age International Publishers|location=New Delhi|year=2006|page=39|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173558/https://books.google.com/books?id=PLBwsuW26oMC&pg=PA39|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennai.nic.in/public-utility-category/hospitals/|title=Hospitals in Chennai|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930035451/https://chennai.nic.in/public-utility-category/hospitals/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Government General Hospital was started by 16 November 1664 and was the first major hospital in India.<ref>{{cite journal|title=History of Medicine: The origin and evolution of the first modern hospital in India|journal=The National Medical Journal of India|date=2020|volume=33|issue=3|pages=175–179|url=https://www.nmji.in/article.asp?issn=0970-258X;year=2020;volume=33;issue=3;spage=175;epage=179;aulast=Amarjothi#:~:text=In%201639%2C%20EIC%20officials%2C%20Andrew,hospital%20in%20India%20was%20started|doi=10.4103/0970-258X.314010|pmid=33904424|access-date=23 May 2021|doi-access=free|author1=Amarjothi JMV|last2=Jesudasan|first2=J.|last3=Ramasamy|first3=V.|last4=Jose|first4=L.|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523103919/https://www.nmji.in/article.asp?issn=0970-258X;year=2020;volume=33;issue=3;spage=175;epage=179;aulast=Amarjothi#:~:text=In%201639%2C%20EIC%20officials%2C%20Andrew,hospital%20in%20India%20was%20started|url-status=live}}</ref> Major private hospitals in the city include [[Apollo Hospitals]], [[Billroth Hospitals]], [[Dr. Mehta's Hospital]], [[Fortis Malar Hospital]], [[Madras Medical Mission]], [[Madras Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology|MIOT Hospitals]], [[Sankara Nethralaya]], [[SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre]], [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute]], [[Gleneagles Global Hospitals|Global Hospitals]], [[Chettinad Group|Chettinad Hospitals]], Kauvery Hospital and Vijaya Hospitals.<ref name="Hosp"/> Corporation is responsible for administration of [[polio vaccine]] for eligible age groups.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/5-67-lakh-kids-get-polio-vaccines-at-1647-camps-in-city/articleshow/89879771.cms|title=5.67 lakh kids get polio vaccines at 1,647 camps in Chennai|date=28 February 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208182653/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/5-67-lakh-kids-get-polio-vaccines-at-1647-camps-in-city/articleshow/89879771.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> [[King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research]] established in 1899 is a research institute specializing in preventive medicine and [[vaccination]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/King-Institute-looking-to-revive-anti-snake-venom-serum-production/article15583103.ece|title=King Institute looking to revive anti-snake venom serum production|first=Ramya|last=Kannan|date=7 December 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208184156/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/King-Institute-looking-to-revive-anti-snake-venom-serum-production/article15583103.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Media===
{{Main|Media in Chennai}}
{{See also|List of Newspapers in Chennai|Broadcasting in Chennai}}
[[File:SUN network office.JPG|thumb|Headquarters of [[Sun Network]], India's largest private TV broadcaster]]

Newspaper publishing started in Chennai with the launch of the weekly ''The Madras Courier'' in 1785.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-first-newspaper-of-madras-presidency-had-a-36-year-run/article66180704.ece|title=The first newspaper of Madras Presidency had a 36-year run|date=25 November 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=21 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021204421/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/the-first-newspaper-of-madras-presidency-had-a-36-year-run/article66180704.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It was followed by the weeklies ''The Madras Gazette'' and ''The Government Gazette'' in 1795.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cL7KVAqvSEYC&dq=madras+gazette+&pg=PA4|title=The Press in Tamil Nadu and the Struggle for Freedom, 1917-1937|publisher=South Asia Books|author=A. Ganesan|date=January 1988|pages=4|isbn=978-8-1709-9082-6|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173448/https://books.google.com/books?id=cL7KVAqvSEYC&dq=madras+gazette+&pg=PA4#v=onepage&q=madras%20gazette&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/1955_7/9/the_story_of_the_indian_press.pdf|title=The Story of the Indian Press|author=Reba Chaudhuri|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=22 February 1955|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=25 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225131254/https://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/1955_7/9/the_story_of_the_indian_press.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''The Spectator'', founded in 1836 was the first English newspaper in Chennai to be owned by an Indian and became the city's first daily newspaper in 1853.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Mail, Madras' only English eveninger and one of India's oldest newspapers, closes down|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/media/story/19820131-the-mail-madras-only-english-eveninger-and-one-of-indias-oldest-newspapers-closes-down-771474-2013-10-22|date=22 October 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=India Today|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326174134/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/media/story/19820131-the-mail-madras-only-english-eveninger-and-one-of-indias-oldest-newspapers-closes-down-771474-2013-10-22|url-status=live}}</ref> The first Telugu journal printed from Madras was ''Satya Doota'' in 1835, and the first Tamil newspaper, ''[[Swadesamitran]]'', was launched in 1899.<ref>{{cite book|title=Madras Rediscovered|last=Muthiah|first=S.|year=2004|authorlink=S. Muthiah|publisher=East West Books (Madras) Pvt Ltd|isbn=978-8-18866-124-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8UkDQAAQBAJ&q=andhra+patrika+madras|title=Classical Telugu Poetry: An Anthology|last1=Narayana|first1=Velcheru|last2=Shulman|first2=David|date=2002|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-52022-598-5|language=en}}</ref> Chennai has several newspapers and magazines published in various languages including Tamil, English and Telugu.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%209.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 9|page=32|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095128/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%209.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The major dailies with a circulation of more than 100,000 copies per day include ''[[The Hindu]]'', ''[[Dina Thanthi]]'', ''[[Dinakaran]]'', ''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[Dina Malar]]'' and ''[[The Deccan Chronicle]]''.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%206.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 6|page=8|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095105/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%206.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Several periodicals and local newspapers prevalent in select localities also bring out editions from the city.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%207.pdf|title=Press in India 2021-22, Chapter 7|page=5|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=23 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223095118/https://rni.nic.in/pdf_file/pin2021_22/Chapter%207.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The government run [[Doordarshan]] broadcasts terrestrial and [[satellite television]] channels from its Chennai centre set up in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prasarbharati.gov.in/dd-podhigai-homepage/contact/|title=DD Podighai|publisher=Prasar Bharti|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=21 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921161844/https://prasarbharati.gov.in/dd-podhigai-homepage/contact/|url-status=live}}</ref> Many private satellite television networks including [[Sun Network]], one of India's largest broadcasting companies, are based in the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://india.mom-gmr.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/sun-group/|title=Sun Group|publisher=Media Ownership Monitor|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109202439/http://india.mom-gmr.org/en/owners/companies/detail/company/company/show/sun-group/|url-status=live}}</ref> The cable TV service is entirely controlled by the state government while [[Direct broadcast satellite|DTH]] and [[Internet Protocol television|IPTV]] is available via various private operators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arasu Cable to launch operations from September 2|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arasu-cable-to-launch-operations-from-september-2/article2411833.ece|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=30 August 2011|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209071342/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/arasu-cable-to-launch-operations-from-september-2/article2411833.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bsnl-launches-iptv-services-to-its-customers-in-tamil-nadu/article66661237.ece|title=BSNL launches IPTV services to its customers in Tamil Nadu|date=25 March 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209071340/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/bsnl-launches-iptv-services-to-its-customers-in-tamil-nadu/article66661237.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Radio broadcasting]] began in 1924 by the Madras Presidency Radio Club.<ref>{{cite news|last=Muthiah|first=S.|title=AIR Chennai's 80-year journey|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 May 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/air-chennais-80-year-journey/article23947443.ece|access-date=28 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035611/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/air-chennais-80-year-journey/article23947443.ece|archive-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> [[All India Radio]] was established in 1938.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newsonair.gov.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=442780|title=All India Radio, Chennai celebrates 85th anniversary|date=16 June 2002|publisher=News on Air|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128191801/https://newsonair.gov.in/Main-News-Details.aspx?id=442780|url-status=live}}</ref> The city has four [[amplitude modulation|AM]] and 11 [[frequency modulation|FM]] radio stations operated by [[All India Radio]], [[Hello FM]], [[Suryan FM]], [[Radio Mirchi]], [[Radio City (Indian radio station)|Radio City]] and [[BIG FM 92.7|BIG FM]] among others.<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Gilbert|editor-first=Sean|title=[[World Radio TV Handbook|World Radio TV Handbook 2007: The Directory of International Broadcasting]]|publisher=WRTH Publications|year=2006|place=London|pages=237–242|isbn=978-0-82305-997-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://mruc.net/uploads/posts/cd072cdc13d2fe48ac660374d0c22a5d.pdf|title=IRS survey, 2019|publisher=MRUC|access-date=1 December 2023|page=46|archive-date=25 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925203217/https://mruc.net/uploads/posts/cd072cdc13d2fe48ac660374d0c22a5d.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Others ===
Fire services are handled by the [[Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services]], which operates 33 operating fire stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/station-list/|title=List of fire stations|publisher=Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173457/https://www.tnfrs.tn.gov.in/about-us/station-list/|url-status=live}}</ref> The corporation also owns 52 community halls across the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Residents to soon have free use of community halls|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=31 October 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-to-soon-have-free-use-of-community-halls/article4048482.ece|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730141741/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-to-soon-have-free-use-of-community-halls/article4048482.ece|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> Postal services are handled by [[India Post]], which operates 568 post offices, of which nearly 460 operate from rented premises.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lakshmi|first=K.|title=Iconic General Post Office to finally get a makeover|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=28 June 2018|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/iconic-general-post-office-to-finally-get-a-makeover/article24274117.ece|access-date=15 July 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025703/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/iconic-general-post-office-to-finally-get-a-makeover/article24274117.ece|archive-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> The first post office was established on 1 June 1786 at Fort St. George on 1 June 1786.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tamilnadupost.cept.gov.in/circle-history.php|title=History, Tamil Nadu circle|publisher=[[India Post]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=4 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204115809/https://tamilnadupost.cept.gov.in/circle-history.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Transport ==
{{Main|Transport in Chennai}}

=== Air ===
[[File:International_Terminal_Airside_Chennai_Airport_Aug22_D72_24874.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai International Airport]] is one of the busiest in India]]

The aviation history of Chennai began in 1910, when [[Giacomo D'Angelis]] built the first powered flight in Asia and tested it in [[The Island, Chennai|Island Grounds]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|title=History of Indian Air Force|publisher=[[Government of India]]|page=2|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208172949/https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2021/05/mygov-10000000001960522275.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1915, [[Tata Sons|Tata Air Mail]] started an airmail service between Karachi and Madras marking the beginning of civil aviation in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|title=100 years of civil aviation|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226224125/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=69345|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 1930, a discussion initiated by pilot G. Vlasto led to the founding of [[Madras Flying Club]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian Aviation|year=1952|first=R.L.|last=Saraogi|page=192}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Janardanan|first=Arun|title=Madras Flying Club: High on quality|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=14 June 2011|language=en|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-flying-club-high-on-quality/articleshow/8842647.cms|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901172935/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/madras-flying-club-high-on-quality/articleshow/8842647.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 October 1932, [[J. R. D. Tata]] flew a [[De Havilland Puss Moth|Puss Moth]] aircraft carrying air mail from Karachi to [[Bombay]]'s [[Juhu aerodrome|Juhu Airstrip]] and the flight was continued to Madras piloted by aviator [[Nevill Vintcent]] marking the first scheduled commercial flight.<ref>{{cite book|language=en|title=Britain's Imperial Air Routes, 1918 to 1939|last=Higham|first=Robin|page=168|publisher=Shoe String Press|year=1961|isbn=978-0-2080-0171-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=De Havilland Gazette|year=1953|page=103|publisher=De Havilland Aircraft Company}}</ref> The city is served by [[Chennai International Airport]] located in [[Tirusulam]], around {{convert|20|km}} southwest of the city centre.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/from-atop-chennais-tirusulam-hill-you-can-watch-airplanes-fly-by/article29877472.ece|title=From atop this hill in Chennai, you can watch airplanes fly by|date=4 November 2015|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 December 2022|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331132903/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/from-atop-chennais-tirusulam-hill-you-can-watch-airplanes-fly-by/article29877472.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It is the [[List of busiest airports in India|fourth-busiest]] airport in India in terms of passenger traffic and cargo handled.<ref>{{cite report|title=Airports by Passenger Traffic, 2022-23|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/traffic-news/rev_Mar2k23Annex3.pdf|access-date=24 April 2023|publisher=[[Airports Authority of India]]}}</ref> While the existing airport is undergoing expansion with an addition of {{cvt|1069.99|acres|2}}, a new [[Chennai greenfield airport, Parandur|greenfield airport]] has been proposed to handle additional traffic.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai's aero dreams take wing|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennais-aero-dreams-take-wing/articleshow/12974999.cms|date=3 May 2012|first1=Arun|last1=Janardhanan|first2=V|last2=Ayyappan|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|access-date=25 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928021647/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennais-aero-dreams-take-wing/articleshow/12974999.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref>

The region comes under the purview of the [[Southern Air Command, Indian Air Force|Southern Air Command]] of the [[Indian Air Force]]. The Air Force operates an air base at [[Tambaram Air Force Station|Tambaram]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Air Force Commands|work=Indian Air Force: Touch The Sky With Glory |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/zonal-maps/|publisher=[[Indian Air Force]]|access-date=29 June 2010|language=en}}</ref> The [[Indian Navy]] operates airbases at [[INS Rajali|Arakkonam]] and Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=Organisation of Southern Naval Command|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=26 August 2023|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ENC Authorities & Units|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/enc-authorities-units|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=26 October 2015|language=en}}</ref>

=== Rail ===
[[File:Southern Railway HQ.jpg|thumb|[[Southern Railway zone]] is headquartered in Chennai]]

The history of railway in Chennai began in 1832, when the first railway line in India was proposed between [[Chinnamalai|Little Mount]] and [[Chintadripet]] in the city which became operational in 1837.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html|title=Chennai: The track record|date=16 April 2018|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=9 August 2023}}</ref> The [[Madras Railway]] was established later in 1845 and the construction on the first main line between Madras and [[Arcot]] started in 1853, which became operational in 1856.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/on-the-forgotten-track/articleshow/99129882.cms?from=mdr|title=On Forgotten Road|date=31 March 2013|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=9 August 2023}}</ref> In 1944, all the railway companies operating in [[British India]] were taken over by the Government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm|title=Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background|publisher=[[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> In December 1950, the Central Advisory Committee for Railways approved the plan for Indian Railways into six zonal systems and the Southern Railway zone was created on 14 April 1951 by merging three state railways, namely, the [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]], the [[South Indian Railway Company]], and the [[Mysore State Railway]] with Chennai as the [[Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai|headquarters]].<ref name="SR">{{cite web|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1|title=Southern Railways, about us|publisher=[[Southern Railway zone]]|access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref> The city has four major railway terminals at [[Chennai Central railway station|Chennai Central]], [[Chennai Egmore railway station|Egmore]], [[Chennai Beach railway station|Beach]] and [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]].<ref>{{cite report|type=pdf|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1659695525713-SR.pdf|title=Southern Railway stations|publisher=Indian Railways|access-date=12 August 2023}}</ref> Chennai Central, city's largest station provides access to other major stations nationally and is amongst the busiest stations in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Central-station-to-shut-down-on-December-13/articleshow/5290066.cms|title=Central station to shut down on December 13|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|date=2 December 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928014443/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Central-station-to-shut-down-on-December-13/articleshow/5290066.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref>

;Suburban and MRTS
[[File:Velachery_Railway_station_June_2010.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System|Chennai MRTS]] was the first MRTS system in India]]
{{Main|Chennai Suburban Railway}}
{{Main|Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System}}

Chennai has a well-established suburban railway network operated by Southern railway, which was established in 1928.<ref name="CSR">{{cite report|title=Brief History of the Division|publisher=[[Indian Railways]]|url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref> The [[Mass Rapid Transit System (Chennai)|Mass Rapid Transit System]] (MRTS) is an elevated urban mass transit system established in 1995 operating on a single line from [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] to [[Velachery railway station|Velachery]].<ref name="CSR"/>
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 100%"
|-
!System
!Lines
!Stations
!Length
!Opened
|-
| [[Chennai Suburban Railway|Chennai Suburban]]<ref>{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1623903361519-CHENNAI%20DIVISION%20-%20CATEGORY-2021.pdf|title=List of Stations, Chennai|lang=en|publisher=Southern Railway|access-date=23 August 2023}}</ref> 
| 3
| [[Railway stations in Chennai|53]]
| {{cvt|212|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}}
| 1928
|-
| [[Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System|Chennai MRTS]]<ref name="MRTS">{{cite web|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/mrts_phase1.html|title=About MRTS|publisher=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|access-date=31 August 2023|language=en}}</ref>
| 1
| [[Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System|17]]
| {{cvt|19.715|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}}
| 1995
|}

;Metro
[[File:Alstom Metropolis train-set at Guindy Metro station in Chennai.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Metro]] is the only metro system operational in the state]]
{{Main|Chennai Metro}}

[[Chennai Metro]] is a [[rapid transit]] rail system in Chennai that was opened in 2015. As of 2023, the metro system consists of two operational lines operating across {{cvt|54.1|km|mi|abbr=on|adj=on}} with [[List of Chennai Metro stations|41]] stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wcag.chennaimetrorail.org/project-status/|title=Project status of Chennai Metro|date=19 November 2015 |publisher=[[Chennai Metro Rail Limited]]|access-date=31 August 2023}}</ref> The Chennai metro system is being expanded with a proposed addition of three more lines and an extension of {{cvt|116.1|km}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Metro's second phase to go up to Poonamallee|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 July 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/metros-second-phase-to-go-up-to-poonamallee/article19310471.ece|access-date=1 October 2017}}</ref>

{| class="sortable wikitable" style="font-size: 100%"
|-
!Line
!colspan="2"|Terminal
!Opened
!Length<br />(km)
!Stations
|-
| style="background:#{{rail color|Chennai Metro|Blue}}; text-align: center;| [[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|<span style="color:white;">Blue Line</span>]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Wimco Nagar Depot metro station|Wimco Nagar]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Chennai International Airport metro station|Chennai Airport]]
| style="text-align:center;"|21 September 2016
| style="text-align:center;"|32.65
| style="text-align:center;"|26
|-
| style="background:#{{rail color|Chennai Metro|Green}}; text-align: center;| [[Green Line (Chennai Metro)|<span style="color:white;">Green Line</span>]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central metro station|Chennai Central]]
| style="text-align:center;"|[[St. Thomas Mount (Chennai Suburban Railway)|St. Thomas Mount]]
| style="text-align:center;"|29 June 2015
| style="text-align:center;"|22
| style="text-align:center;"|17
|-
!Total
! colspan="3"|
!54.65
!41
|}

=== Road ===
[[File:Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus|CMBT]], the major inter-city bus terminus]]

Chennai has an extensive road network covering about {{cvt|1780|km}} as of 2023.<ref name="Policy"/><ref>{{cite report|title=Review of Chennai's Second Master Plan: Through the lens of Sustainable Transport|url=https://www.cag.org.in/blogs/review-chennais-second-master-plan-through-lens-sustainable-transport|publisher=Citizen, consumer and civic action group|access-date=15 July 2023}}</ref> Chennai is one of the termini of the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] system of [[National Highway (India)|National Highways]].<ref>{{cite report|url=https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/48.pdf|title=Annual Report 2003-04|work=[[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]], [[Government of India]]|page=10|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref> As a part of the network, the city is connected to [[Mumbai]] and [[Kolkata]] via [[National Highway 48 (India)|NH&nbsp;48]] and [[National Highway 16 (India)|NH&nbsp;16]] respectively.<ref name="NH">{{cite report|url=http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/linkimages/9-6774713323.pdf|title=Rationalisation of Numbering Systems of National Highways|work=[[Department of Road Transport and Highways]]|date=28 April 2010|access-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816023220/http://dorth.gov.in/writereaddata/linkimages/9-6774713323.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, [[National Highway 32 (India)|NH&nbsp;32]], and [[National Highway 716 (India)|NH&nbsp;716]] originate from the city.<ref name="NH"/> The road network also consists of [[State Highway (India)|state highways]] which serve as arterial roads and two peripheral roads ([[Inner Ring Road, Chennai|inner]] and [[Outer Ring Road, Chennai|outer ring road]]s).<ref>{{cite web|title=GIS database for Chennai city roads and strategies for improvement|date=17 September 2009 |url=https://www.geospatialworld.net/article/gis-datatbase-for-chennai-city-roads-and-strategies-for-improvement/|publisher=Geospatial World|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> There are [[grade separator]]s and [[Flyovers in Chennai|flyovers]] at major intersections.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/bridges/|title=Bridges|work=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai's Game-changing Infra Upgrade|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/chennai/chennais-game-changing-infra-upgrade-pallavaram-flyover-to-be-linked-to-tambaram-bypass-article-99186725|date=2 April 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Times Now]]}}</ref> There are two expressways under construction: [[Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Expressway]] and [[Bangalore–Chennai Expressway]].<ref>{{cite news|title=PM's adviser to meet CM for talks on pending projects|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=7 November 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/pms-adviser-to-meet-cm-for-talks-on-pending-projects/article4071593.ece|access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/feb/02/chennai-bangalore-expressway-work-to-start-in-six-months-nirmala-sitharaman-2097828.html|title = Chennai-Bangalore Expressway work to start in six months: Nirmala Sitharaman|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=2 February 2020|access-date=16 March 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Port of Chennai, India - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Chennai port]], amongst the busiest in South India]]

{{As of|2021}}, there are over six million registered vehicles in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Personal vehicles cross 70L mark in Greater Hyderabad|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/personal-vehicles-cross-70l-mark-in-greater-hyderabad/articleshow/104809589.cms|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=30 October 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> [[public transport|Public bus transport]] is handled by the [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|Metropolitan Transport Corporation]] of [[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]], which is run by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1947 when private buses operating in [[Madras presidency]] were nationalized by the government and runs about 3233 buses {{as of|2023}}.<ref name="TNSTC">{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/Tamil%20Nadu%20STUs-pages.pdf|title=Tamil Nadu STUs|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> [[State Express Transport Corporation (Tamil Nadu)|State Express Transport Corporation Limited]] (SETC), established in 1980, runs long-distance express services exceeding 250&nbsp;km and above and links the city with other important cities and adjoining states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]] and the Union Territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]]. SETC operates various classes of services such as semi-deluxe, ultra-deluxe and air-conditioned with advance booking and reservation on all of its routes.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tnstc.in/innerHtmls/pdf/History-of-SETC.pdf|title=History of SETC|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation]]|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref> [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] is one of the largest bus stations in Asia and caters to outstation buses.<ref>{{cite news|title=Clogged way to filthy Koyambedu bus terminus|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/clogged-way-to-filthy-koyambedu-bus-terminus/articleshow/8497045.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 May 2011|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928023321/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Clogged-way-to-filthy-Koyambedu-bus-terminus/articleshow/8497045.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref> The other means of road transport in the city include vans, [[auto rickshaw]]s, on-call metered taxis and tourist taxis.<ref>{{cite news|title=Airport taxis, a law unto themselves|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/airport-taxis-a-law-unto-themselves/article3871479.ece|date=8 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804024917/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/airport-taxis-a-law-unto-themselves/article3871479.ece|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref>

=== Water ===
Chennai has two major ports [[Chennai Port|Chennai]] and [[Kamarajar Port Limited|Ennore]] which are managed by the [[Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India)|Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways]] of the Government of India.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://dwiep.ncscm.res.in/images/port.pdf|title=Ports of India|access-date=1 November 2023|publisher=[[Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India)|Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways]], [[Government of India]]}}</ref> There are three minor ports, which are managed by the [[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|department of highways and minor ports]] of Government of Tamil Nadu.<ref name="Policy">{{cite report|title=Highway policy|url=https://www.tnhighways.tn.gov.in/pdf/hw_e_pn_2023_24.pdf|publisher=[[Department of Highways and Minor Ports (Tamil Nadu)|Highways Department]], [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=15 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Jayalalithaa inaugurates Kattupalli port|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 December 2013|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jayalalithaa-inaugurates-kattupalli-port/article4363516.ece|access-date=31 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127214725/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jayalalithaa-inaugurates-kattupalli-port/article4363516.ece|archive-date=27 January 2021}}</ref> [[Royapuram fishing harbour]] is used by fishing boats.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kasimedu Harbour to be spuruced up|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=6 October 2022|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kasimedu-fishing-harbour-likely-to-be-spruced-at-100-cr/articleshow/89374945.cms|access-date=18 Jan 2023}}</ref> [[Indian Navy]] has a major base at Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/about-us/basic-organization.html|title=Basic Organization|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=1 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiannavy.nic.in/content/organisation-southern-naval-command-kochi|title=Southern naval command|publisher=[[Indian Navy]]|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Senate House (University of Madras).jpg|thumb|The [[University of Madras]] ({{tooltip|e.|established}} 1857), one of the oldest universities in India]]
{{Main|Education in Chennai}}
{{See also|Schools in Chennai|Education in India}}

Chennai is a major educational hub and home to some of the premium educational institutions in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=City home to some of the best educational institutions in India|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=9 April 2019|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/city-home-to-some-of-the-best-educational-institutions-in-india/article26775302.ece|access-date=2 May 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727210916/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/city-home-to-some-of-the-best-educational-institutions-in-india/article26775302.ece|archive-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> The city has a 90.33% literacy rate and ranks second among the major Indian metropolitan city centres.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://in.finance.yahoo.com/photos/metro-cities-with-the-highest-literacy-rates-1350986528-slideshow/metro-cities-with-the-highest-literacy-rates-photo-1350986351.html|title=Indian metro cities with the highest literacy rates|publisher=[[Yahoo]]|date=23 October 2012|access-date=6 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129132031/https://in.finance.yahoo.com/photos/metro-cities-with-the-highest-literacy-rates-1350986528-slideshow/metro-cities-with-the-highest-literacy-rates-photo-1350986351.html|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> Chennai has a mix of public and private schools with the public school system managed by the school education department of Government of Tamil Nadu. {{As of|2023}}, there are 420 [[List of schools in Chennai|public schools]] run by Greater Chennai Corporation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/education/|title=History of the Education Department|publisher=[[Corporation of Chennai]]|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Public schools run by the Chennai Corporation are all affiliated with the [[Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education|Tamil Nadu State Board]], while private schools may be affiliated with either of Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education, [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] (CBSE), [[Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations]] (ICSE) or [[National Institute of Open Schooling]] (NIOS).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/tamilnadu/2023/05/23/tn-private-schools-told-to-teach-tamil-for-students-till-class-10|title=TN private schools told to teach Tamil for students till Class 10|date=23 May 2023|newspaper=DT Next|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> School education starts with two years of Kindergarten from age three onwards and then follows the Indian [[Education in India|10+2 plan]], ten years of school and two years of higher secondary education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecivilindia.com/pages/education/structure-of-education-india.html|title=Educational structure|publisher=Civil India|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Anna university Chennai.jpg|thumb|left|[[College of Engineering, Guindy]] ({{tooltip|e.|established}} 1794) is the oldest engineering college in India]]

The [[University of Madras]] was founded in 1857 and is one of India's first modern universities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/a-brief-history-of-the-modern-indian-university|title=A brief history of the modern Indian university|date=24 November 2016|publisher=Times Higher Education|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727204708/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/features/a-brief-history-of-the-modern-indian-university|archive-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> Colleges for science, arts, and commerce degrees are typically affiliated with the [[University of Madras]], which has six campuses in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unom.ac.in/index.php?route=colleges/government|title=List of colleges, UNOM|publisher=University of Madras|access-date=17 January 2022}}</ref> [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras]] is a premier institute of engineering and [[College of Engineering, Guindy]], [[Anna University]] founded in 1794 is the oldest engineering college in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/ldquoSome-colleges-schools-in-Chennai-oldest-in-countryrdquo/article16520378.ece|title=Some colleges, schools in Chennai oldest in country|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 September 2009|access-date=31 May 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Connemara_Public_Library,_Chennai-8.jpg|thumb|[[Connemara Public Library]] ({{tooltip|e.|established}} 1896), one of the oldest libraries in India]]

[[Officers Training Academy]] of the [[Indian Army]] is headquartered in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pranab Mukherjee to review passing-out parade at Chennai OTA|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pranab-mukherjee-to-review-passingout-parade-at-chennai-ota/article9040488.ece|access-date=28 August 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 August 2016}}</ref> There are eight government-run medical colleges in the city including one dental college, three for traditional medicine and four for modern medicine apart from multiple private colleges operating under the purview of [[Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University]] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tnmgrmu.ac.in/index.php/examination/2-uncategorised/2874-a.html|title=Affiliated colleges|publisher=Dr MGR university|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> [[Madras Medical College]] was established in 1835 and is one of the oldest medical colleges in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmc.ac.in/mmc/content_page.jsp?sq1=ih&sqf=415|title=Institution History|publisher=[[Madras Medical College]]|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515184430/http://www.mmc.ac.in/mmc/content_page.jsp?sq1=ih&sqf=415|url-status=live }}</ref>

Chennai has many libraries with the major ones being the [[Connemara Public Library]] ({{tooltip|estd.|established}} 1896), one of the four [[National Depository Centre]]s in India that receive a copy of all newspapers and books published in the country and the [[Anna Centenary Library]], the largest library in Asia.<ref>{{cite book|last=Patel|first=Jashu|author2=Kumar, Krishan|title=Libraries and Librarianship in India|publisher=Greenwood Press|location=Westport, Connecticut|year=2001|page=80|isbn=978-0-31329-423-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KXVrsPSzeNAC}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/96894/chennai-now-boasts-south-asias.html|last=Venkatsh|first=M. R.|title=Chennai now boasts South Asia's largest library|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=15 September 2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227105421/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/96894/chennai-now-boasts-south-asias.html|archive-date=27 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Connemara-librarys-online-catalogue-launched/article16372153.ece|title=Connemara library's online catalogue launched|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012|date=23 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407185717/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Connemara-librarys-online-catalogue-launched/article16372153.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> Chennai has two [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research|CSIR]] research institutions namely [[Central Leather Research Institute]] and [[Structural Engineering Research Centre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.csir.res.in/csir-labs|title=CSIR labs|publisher=CSIR|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Chennai book fair is an annual book fair organized by the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) and is typically held in December–January.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/edu-minister-says-2nd-intl-book-fair-in-jan-2024/articleshow/100835652.cms|title=Edu minister says 2nd int'l book fair in Jan 2024|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=8 June 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

== Tourism and recreation ==
{{Main|Tourism in Chennai}}
[[File:Chennai - bird's-eye view.ogv|thumb|[[Marina Beach]], one of the longest urban beaches]]

With temples, beaches and centres of historical and cultural significance including the [[UNESCO Heritage Site]] of Mahabalipuram, Chennai is one of the most-visited cities in India with 11 million domestic and 630,000 foreign tourists visiting in 2020.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.tn.gov.in/deptst/tourism.pdf|title=Tourism handbook|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The gateway to the [[South India|southern part of India]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/chennai-madras|title=Silk road: Chennai|publisher=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> Chennai was ranked among the top hundred destinations by [[Euromonitor]].<ref>{{cite report|last1=Bremner|first1=Caroline|title=Top 100 City Destinations Ranking |url=http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/2017%20Top%20100%20Cities%20Destinations%20Final%20Report.pdf|publisher=Euromonitor International|access-date=9 August 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223093124/http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/2017%20Top%20100%20Cities%20Destinations%20Final%20Report.pdf|archive-date=23 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Top 100 city destinations|url=http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/wpTop100Cities19.pdf|publisher=Euromonitor International|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224065335/http://go.euromonitor.com/rs/805-KOK-719/images/wpTop100Cities19.pdf|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref> {{As of|2018}}, the city has about [[List of hotels in Chennai|7,000 luxury rooms]] across four- and five-star categories, with 85 per cent of the room demand coming from business travellers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chandramouli|first=Rajesh|title=Hotels full as Chennai turns into wedding destination|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=27 April 2018|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/hotels-full-as-city-turns-into-wedding-destination/articleshow/63932181.cms|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428104119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/hotels-full-as-city-turns-into-wedding-destination/articleshow/63932181.cms|archive-date=28 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Siva Prasanna Kumar|first=J. V.|title=Chennai emerges top among Indian cities in hotel room addition|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=29 April 2019|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/290419/chennai-emerges-top-among-indian-cities-in-hotel-room-addition.html|access-date=6 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124214024/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/290419/chennai-emerges-top-among-indian-cities-in-hotel-room-addition.html|archive-date=24 November 2020}}</ref> Chennai has a {{cvt|19|km}} coastline with many beaches including the [[Marina Beach|Marina]] spanning {{cvt|13|km}} which is the second-longest urban beach in the world and [[Elliot's Beach]] south of the Adyar delta.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZJfu5vbPbA0C&pg=PA81|title=Observing our environment from space: new solutions for a new millennium|author=EARSeL|year=2002|isbn=90-5809-254-2|publisher=A. A. Balakema}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennai.org.uk/beaches/elliot-beach.html|title=Elliot's Beach|access-date=12 October 2015|publisher=chennai.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227012841/http://www.chennai.org.uk/beaches/elliot-beach.html|archive-date=27 December 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Semmozhi_Poonga_4.jpg|thumb|left|[[Semmozhi Poonga]], a {{convert|20|acre}} [[botanical garden]]]]

{{As of|2023}}, Chennai has 835 public parks maintained by the corporation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/gcc/department/park/|title=Parks of Chennai|publisher=[[Greater Chennai Corporation]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The largest park is the 358-acre [[Tholkappia Poonga]], developed to restore the fragile ecosystem of the Adyar estuary.<ref>{{cite report|title=Adyar eco park|url=https://www.chennairivers.gov.in/adyar_poonga_Phase-1.html|publisher=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> [[Semmozhi Poonga]] is a {{convert|20|acre}} [[botanical garden]] maintained by the horticulture department.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sivan|first=Jayraj|title=Collector refutes MK's charge, says property on Cathedral Rd not govt's|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=11 October 2011|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/collector-refutes-mks-charge-says-property-on-cathedral-rd-not-govts/articleshow/10308598.cms|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160928023337/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Collector-refutes-MKs-charge-says-property-on-Cathedral-Rd-not-govts/articleshow/10308598.cms|archive-date=28 September 2016}}</ref> [[Madras Crocodile Bank]] is a [[reptile]] [[zoo]] located {{cvt|40|km}} south of the city and has one of the largest collections of reptiles in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/03/science/saving-the-crocodile-and-putting-on-a-spectacular-show.html|title=Saving the Crocodile and Putting on a Spectacular Show|newspaper=[[New York Times]]|access-date=30 August 2011|first=Stephen|last=Kinzer|date=3 February 1998|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222204538/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/02/03/science/saving-the-crocodile-and-putting-on-a-spectacular-show.html|archive-date=22 February 2019}}</ref> Arignar Anna zoological park is a large urban zoo with more than two million visitors annually.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=IBN Live|title=Wandering down Chennais wild side|date=3 June 2011|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2011/jun/01/wandering-down-chennais-wild-side-258486.html|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> Guindy National Park is a protected area within the city limits and has a children's park and a [[Chennai Snake Park Trust|snake park]] associated with it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guindy National Park|publisher=[[Tamil Nadu Forest Department]]|url=https://guindypark.com/|access-date=1 December 2022}}</ref> Chennai also houses several theme parks and amusement parks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Amusement parks: a preferred destination|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/downtown/amusement-parks-a-preferred-destination/article3536508.ece|first=Madhavan|last=T|date=16 June 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803235358/https://www.thehindu.com/features/downtown/amusement-parks-a-preferred-destination/article3536508.ece|archive-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>

{{As of|2012}}, there are 120 cinema screens and multiplexes.<ref>{{cite news|last=RamaKrishnan|first=Deepa H.|title=Cinema halls oppose service tax, stay shut|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 February 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cinema-halls-oppose-service-tax-stay-shut/article2925250.ece|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126060008/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cinema-halls-oppose-service-tax-stay-shut/article2925250.ece|archive-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> Stage plays and dramas of different genres and languages are enacted in theatres across the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/supplement/story/20080616-all-for-a-laugh-736499-2008-06-04|title=All for a laugh|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202103932/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/supplement/story/20080616-all-for-a-laugh-736499-2008-06-04|archive-date=2 December 2020}}</ref> Chennai is also home to [[Shopping in Chennai|several malls]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Mall activity picks up in Chennai IT hubs|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/Mall-activity-picks-up-in-Chennai-IT-hubs/article20216955.ece|first=Nina|last=Varghese|date=7 August 2006|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804040615/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/Mall-activity-picks-up-in-Chennai-IT-hubs/article20216955.ece|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref> The city is an important market for [[jewellery]].<ref>{{cite news|title=South India accounts for 40 percent gold purchases|date=29 December 2011|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/commodities/south-india-accounts-for-40-of-gold-purchases/articleshow/11287083.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> [[Anna Nagar]] and [[Nungambakkam]] are amongst the expensive retail zones in the country.<ref>{{cite news|title=How much does it cost to rent space in top retail streets|newspaper=[[Financial Times]]|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/money/how-much-it-costs-to-rent-space-in-indias-top-retail-high-streets-survey-finds-3081835/|date=12 May 2023|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sport in Chennai}}
[[File:MA_Chidambaram_Stadium_In_the_Night_during_a_CSK_Game.jpg|thumb|[[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]], one of the premier cricket venues in India]]

[[Cricket]] is the most popular sport in Chennai and was introduced in 1864 with the foundation of the [[Madras Cricket Club]].<ref>{{cite book|title=India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C|page=618|isbn=978-0-31337-462-3|last1=Kaminsky|first1=Arnold P|last2=Long|first2=Roger D|year=2011| publisher=Abc-Clio }}</ref> The [[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]], established in 1916, is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India and has hosted matches during multiple [[ICC Cricket World Cup]]s.<ref>{{cite news|title=MA Chidambaram stadium|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/ma-chidambaram-stadium-chepauk-chennai-58008|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Other cricketing venues include [[Chemplast Cricket Ground]] and [[Guru Nanak College Ground]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58001.html|title=Guru Nanak College Ground|work=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/indian-institute-of-technology-chemplast-ground-chennai-58005|title=Chemplast Ground|work=[[ESPNCricinfo]]|access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref> Prominent cricketers from the city include [[Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan|S. Venkataraghavan]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Srinivas Venkataraghavan|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/35656.html|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> [[Kris Srikkanth]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Kris Srikkanth|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/34103.html|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> and [[Ravichandran Ashwin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ravichandran Ashwin|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ravichandran-ashwin-26421|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=28 December 2023}}</ref> Established in 1987, [[MRF Pace Foundation]] is a [[Bowling (cricket)|bowling]] academy based in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=McGrath takes charge of MRF Pace Foundation|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/glenn-mcgrath-replaces-dennis-lillee-at-mrf-pace-foundation-580431|date=2 September 2012|access-date=16 January 2021|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref> Chennai is home to the most successful [[Indian Premier League]] cricket team [[Chennai Super Kings]] and hosted the finals during the [[Indian premier league 2011|2011]], [[2012 Indian Premier League|2012]], and [[2024 Indian Premier League|2024]] seasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=RCB vs CSK: Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore to reach IPL 4 final|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/rcb-vs-csk-chennai-super-kings-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-reach-ipl-4-final/articleshow/8557943.cms|date=24 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407185942/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/rcb-vs-csk-chennai-super-kings-beat-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-reach-ipl-4-final/articleshow/8557943.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai home to IPL final again in 2012|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/chennai-home-to-ipl-final-again-in-2012/articleshow/8641266.cms|date=30 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407190123/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/chennai-home-to-ipl-final-again-in-2012/articleshow/8641266.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Nehru_Stadium_Chennai.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] multipurpose stadium]]

[[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] is a multi-purpose venue which hosts [[Association football|football]] and [[Sport of athletics|athletics]] and also houses a multi–purpose indoor complex for [[volleyball]], [[basketball]], [[kabaddi]] and [[table tennis]].<ref name="SDAT">{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/jns.php?token=jns|title=Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|work=SDAT, [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> Chennai hosted the [[1995 South Asian Games]].<ref>{{cite news|date=31 May 2016|title=From sleepy Madras to sporting Chennai: How SAF Games helped put city on international athletics map|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/tracking-indian-communities/from-sleepy-madras-to-sporting-chennai-how-saf-games-helped-put-city-on-international-athletics-map/|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Football club [[Chennaiyin FC]] competes in [[Indian Super League]] (ISL), the top tier association football league of India and uses the Nehru Stadium for their home matches.<ref name="CFC">{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141006/sports-football/article/dhoni-becomes-isl-team-chennaiyin-fc-co-owner|title=Dhoni becomes ISL team Chennaiyin FC co-owner|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007051743/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141006/sports-football/article/dhoni-becomes-isl-team-chennaiyin-fc-co-owner|archive-date=7 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium]] is associated with [[Field hockey|hockey]] and was venue for the international hockey tournament the [[2005 Men's Hockey Champions Trophy|2005 Men's Champions Trophy]] and the [[2007 Men's Hockey Asia Cup|2007 Men's Asia Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/mrk.php|title=Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium|work=SDAT, [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> [[Water sports]] are played in the Velachery Aquatic Complex.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/aqc.php?token=aqc|title=Velachery Aquatic Complex|publisher=SDAT, Government of Tamil Nadu|access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> Chennai was the host of the only [[ATP World Tour]] event in India, the [[Chennai Open]] held at [[SDAT Tennis Stadium]] from 1997 to 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/ts.php|title=SDAT Tennis Stadium|publisher=SDAT, [[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref> [[Vijay Amritraj]], [[Mahesh Bhupathi]] [[Ramesh Krishnan]] and [[Somdev Devvarman]] were professional [[grand slam (tennis)|grand slam]] tennis players from Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Off-court ace|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/off-court-ace/cid/1538733|last=Basu|first=Arundhati|newspaper=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]|date=19 March 2005|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref> Chennai was home to [[Chennai Slam]], two-time national champion of India's top professional basketball division, the [[UBA Pro Basketball League]].<ref name="UBA">{{cite news|url=http://www.indiansportsnews.com/other-sports/basketball-news/38988-uba-pro-basketball-league-delhi-capitals-chennai-slam-set-up-final-clash|title=UBA Pro Basketball League: Delhi Capitals, Chennai Slam set up final clash|work=Indian Sports News|date=31 March 2016|access-date=5 May 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Irungaattukkottai_racing_track.jpg|thumb|[[Madras Motor Race Track]], the first permanent racing circuit in India]]

[[Madras Boat Club]] (founded in 1846) and [[Royal Madras Yacht Club]] (founded in 1911) promote [[sailing]], [[rowing]] and [[canoeing]] sports in Chennai.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Geography of India:Sacred and Historic Places|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mjr0X-8jrLAC|page=184|isbn=978-1-61530-142-3|last=Pletcher|first=Kenneth|year=2010|publisher=Rosen Publishing Group}}</ref> Inaugurated in 1990, [[Madras Motor Race Track]] was the first permanent racing circuit in India and hosts formula racing events.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/madras-motor-race-track-the-ultimate-destination-for-speed/article17907793.ece|title=The view from the fast lane|date=10 April 2017|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> [[Formula One]] driver [[Karun Chandhok]] was from the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/Karun-Chandhok-goes-the-Endurance-way/articleshow/11467253.cms|title=Karun Chandhok goes the Endurance way|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827074126/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/racing/Karun-Chandhok-goes-the-Endurance-way/articleshow/11467253.cms|archive-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> [[Horse racing]] is held at the [[Guindy Race Course]] and the city has two 18-hole golf courses, the [[Cosmopolitan Club (Chennai)|Cosmopolitan Club]] and the [[Gymkhana Club, Chennai|Gymkhana Club]] established in the late nineteenth century.<ref>{{cite news|title=Survivors of time: Madras Race Club - A canter through centuries|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 February 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article2916420.ece?homepage=true|access-date=1 May 2012}}</ref> Chennai is often dubbed "India's chess capital" as the city is home to multiple chess [[Grandmaster (chess)|grandmaster]]s including world champions [[Viswanathan Anand]] and [[Gukesh Dommaraju]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/chess/story/_/id/29276320/back-chennai-viswanathan-anand-looks-forward-home-food-bonding-son|title=Back in Chennai, Viswanathan Anand looks forward to home food and bonding with son|date=6 June 2020|work=[[ESPN]]|first=Susan|last=Ninan}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Shanker|first1=V. Prem|last2=Pidaparthy|first2=Umika|title=Chennai: India's chess capital|work=[[Aljazeera]]|date=27 November 2013|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2013/11/27/chennai-indias-chess-capital|access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Khandekar|first=Omkar|date=28 March 2025|title=A city in India is training Gen. Z to take over the chess world|url=https://www.npr.org/2025/03/28/nx-s1-5320966/a-city-in-india-is-training-gen-z-to-take-over-the-chess-world |access-date=9 November 2025|work=NPR}}</ref> The city played host to the [[World Chess Championship 2013]] and [[44th Chess Olympiad]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/chess-olympiad-chennai-july-india-russia-ukraine-war-aicf-fide-sports-news/article38472034.ece|title=Chennai to host first ever Chess Olympiad in India from July 28|date=12 April 2022|work=[[Sportstar]]|access-date=23 July 2022|archive-date=23 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723144224/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/chess-olympiad-chennai-july-india-russia-ukraine-war-aicf-fide-sports-news/article38472034.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Fide offers 2013 World Chess C'ship to Chennai|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/fide-offers-2013-world-chess-cship-to-chennai/articleshow/9567992.cms|first=Hari Hara|last=Nandanan|date=21 August 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407190310/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/chess/fide-offers-2013-world-chess-cship-to-chennai/articleshow/9567992.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> Other prominent sports persons from the city include [[table tennis]] player [[Sharath Kamal]] and two–time world [[carrom]] champion, [[Maria Irudayam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/athletes/sharath-kamal-achanta|title=Sharath Kamal Achantha|work=[[Olympics.com]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=TK|first=Smitha|date=21 January 2020|title=Meet Maria, Chennai's 'Carrom Man' & A Two-Time World Champion|url=https://www.thequint.com/videos/maria-irudhayam-carrom-international-national-champion-chennai-unsung-hero|access-date=13 August 2021|work=[[The Quint]]}}</ref>

===City based teams===
{{Main list|Sport in Chennai#Teams
}}
<!-- Add only active teams -->
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Club 
!Sport 
!League
!Home stadium 
!Founded 
!Ref
|-
|[[Chennai Super Kings]]
|[[Cricket]]
|[[Indian Premier League]]
|[[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]]
|2008
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|title=Big business and Bollywood grab stakes in IPL|date=24 January 2008|access-date=6 June 2013|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418005531/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-announces-franchise-owners-333193|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Chennaiyin FC]]
|[[Association football|Football]]
|[[Indian Super League]]
|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
|2013
|<ref name="CFC"/>
|-
|[[Chepauk Super Gillies]]
|[[Cricket]]
|[[Tamil Nadu Premier League]]
|[[M.A. Chidambaram Stadium]]
|2016
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/chepauk-super-gillies-1047327|title=Chepauk Super Gillies|work=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
|-
||[[Tamil Thalaivas]]
|[[Kabaddi]]
|[[Pro Kabaddi League]]
|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]]
|2017
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.prokabaddi.com/teams/tamil-thalaivas-profile-29/players|title=Tamil Thalaivas|access-date=8 October 2023|work=[[Pro Kabaddi]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[Chennai Lions]]
|[[Table tennis]]
|[[Ultimate Table Tennis]]
|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]]
|2019
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/flawless-chennai-lions-are-new-utt-champions/articleshow/70633951.cms|title=Flawless Chennai Lions are new UTT champions|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|date=3 March 2020}}</ref>
|-
|[[Chennai Blitz]]
|[[Volleyball]]
|[[Prime Volleyball League]]
|[[Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium]]
|2021
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Blitz Prime Volleyball League Team|url=https://primevolleyballleague.com/chennai-blitz/|work=[[Prime Volleyball League]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203172343/https://primevolleyballleague.com/chennai-blitz/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|[[Tamil Nadu Dragons]]
|[[Field hockey|Hockey]]
|[[Hockey India League]]
|[[Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium]]
|2024
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://hockeyindialeague.com/teams/tamil-nadu-dragons/male|title=Tamil Nadu Dragons|work=[[Hockey India League]]|access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Chennai Bulls]]
|[[Rugby sevens]]
|[[Rugby Premier League]]
|&ndash;
|2025
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/rugby/rugby-7s-premier-league-franchises-players-dates-venue-live-streaming-info-all-you-need-to-know/article69413046.ece|title=Rugby 7s franchise-based league set to launch in Mumbai in June|work=[[Sportstar]]|date=7 October 2024|access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref>
|}

==International relations==
===Foreign missions===
{{See also|List of diplomatic missions in Chennai}}
The consular presence in the city dates back to 1794, when William Abbott was appointed US consular agent for [[South India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|publisher=US Consulate Chennai|url=https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/chennai/history/|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Mike|title=Abbott Family Genealogy|publisher=mikesclark.com|url=http://www.mikesclark.com/genealogy/abbott.html|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615014030/http://www.mikesclark.com/genealogy/abbott.html|archive-date=15 June 2020}}</ref> {{As of|2022}}, there are 60 foreign representations in Chennai, including 16 consulates general and 28 honorary consulates.<ref>{{cite web|title = Did you know that...|publisher=Embassy Pages|url=http://www.embassypages.com/missions/embassy19502/|access-date=25 Feb 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Who are honorary consul generals and what do they do?|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=13 August 2018|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/who-are-honorary-consul-generals-and-what-do-they-do/articleshow/65369434.cms|access-date = 27 October 2018}}</ref> [[Consulate General of the United States, Chennai|American Consulate in Chennai]] is amongst the top employment-based visa processing centres.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Consulate in Chennai among top 10 visa issuers|location=Chennai|date=9 July 2010|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070956080200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713185155/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070956080200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2010|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is in charge of immigration and registration activities in the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Foreigners Regional Registration Office, Chennai|publisher=Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs, India|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/PDF_Other/Addressoffices_25042017.pdf|access-date=5 January 2023}}</ref>

===Sister cities===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in India}}
Chennai has [[Twin towns and sister cities|sister city]] relationships with the following cities of the world:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! City
! Country
! State/Region
! Since
! Ref.
|-
| [[Volgograd]]
| {{RUS}}
| [[Volgograd Oblast]]
| 1966
|<ref name="SS">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-has-six-sister-cities-but-few-benefits-have-flowed/articleshow/68998638.cms|title=Chennai has six sister cities|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 April 2019|access-date=28 December 2022}}</ref>
|-
| [[Denver]]
| {{USA}}
| [[Colorado]]
| 1984
| <ref name="SS"/>
|-
| [[San Antonio]]
| {{USA}}
| [[Texas]]
| 2008
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sainternationalrelations.org/sister-cities-program.html|title=What is it?|publisher=Official Website of the City of San Antonio|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
| [[Kuala Lumpur]]
| {{MYS}}
| [[Federal Territory (Malaysia)|Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur]]
| 2010
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/sister-cities-best-buddies-but-pacts-yield-little/articleshow/19961376.cms|title=Sister cities best buddies, but pacts yield little|date=9 May 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>
|-
| [[Chongqing]]
| {{PRC}}
| [[Direct-controlled municipalities of China|Municipality of Chongqing]]
| 2015
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/25240/Joint_Statement_between_the_India_and_China_during_Prime_Ministers_visit_to_China|title=Agreement between PRC and India|date=15 May 2015|work=Ministry of external affairs, India|access-date=15 May 2015}}</ref>
|-
| [[Ulsan]]
| {{KOR}}
| [[List of special cities of South Korea|Ulsan Metropolitan City]]
| 2016
|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Another-Sister-City-pact-this-time-with-South-Korea%E2%80%99s-Ulsan/article14547911.ece|title=Another Sister City pact, this time with South Korea's Ulsan|date=3 August 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=3 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804024935/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Another-Sister-City-pact-this-time-with-South-Korea%E2%80%99s-Ulsan/article14547911.ece|archive-date=4 August 2020}}</ref>
|}

==Notable people==
{{further|List of people from Chennai}}

==See also==
{{Portal|India}}
*[[Areas of Chennai]]
*[[Timeline of Chennai]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

==External links==
*[https://chennai.nic.in/ Official website] of Chennai district India
*[https://www.britannica.com/place/Chennai Chennai] ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' entry
*[https://wikitravel.org/en/Chennai WikiTravel Chennai India State]
{{Navboxes
|title = Articles Related to Chennai
|list =
{{Chennai Topics|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Neighbourhoods of Chennai}}
{{Rapid Transit in Chennai}}
{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}
{{Million-plus cities in India}}
{{Municipal corporations of Tamil Nadu}}
{{Tamil Nadu}}
{{World's most populated urban areas}}
{{Megacities}}
}}
{{Subject bar|book=Chennai|portal1=India|portal2=Geography|commons=yes|commons-search=Category:Chennai|n=yes|n-search=Category:Chennai|wikt=yes|b=yes|q=yes|s=yes|v=yes|voy=yes|d=yes|d-search=Q1352}} 
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chennai| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Chennai district]]
[[Category:Metropolitan cities in India]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in India]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in India]]
[[Category:Coromandel Coast]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 1640s]]
[[Category:1640s establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Smart cities in India]]