The British, having entered India in 1600 with the sole purpose of doing mercantile trading here succeeded in their goal, keeping their competitors the Portuguese the Dutch and the French quitea distance away from them. They began their trading at Surat, now in the state if Gujatrat which was its initial bastion As their business prospered under the East India company, there arose a necessity for them to have a trade post in Southern India preferably ina place on the west coast so that they could secure its trade lines and commercial interests in the spice trade. Further, they needed a port closer to the Malaccan Straits. The location they had in their mind was what is now called Chennai City. At that time chennai was a mere wasteland and having ssatisfied with the strategic location of the place, they took necessary steps and finally purchased a piece of coastal land originally called Chennairayer Pattinam or Chennai Pattinam from the Vijayanagara chieftain Damerla Chennappa Nayaka based in Chandragiri, now in Andhra. The East India company began the construction of a harbor and a fort to handle their trading activities. Because their project completed on 23 April, 1644 which happened to be St. George's day. Hence the first ever English fort was named in honor of of the patron saint of England, St. George. Historically it was a white town. It served as a home away from home for the officials of the East India Company. Many well known historical British personalities either began their career or had a stint here at Ft. St. George before raising to the position of prominence. Further, this first British fort laid the foundation for what was later to become one of the large cities of India, then called Madras, the capital of Madras Presidency.
After the the construction of the fort the trading activities were on the increase and it gave a fillip to addition settlements and better trading opportunities. No body ever thought what was originally an uninhabited land would become a a hub of trading activities. Thus,it culminated in the development of small township (Black Town) around the fortress that comprised some fishing villages.The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings
Fort is a sturdy one with six-meter high walls and a moat around it that remarkably withstood a number of vigorous assaults in the 18th century. The French, the major competitor on the east cost and in South India took possession of the fort from 1746 to 1749 for a brief spell. Later, in accordance with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapell, it was restored to the Great Britain.
With sustained progress in mercantile trade activities and under able, effective management of company affairs, the British established their supremacy in this part of India. They became a force to reckon with. They succeeded in exerting their influence over the Carnatic and to keep the ruler of Arcot- the Nawob and Srirangapatna - both Hyder Ali and his son Tipu under check. They did face threats from the French who sided with Hyder Ali and Tipu and further, they never failed to keep the French forces based at Pondicherry at bay.
With sustained progress in mercantile trade activities and under able, effective management of company affairs, the British established their supremacy in this part of India. They became a force to reckon with. They succeeded in exerting their influence over the Carnatic and to keep the ruler of Arcot- the Nawob and Srirangapatna - both Hyder Ali and his son Tipu under check. They did face threats from the French who sided with Hyder Ali and Tipu and further, they never failed to keep the French forces based at Pondicherry at bay
There is an old 150 ft tall Flagstaff, made entirely of teakwood. Though the original flagstaff is no more to be seen, its relics are still visible. It is believed to be the 2nd highest in the country.
The Fort was and is now a seat of power!! It now houses the administrative headquarters for the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state, the secretreat and a garrison of troops in transit to various locations in South India and the Andamans. The fort has many relics of the Raj Era, including the portraits of many old Governors of the Madras Presidency. Presently the fort is being managed by the ASI - Archaeological Survey of India.
The church and the building that housed the museum eas completed in in 1795.Once on the first flooor Madras bank was functioning and also the public exchange. It served as a place for public meetings, lottery draws and occasional entertainment.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_St._George,_India
After the the construction of the fort the trading activities were on the increase and it gave a fillip to addition settlements and better trading opportunities. No body ever thought what was originally an uninhabited land would become a a hub of trading activities. Thus,it culminated in the development of small township (Black Town) around the fortress that comprised some fishing villages.The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and other official buildings
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| Fort St. George, Chennai under the Britishdaily.indianroots.com |
With sustained progress in mercantile trade activities and under able, effective management of company affairs, the British established their supremacy in this part of India. They became a force to reckon with. They succeeded in exerting their influence over the Carnatic and to keep the ruler of Arcot- the Nawob and Srirangapatna - both Hyder Ali and his son Tipu under check. They did face threats from the French who sided with Hyder Ali and Tipu and further, they never failed to keep the French forces based at Pondicherry at bay.
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| Fort St. George, Chennai en.wikipedia.org |
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| The Fort now serves as one of the administrative headquarters for the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state and it still houses a garrison of troops.www.brokeragesdaytrading.com |
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| St.Mary's (First Anglican) Church, Fort St.George, Chennai. muthusamy.aminus3.com |
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| Interior of St Mary's Church. St Mary's Church within Fort St. George, Chennai. murshidabad.net |
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| St. George Fort, Chennai as seen from Rajaji Salai and Flag staff. sriramv.wordpress.com |
The church and the building that housed the museum eas completed in in 1795.Once on the first flooor Madras bank was functioning and also the public exchange. It served as a place for public meetings, lottery draws and occasional entertainment.
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_St._George,_India