1639day.year
Madras (now Chennai), India, is founded by the British East India Company on a sliver of land bought from local Nayak rulers.
In 1639, the British East India Company established a trading post at Madraspatnam, laying the foundations of modern Chennai.
On August 22, 1639, representatives of the British East India Company signed a ground rent agreement with Damarla Venkatadri Nayaka for Madraspatnam.
Sir Francis Day and Andrew Cogan secured a coastal strip at Coke's Mount, laying the groundwork for Fort St. George.
This strategic settlement became the first English foothold on the Coromandel Coast, facilitating trade in textiles, spices, and precious stones.
Madras quickly grew into a military and commercial hub, challenging Dutch and Portuguese dominance in the region.
Over the centuries, the city expanded beyond its walled fort to become the metropolis now known as Chennai.
1639
Chennai
British East India Company