The British used the older name of this Indian city to refer to it. One theory states that it was derived from the Portuguese term 'Mother of God', whereas another finds it to be a shortening of a fishing village. It's current name comes from the name of a telugu ruler from whom the British acquired town in 1693. Which city is this.

The renaming of Indian cities during the British colonial period is a significant aspect of Indian history. Many cities were known by different names during the colonial era, and their current names often reflect a return to their pre-colonial or indigenous names. Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one such example. The city's name has a rich history that involves both colonial and indigenous influences.

During the British colonial period, the city was known as Madras. The origin of the name "Madras" is subject to various theories. One theory suggests that the name is derived from the Portuguese term "Madre de Deus" (Mother of God), which was a common name for churches and towns in Portuguese colonies. Another theory posits that the name is a shortening of the name of a fishing village called Madrasapattinam, which was located near the site of the present-day city.

The current name, Chennai, was adopted in 1996 to reflect the city's Tamil heritage. The name "Chennai" is believed to be derived from the name of the Telugu ruler Chennappa Nayak, who ruled the region in the 17th century. The British acquired the town from the Telugu ruler in 1693 and renamed it Madras, which remained the official name until the name change in 1996.

Understanding the historical context of the renaming of Indian cities is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of colonialism and the subsequent efforts to reclaim indigenous identities. The renaming of Chennai from Madras is a reflection of this broader historical process, where cities are often renamed to reflect their cultural and linguistic heritage.