HISTORY OF MUTTS IN CHENNAI DISTRICT – A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

M.VENKATESAN, R.STHANISLAS

Abstract: Chennai, originally known as "Mudhiras", was located in the province of Thondaimandalam, an area lying between Penna Riverof Nellore and the Ponnaiyar river of Cuddalore. The capital of the province was Kancheepuram. Thondaimandalam was ruled in the 2nd century by Thondaiman Ilam Tiraiyan, who was a representative of the Chola family at Kanchipuram. It is believed that Ilam Tiraiyan must have subdued the mudhiras, the original inhabitants of the region and established his rule over Thondaimandalam. Today, modern Chennai, formerly known as Madras is a large cultural, commercial and industrial centre, and is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture. Chennai is the automobile capital of India, with around forty percent of the automobile industry having a base there and with a major portion of the nation's vehicles being produced there. Chennai is also referred as the Detroit of South Asia. It is a major manufacturing centre. Chennai has also become a major centre for outsourced IT and financial services from the Western world. Owing to the city’s rich musical and cultural traditions, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have included Chennai in its Creative Cities Network.