The name Chennai is a shortened form of Chennai pattinam, the name of the town that grew around Fort St. George, which was built by the British in 1640 CE. There are two versions about the origin of the name Chennai: according to one version, Chennai pattinam was named after Chennaiappa Naicker, Raja of Kalahasthi (previously in Tamil Nadu) and Vandavasi from whom the British acquired the town in 1639 CE. The first official use of the name Chennai is said to be in a sale deed, dated August 1639, to one Francis Day who was an agent for the British.According to the second account, Chennapattinam was named after the Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple; the word chenni inTamil means face, and the temple was regarded as the face of the city.

   The city's former name, Madras, is derived from Madraspattinam, a fishing village north of Fort Saint George. There is little agreement among researchers about the exact origin of the name Madraspattinam. Some believe that the Portuguese, who arrived in the area in the 16th century, may have named the village Madre de Deus.Others believe that the village's name came from the once prominentMadeiros family (variously known as Madera or Madra in succeeding years) of Portugese origin, which had consecrated the Madre de Deus Church in the Chennai locality, Santhome, in 1575. Some researchers say the name 'Madraspattinam' was in use even before the Europeans came in.^[

   Some time after the British gained possession of the area in the 17th century, the two towns, Madraspattinam and Chennapattinam, were merged. The British referred to the united town asMadraspattinam. The state government officially changed it to Chennai in 1996, at a time when many Indian cities were being renamed.

Historical Monuments Fort St George   One of the most famous tourist destinations of Chennai is Fort St. George. Built in 1640 AD, by the British East India Company under the direct supervision of Francis Day and Andrew Cogon, it achieved its name from Saint George, the patron saint of England. The fort also houses Saint Mary's Church the oldest Anglican Church built in 1680. Light House  You cannot miss Marina Beach when in Chennai and the massive tall structure situated at south end of the Marina Beach. The Light House beckons the visitors in the evening and adds glory to the golden sands. It offers panoramic view of the harbor and George Town. The All India Radio (AIR) broadcast station is located opposite to the light house.  High Court  The Madras High Court was built in 1892. This Indo-Saracenic architectural monument is believed to be the second largest judicial complex in the world. It is a major landmark of the city.  Anna Memorial  Anna Memorial This is a memorial for Arinzar Annadurai - leader of the Dravidian movement, affectionately called Anna. His speech in Tamil has won millions of hearts in the state.  The memorial of Dr. M.G. Ramachandran leader of AIADMK movement lies adjacent to this memorial. Both these leaders still live in the hearts of Tamil Nadu people. War Memorial Hall  The War Memorial Hall is a circular rock and marble structure built in memory of those who laid down their lives for the country's honour during World War I. The hall is situated on Beach Road near Island Grounds.