Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is situated on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal and is one of the largest cultural, economic, and educational centers in South India. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Chennai is the sixth-most populous city in India and forms the fourth-largest urban agglomeration in the country. Founded in 1639 by the British East India Company, Chennai was one of the first major settlements of the colonial era and played a significant role in the establishment of British rule in India. The city's original name, Madras, is believed to have been derived from Madrasapattinam, a fishing village located to the north of Fort St George, which was the first English fortress in India. The former name was officially changed to Chennai in 1996 by the state government. Geographically, Chennai is located on a flat coastal plain known as the Eastern Coastal Plains. It has an average elevation of 6 meters (20 feet), and its coastline is characterized by beautiful golden sandy beaches such as Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world. The weather in Chennai is tropical, with a hot and humid climate for most of the year and a distinct monsoon season that brings significant rainfall to the region. Culturally, Chennai is known for its classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, and Carnatic music. It is home to the Tamil film industry, popularly known as Kollywood, which is an integral part of the cultural identity of the city and a significant contributor to Tamil cinema. The city hosts the annual Madras Music Season, which has been celebrated since 1927 and is one of the world's largest cultural events dedicated to Carnatic music. Chennai's cultural heritage is also reflected in its architecture, ranging from ancient Dravidian temples to the Indo-Saracenic style buildings dating from the British colonial period. Historical landmarks such as the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Parthasarathy Temple, Santhome Cathedral, and Fort St. George tell the tale of the city's rich historical tapestry. Demographically, Chennai's population is diverse, comprising people from various religions, castes, and communities. Tamil is the official language and is spoken widely, while English is used extensively in business, education, and by the middle and upper classes of society. The population of Chennai is predominantly Hindu, with significant Christian and Muslim minorities. From an economic perspective, Chennai is one of the pre-eminent industrial and commercial hubs of India. It has a broad industrial base in the automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. The city has been termed as the 'Detroit of India,' due to its extensive automobile industry. Chennai is also an important IT and ITES hub of India, with the IT corridor known as Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) housing numerous technology parks and IT companies. Overall, Chennai's blend of traditional Dravidian heritage and modernity creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that continues to attract people from across India and the world. With a rich historical legacy, diverse culture, and thriving economy, Chennai plays a pivotal role in shaping the socio-cultural fabric of the Tamil Nadu state and India as a whole.