Memories Of An Older Madras
Historical Significance
One of the very few places that still retains its old world charm in Chennai is George Town. Initially called Black Town, it is a locale that has stood the test of time since the 1640s. Revered by locals for its historical significance, and the crucial role it played in establishing Madras as a commercial town, it has several names, including Parry’s Corner, Muthialpet, and Broadway. Soon after the East India Company’s Encampment was established here, a growing community gravitated from the surrounding areas for livelihood ever since the port of Chennai was built nearby.
Present State of Affairs
As with everything else that we have done - after Colonization, we took George Town and made it better. Now, it acts as an unofficial center of the City. Fort. St. George, its namesake, now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. The rest of this area has transformed itself into a quagmire of a commercial zone, supplying the rest of the city with goods and services and essentially acting as a backbone of the state’s economy.
A Literal Walk Down Memory Lane
Everybody knows that to experience Chennai in all its antiquated glory, you need to take a walk down the streets of George Town. But where should you go and what should you do? Here are a select few of the many bustling, intertwining streets that adorn this area, along with what to do once you get there!
Burma Bazaar
Around the 1960s, Burmese refugees came through the port and settled in George Town as it was closest. Today, this settlement is known as Burma Bazaar. It is one of the most famous gray area markets in Chennai. If you’re looking for anything, from the most expensive electronics to the latest imported accessories, this is the first place you should visit.
Kasi Chetty Street
Adulting is hard. Kasi Chetty Street makes it a tad easier. This haven is known for its gift shops and toy stores. If you’re looking to save a buck or buy in bulk, find a way to get yourself here. Crowded small stores pushing against each other and vying for your attention welcome you as soon as you enter this place. Sometimes, locals even stock up on gifts so they are never caught off-guard when they forget a loved one’s birthday or wedding anniversary.
Mint Street
Mint Street is probably one of the oldest, historically significant places in this part of town. Originally the location of a 17th-century Jewish cemetery - Mint Street, then known as Washer’s Street was occupied by the washers of East India Company’s clothing faction in the 1800s. Later, textile traders from Gujarat and other parts of North India settled in this region. The East India Company had established a currency minting facility here, giving its current name Mint Street. Now, it is known for its famous Rajasthani and Gujarati eateries as well as fast fashion and accessories.
Sowcarpet
We saved the best for the last! Even if you cannot find time to explore all the back alleyways George Town has to offer, make sure to find time for Sowcarpet. Originally a settlement of North Indians who traveled to Chennai for better trade opportunities, this part of George Town is the go-to place for clothes shopping. Everything from traditional silk sarees to the fanciest wedding attire hits the streets of Sowcarpet first. But for many Chennaiites, this is not the only reason people come here. Sowcarpet is also the hub for North Indian street food and desserts. After an exhausting shopping session, make sure to grab a quick bite of samosa or kachori from the vendor stalls strewn across the road!
In Conclusion
But to completely understand the particularly off-putting charm of this bustling, quirky locality, one must really live in Chennai... or rather Madras. When you next visit Hanu Reddy Residences, don’t forget to steal away for a quick rendezvous with the oldest streets this city has to offer.
