Madras Presidency

historical region, India

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June 30, 2026

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The Madras Presidency was a historical region in British India, centered around the city of Madras (now Chennai). Established by the East India Company in 1640, it grew to encompass much of what is now Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, along with parts of Kerala and Karnataka. The presidency was a key administrative unit, playing a significant role in the expansion of British trade and control in southern India. After India gained independence in 1947, the Madras Presidency became Madras state. Its Telugu-speaking regions were later separated to form Andhra Pradesh, and other areas were divided to create Kerala and Karnataka. The remaining part of Madras state was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968.12

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Tamil Nadu
History
…the story of the British-controlled Madras Presidency in relationship to the rise and fall of British power in India. After Indian independence in 1947, the Madras Presidency became Madras state. The state’s Telugu-speaking areas were separated to form part of the new state of Andhra Pradesh in 1953. In 1956…
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…the story of the British-controlled Madras Presidency in relationship to the rise and fall of British power in India. After Indian independence in 1947, the Madras Presidency became Madras state. The state’s Telugu-speaking areas were separated to form part of the new state of Andhra Pradesh in 1953. In 1956…
Read More