Video - Chennai Chronicles: Surprising Facts About the City of Madras!
Did you know that Chennai, originally called Madras, was founded in 1639 by the British East India Company? The city is home to the Marina Beach, the second longest urban beach in the world, stretching over 13 kilometers. Chennai's famous Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 7th century AD. In the early 20th century, Chennai was the first city in India to have a railway station with electric train services. And here's a spicy one: during World War II, the city was briefly shelled by a Japanese submarine in 1943, leaving everyone in a state of shock! Ever heard of the Madras Bashai? It's a unique dialect of Tamil mixed with English, Hindi, and Portuguese that evolved due to the city's diverse population. Oh, and Chennai's Central Railway Station is one of the most photographed landmarks, known for its Gothic Revival architecture. So, which fact surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!