The Madras Presidency was one of the three major British Presidencies in colonial India, alongside Bengal Presidency and Bombay Presidency. It was established in 1653 and remained a key administrative division of British India until 1947.
This blog covers the history, administration, geography, significance, and MCQs on the Madras Presidency for UPSC, Judiciary Exams, SSC, and other competitive exams. ✅📚
1. Historical Background of Madras Presidency
🔹 Early Colonial Rule (1639 – 1801)
- The British East India Company acquired land in Madras (now Chennai) in 1639 from a local ruler.
- Fort St. George was built in 1644 as a trade and administrative center.
- In 1653, Madras became an independent Presidency under the British East India Company.
- By the 18th century, the British consolidated power through wars with French, Dutch, and local rulers.
🔹 Expansion of the Presidency (1801 – 1858)
- The British expanded control over South India after defeating rulers like Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore Wars.
- By 1801, most of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala came under the Madras Presidency.
- After the Revolt of 1857, the British Crown took direct control over India (1858).
🔹 Late British Rule (1858 – 1947)
- Madras was a center for trade, education, and political movements.
- The Justice Party (1916) and the Dravidian movement started in Madras Presidency.
- Several freedom fighters like Subramania Bharati, C. Rajagopalachari, and Periyar E.V. Ramasamy emerged from this region.
- After India’s independence in 1947, Madras Presidency was reorganized into Madras State (later Tamil Nadu) and parts of other states.
2. Geographical Extent of Madras Presidency
At its peak, the Madras Presidency covered a large part of South India, including:
| Modern State | Region under Madras Presidency |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Almost entire state |
| Andhra Pradesh | Coastal Andhra & Rayalaseema |
| Karnataka | Southern Karnataka |
| Kerala | Malabar region |
| Odisha | Southern Odisha |
| Lakshadweep | Entire Union Territory |
📌 Example: The capital of the Madras Presidency was Madras (Chennai).
3. Administration of Madras Presidency
The Governor of Madras was the head of the executive, judiciary, and military.
🔹 Key Administrative Features
✅ Governor and Council – Appointed by the British Crown after 1858.
✅ Collector System – British officials (Collectors) collected land revenue & taxes.
✅ Judiciary – British courts were established, replacing traditional local courts.
✅ Police & Army – British police forces and military were stationed across the region.
📌 Example: Sir Thomas Munro, a famous British administrator, introduced the Ryotwari System in Madras.
4. Economic & Social Impact of British Rule
🔹 Economic Policies
✅ Introduction of Cash Crops – British forced farmers to grow cotton, coffee, tea, and indigo for export.
✅ Railways & Ports – Madras Port (Chennai) and South Indian Railways were developed for British trade.
✅ Destruction of Local Industries – Traditional weaving & handicraft industries declined due to British imports.
🔹 Social & Cultural Developments
✅ Introduction of English Education – Madras University (1857) played a key role in higher education.
✅ Newspapers & Press – The Hindu newspaper (1878) and Swadesamitran spread political awareness.
✅ Social Reforms – Leaders like Periyar E.V. Ramasamy fought against caste discrimination.
📌 Example: The Self-Respect Movement led by Periyar started in Madras Presidency.
5. Role of Madras Presidency in the Freedom Movement
Madras Presidency played a major role in the Indian freedom struggle.
✅ Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) – Boycott of British goods.
✅ Home Rule Movement (1916-1918) – Led by Annie Besant in Madras.
✅ Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) – Massive protests in Madras.
✅ Salt Satyagraha (1930) – C. Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt March in Tamil Nadu.
✅ Quit India Movement (1942) – Mass protests and arrests in the Presidency.
📌 Example: C. Rajagopalachari, a leader from Madras, became the first Indian Governor-General of India (1948-1950).
6. Dissolution of Madras Presidency (1947-1956)
- After Independence (1947), Madras Presidency was renamed Madras State (1950).
- In 1953, Andhra Pradesh was formed as a separate state for Telugu-speaking people.
- After the States Reorganization Act (1956), Madras State was further divided.
- In 1969, Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu.
📌 Example: K. Kamaraj was an important Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after reorganization.
7. Important Articles Related to Madras Presidency
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 1 | India as a Union of States |
| Article 3 | Formation of New States |
| Government of India Act, 1858 | Transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown |
| Government of India Act, 1935 | Introduced provincial autonomy |
| States Reorganization Act, 1956 | Reorganized states based on language |
8. MCQs on Madras Presidency
1. When was the Madras Presidency officially formed?
a) 1612
b) 1639
c) 1653
d) 1757
✅ Answer: c) 1653
2. Which city was the capital of the Madras Presidency?
a) Hyderabad
b) Chennai (Madras)
c) Bangalore
d) Cochin
✅ Answer: b) Chennai (Madras)
3. The Ryotwari System was introduced by which British official in Madras Presidency?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Cornwallis
c) Sir Thomas Munro
d) Lord Wellesley
✅ Answer: c) Sir Thomas Munro
4. Which leader led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha in Madras Presidency?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
c) C. Rajagopalachari
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
✅ Answer: c) C. Rajagopalachari
5. Which major movement was led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy in Madras Presidency?
a) Home Rule Movement
b) Non-Cooperation Movement
c) Self-Respect Movement
d) Quit India Movement
✅ Answer: c) Self-Respect Movement
6. Which amendment renamed Madras State as Tamil Nadu?
a) 1st Amendment
b) 7th Amendment
c) 14th Amendment
d) No Amendment (Changed in 1969)
✅ Answer: d) No Amendment (Changed in 1969)
9. Conclusion
The Madras Presidency played a crucial role in British administration, socio-economic reforms, and the Indian freedom struggle. It was a center of education, trade, and political movements in South India. After Independence (1947), it was reorganized into Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
For competitive exams, understanding the history, governance, and impact of Madras Presidency is essential. Stay updated with state reorganization and political developments to strengthen your preparation! ✅📚
🚀 Want more? Drop your queries in the comments below! 👇