Chintadripet Special Economic Zone of 1734 AD
There was acute shortage of Calico in the first half of 18th century in Madras and EIC under Governor Morton Pitt decided to manufacture it in Madras. The company merchants requisitioned spinners and merchants from Salem and wanted to provide a place with shady trees for them to work. The garden of Sunca Rama with shady trees in the peninsula formed by Triplicane river was found ideal for the same with plenty of water available. This garden the company found was granted to him by a Cowle by Governor Collet in 1719 without council approval and without consideration. The company thiught it bad and possession was resumed by the company. Sunca Rama ceased to be a merchant in 1731 which was taken over by Tambi Chetti. The area was settled with weavers, spinners, painters, washers, dyers, priests and attendant for the temples. All settlers of the village were outsiders and the inhabitants of Madras and existing villages were excluded. They were allotted plots of land and houses built on them were their property. The streets were laid without caste distinction and they were not bound by jurisdiction of Madras Courts and settled disputes by mutual arbitration. No taxes were levied on the inhabitants except house tax to be payable to Peddanaigue. The company advanced interest free loans for building houses payable in 7 years. Audiappa Naick Dubash built a mosque and twin temple of Siva and Vishnu at a cost of 16000 pagodas.
A beautiful Town planning and Special Economic Zone 280 years ago
Photo: The Hindu
Comments