Editing Chennai (section)

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Chennai}}
{{See also|Tamil culture}}

=== Languages ===
[[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the language spoken by most of Chennai's population; [[Indian English|English]] is largely spoken by [[white-collar worker]]s.<ref>{{cite book|last=Siddique|first=Zahra|year=2008|title=Ethnicity, Race and Gender in the Labor Market|page=30|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kqRLGSCgfLUC&pg=PA30|isbn=978-0-549-50781-9}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first1=Joseph|last1=Getter|author2=B.Balasubrahmaniyan|editor-first=Mark|editor-last=Slobin|title=Global Soundtracks: Worlds of Film Music|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VQw5Ci7sbasC&pg=PA119|date=29 September 2008|page=119|chapter=Tamil Film Music: Sound and Significance|isbn=978-0-81956-882-3|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140452/https://books.google.com/books?id=VQw5Ci7sbasC&pg=PA119#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the 2011 census, [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the most spoken language with 3,640,389 (78.3%) of speakers followed by [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (432,295), [[Urdu]] (198,505), [[Hindi]] (159,474) and [[Malayalam]] (104,994).<ref>{{cite report|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|title=Census India Catalog|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208151656/https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10222|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Bashai]] is a [[Variety (linguistics)|variety]] of the Tamil spoken by people in the city.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Smirnitskaya|first1=Anna|title=Diglossia and Tamil varieties in Chennai|journal=Acta Linguistica Petropolitana|date=March 2019|volume=XiV |issue=3|pages=318–334|doi=10.30842/alp2306573714317|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782|access-date=4 November 2022|doi-access=free|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328173206/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331772782_Diglossia_and_Tamil_varieties_in_Chennai|url-status=live}}</ref> It originated with words introduced from other languages such as [[English language|English]] and Telugu on the Tamil originally spoken by the native people of the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=Theoretical perspectives on word order in South Asian languages|chapter=Compound Typology in Tamil|pages=263–264|first=K. G.|last=Vijayakrishnan|publisher=Centre for Study of Language|isbn=978-1-88152-649-0|year=1995}}</ref> [[Korean language|Korean]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|title=K and the city: Why are more and more Chennaiites learning Korean?|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128030545/https://www.thehindu.com/society/k-and-the-city-why-are-more-and-more-chennaiites-learning-korean/article25256267.ece|archive-date=28 November 2020}}</ref> [[Japanese Language|Japanese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|title=Konnichiwa!|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 September 2017|access-date=25 September 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020210354/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/india-file/konnichiwa/article22157129.ece1|archive-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> [[French language|French]],<ref name="FP">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|title=How many tongues can you speak?|website=The New Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107191558/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/feb/21/how-many-tongues-can-you-speak-1776354.html|archive-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> [[Mandarin Chinese]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|title=How Mandarin has become crucial in Chennai|first=Sweta|last=Akundi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 October 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203115726/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/how-mandarin-has-become-crucial-in-chennai/article25321543.ece|archive-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> [[German language|German]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|title=Guten Morgen! Chennaiites signing up for German lessons on the rise|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129115236/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/guten-morgen-chennaiites-signing-up-for-german-lessons-on-the-rise/articleshow/64152188.cms|archive-date=29 November 2020}}</ref> and [[Spanish Language|Spanish]] are spoken by foreign expatriates residing in the city.<ref name="FP"/>

===Religion and ethnicity===
{{main|Religion in Chennai}}
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Chennai City (2011)<ref name="Rel2011"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|80.73}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|9.45}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|dodgerblue|7.72}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|2.10}}
}}

Chennai is home to a diverse population of ethno-religious communities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|title=The magic of melting pot called Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 December 2011|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201746/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/the-magic-of-melting-pot-called-chennai/article2728177.ece|archive-date=11 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|date=25 August 2016|title=A different mirror|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/A-different-mirror/article14588903.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> As per census of 2011, Chennai's population was majority [[Hindu]] (80.73%) with 9.45% [[Muslim]], 7.72% [[Christians|Christian]], 1.27% others and 0.83% with no religion or not indicating any religious preference.<ref name="Rel2011">{{cite web|title=Population By Religious Community – Tamil Nadu|year=2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|format=XLS|publisher=Office of The Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, [[Government of India]]|access-date=13 September 2015|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tamil people|Tamils]] form majority of the population with minorities including [[Telugu people|Telugus]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/telugu-speaking-people-in-tn-are-not-aliens-587462.html|title='Telugu Speaking People in TN are Not Aliens'|date=18 March 2014|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044308/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/mar/18/Telugu-Speaking-People-in-TN-are-Not-Aliens-587462.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Marwaris]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|title=From Rajasthan with love|date=6 November 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044310/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/nov/06/from-rajasthan-with-love-54864.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gujarati people|Gujaratis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|title=Go Gujrati this navratri|date=20 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044309/https://www.indulgexpress.com/food/food-chennai/2023/oct/20/go-gujarati-this-navratri-54368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Parsi]]s,<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|title=The Parsis of Madras|journal=Madras Musings|date=15 October 2008|volume=XVIII|issue=12|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619183804/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2018%20No%2012/parsis_of_madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|title=Sindhis to usher in new year with fanfare|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 March 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002201726/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sindhis-to-usher-in-new-year-with-fanfare/articleshow/12387158.cms|archive-date=2 October 2016}}</ref> [[Odia people|Odias]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/why-oriyas-find-chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|title=Why Oriyas find Chennai warm and hospitable|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=12 May 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003065711/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Why-Oriyas-find-Chennai-warm-and-hospitable/articleshow/13104180.cms|archive-date=3 October 2016}}</ref> [[Goans]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/12/18/stories/101872mz.htm|title=Goan spirit in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 December 2000|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318134242/http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/12/18/stories/101872mz.htm|archive-date=18 March 2014}}</ref> [[Kannadigas]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/chennais-kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|title=Chennai's Kannadigas not complaining|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 April 2008|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180609022307/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Chennais-Kannadigas-not-complaining/articleshow/2926980.cms|archive-date=9 June 2018}}</ref> [[Anglo-Indians]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|title=The Anglo-Indians of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=15 October 2010|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309162918/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%2012/the-anglo-indians-of-madras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Bengali people|Bengalis]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|title=A slice of Bengal in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=22 October 2012|access-date=29 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407181944/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a-slice-of-bengal-in-chennai/articleshow/16902833.cms|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]],<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|first=Madhu|last=B.R.|title=The Punjabis of Chennai|journal=Madras Musings|volume=XX|issue=12|date=16 September 2009|access-date=29 December 2012|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217003501/http://madrasmusings.com/Vol%2019%20No%2011/the-punjabis-of-chennai.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Malayalees]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|title=Chennai Malayalee Club leads Onam 2023 celebrations|newspaper=Media India|date=1 September 2023|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=28 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128145731/https://mediaindia.eu/eyetalk/chennai-malayalee-club-leads-onam-2023-celebrations/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city also has a significant expatriate population.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|title=When Madras welcomed them|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=27 August 2007|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/240817/when-madras-welcomed-them.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|title=Deepavali, the expat edition|date=24 October 2023|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=2 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209044307/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/oct/24/deepavalithe-expat-edition-2511219.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2001}}, out of the 2,937,000 migrants in the city, 61.5% were from other parts of the state, 33.8% were from rest of India and 3.7% were from outside the country.<ref>{{cite report|title=Demography of Chennai|publisher=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter02_Demography.pdf|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228081642/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter02_Demography.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main|Architecture of Chennai}}
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Chennai|Heritage structures in Chennai}}
[[File:Tiruvallikeni1.jpg|thumb|[[Parthasarathy Temple]] is one of the oldest buildings in the city]]

With the history of Chennai dating back centuries, the architecture of Chennai ranges in a wide chronology. The oldest buildings in the city date from the 6th to 8th centuries CE, which include the [[Kapaleeshwarar Temple]] in [[Mylapore]] and the [[Parthasarathy Temple]] in [[Triplicane]], built in the [[Dravidian architecture]] encompassing various styles developed during the reigns of different empires.<ref>{{cite book|last=Kamath|first=Rina|title=Chennai|year=2000|publisher=Orient Longman Limited|location=Chennai|isbn=978-8-12501-378-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA31|pages=31–33|access-date=8 December 2023|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140435/https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA31#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Dravidian architecture]], the [[Hindu temples]] consisted of large [[mantapa]]s with gate-pyramids called ''[[gopuram]]s'' in quadrangular enclosures that surround the temple.<ref>{{cite book|last= Fergusson|first= James|title= History of Indian and Eastern Architecture|orig-date= 1910|edition= 3rd|year= 1997|publisher=Low Price Publications|location= New Delhi|page= 309}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Francis D.K.|last= Ching| year= 2007|title= A Global History of Architecture| publisher=John Wiley and Sons|location=New York|isbn=978-0-47126-892-5|page= 762|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The Gopuram, a monumental tower usually ornate at the entrance of the temple forms a prominent feature of [[Koil]]s and whose origins can be traced back to the [[Pallava art and architecture|Pallavas]] who built the group of monuments in [[Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|Mamallapuram]].<ref>{{cite book|first=James G.|last=Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M|url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch|url-access=registration|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-82393-179-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/n405 399]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|title=Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=3 April 2022|archive-date=2 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202145914/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249|url-status=live}}</ref> The associated ''[[Agraharam]]'' architecture, which consists of traditional row houses can still be seen in the areas surrounding the temples.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sujatha|first=R.|title=Agraharam – time virtually stands still here|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=29 April 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/agraharam-time-virtually-stands-still-here/article3367816.ece|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=20 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320191553/https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/agraharam-time-virtually-stands-still-here/article3367816.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai has the second highest number of heritage buildings in the country.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ravishankar|first=Sandhya|title=No fire safety norms at Chennai heritage buildings|work=IBN Live|location=Chennai|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=6 September 2007|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-fire-safety-norms-at-chennai-heritage-buildings/48155-3-1.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103111402/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-fire-safety-norms-at-chennai-heritage-buildings/48155-3-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Parrys Corner, Chennai, India.jpg|thumb|left|[[Parry's Corner]], one of the oldest business areas lined up with [[Art Deco]] buildings]]

With the [[Mugal Empire|Mugals]] influence in mediaeval times and the [[British Empire|British]] later, the city saw a rise in a blend of [[Hindu]], [[Islamic]] and [[Gothic revival]] styles, resulting in the distinct [[Indo-Saracenic]] architecture.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Metcalfe|first=Thomas R.|title=A Tradition Created: Indo-Saracenic Architecture under the Raj|journal=History Today|volume=32|issue=9|url=http://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230153/https://www.historytoday.com/thomas-r-metcalfe/tradition-created-indo-saracenic-architecture-under-raj|url-status=live}}</ref> The architecture for several institutions followed the Indo-Saracenic style with the [[Chepauk Palace]] designed by [[Paul Benfield]] amongst the first Indo-Saracenic buildings in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indo-saracenic Architecture|work=Henry Irwin, Architect in India, 1841–1922|publisher=higman.de|url=http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730131008/http://www.higman.de/Henry%20Irwin/indo-saracenic.htm|archive-date=30 July 2020}}</ref> Other buildings in the city from the era designed in this style of architecture include [[Fort St. George]] (1640), [[Amir Mahal]] (1798), [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] (1854), [[University of Madras#Senate House|Senate House of the University of Madras]] (1879), [[Victoria Public Hall]] (1886), [[Madras High Court]] (1892), [[Bharat Insurance Building]] (1897), [[Ripon Building]] (1913), [[College of Engineering, Guindy|College of Engineering]] (1920) and [[Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai|Southern Railway headquarters]] (1921).<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeyaraj|first=George J.|title=Indo Saracenic Architecture in Channai|publisher=CMDA|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/Indo_Saracenic_Architecture_in_Chennai.pdf|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725063408/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/Indo_Saracenic_Architecture_in_Chennai.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:LIC_building.jpg|thumb|[[LIC Building]] was the tallest building in the country when completed in 1959]]

Gothic revival-style buildings include the [[Chennai Central]] and [[Chennai Egmore]] railway stations. The [[Santhome Church]], which was originally built by the Portuguese in 1523 and is believed to house the remains of the [[Apostles in the New Testament|apostle]] [[Thomas the Apostle|St. Thomas]], was rebuilt in 1893, in [[neo-Gothic]] style.<ref>{{cite web|title=Santhome Cathedral|url=https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/santhome-cathedral-and-basilica|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=Tamil Nadu tourism|archive-date=30 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130204928/https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/santhome-cathedral-and-basilica|url-status=live}}</ref> By the early 20th century, the [[art deco]] made its entry upon the city's urban landscape with buildings in [[George Town, Chennai|George Town]] including the United India building (presently housing [[Life Insurance Corporation of India|LIC]]) and the Burma Shell building (presently the Chennai House), both built in the 1930s, and the Dare House built in 1940 examples of this architecture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Art Deco Style Remains, But Elements Missing|date=2 September 2014|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/art-deco-style-remains-but-elements-missing-655242.html|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]d|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132502/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/sep/02/Art-Deco-Style-Remains-But-Elements-Missing-655242.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After [[Partition of India|Independence]], the city witnessed a rise in [[Modernism]], and the completion of the [[LIC Building]] in 1959, the tallest building in the country at that time, marked the transition from lime-and-brick construction to concrete columns.<ref name="Look">{{cite news|title=Chennai looks to the skies|date=31 October 2014|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208132503/https://www.thehindu.com/features/homes-and-gardens/Five-years-after-the-CMDA-allowed-buildings-to-go-above-60-metres-Chennai%E2%80%99s-skyline-finally-begins-to-look-up-finds-Vishal-Menon/article60348870.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

The presence of the [[Doppler weather radar|weather radar]] at the [[Chennai Port]] prohibited the construction of buildings taller than 60&nbsp;m around a radius of 10&nbsp;km till 2009.<ref>{{cite news|last=Koshy|first=Jacob P.|title=Doppler radar may put cap on building heights|newspaper=Livemint|location=New Delhi|date=13 December 2007|url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/OODRIEHbh9UFiYHBvNgaJP/Doppler-radar-may-put-cap-on-building-heights.html|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224134258/https://www.livemint.com/Industry/OODRIEHbh9UFiYHBvNgaJP/Doppler-radar-may-put-cap-on-building-heights.html|archive-date=24 February 2021}}</ref><ref name="Look"/> This resulted in the central business district expanding horizontally, unlike other metropolitan cities, while the peripheral regions began experiencing vertical growth with the construction of taller buildings with the tallest building at {{convert|161|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Living in a city within a city: How is SPR City redefining the residential market?|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Chennai|date=30 May 2019|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/living-in-a-city-within-a-city-how-is-spr-city-redefining-the-residential-market/articleshow/67414866.cms|access-date=9 September 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105115119/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/living-in-a-city-within-a-city-how-is-spr-city-redefining-the-residential-market/articleshow/67414866.cms|archive-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>

=== Arts ===
[[File:Chennai National Art Gallery.jpg|thumb|[[National Art Gallery, Chennai|National Art Gallery]], one of the oldest art galleries in India]]

Chennai is a major centre for music, art and dance in India.<ref>{{cite book|title=Global Soundtracks: Worlds of Film Music|first=Mark|last=Slobin|isbn=978-0-81956-882-3|year=2008|page=140|publisher=Wesleyan University Press}}</ref> The city is called the Cultural Capital of South India.<ref>{{cite book|first=Rina|last=Kamath|title=Chennai|year=2000|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-8-12501-378-5|page=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603082657/https://books.google.com/books?id=bw2vDg2fTrMC&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Madras Music Season]], initiated by [[Madras Music Academy]] in 1927, is celebrated every year during the month of December and features performances of traditional [[Carnatic music]] by artists from the city.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knight|first=Douglas M. Jr.|title=Balasaraswati: Her Art and Life|year=2010|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=978-0-81956-906-6|page=78|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3EsA2NooW4C}}</ref> [[Madras University]] introduced a course of music, as part of the [[Bachelor of Arts]] curriculum in 1930.<ref>{{cite book|title=New Mansions for Music: Performance, Pedagogy and Criticism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hY6PQ_eK7IUC|first=Lakshmi|last=Subramanian|pages=121–122|isbn=978-8-18735-834-3|year=2008| publisher=Berghahn Books}}</ref> [[Gaana]], a combination of various folk music, is sung mainly in the working-class area of North Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|title=Torching prejudice through gumption and Gaana|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|last=G|first=Ezekiel Majello|date=10 October 2019|newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|access-date=12 May 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206015436/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/music/101019/torching-prejudice-through-gumption-and-gaana.html|archive-date=6 December 2020}}</ref> [[Chennai Sangamam]], an art festival showcasing various arts of [[South India]] is held every year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaisangamam.com/|title=Chennai Sangamam 2011|publisher=The official website|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-date=30 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230093936/http://www.chennaisangamam.com/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Chennai has been featured in [[UNESCO Creative Cities Network]] list since October 2017 for its old musical tradition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-now-part-of-creative-cities-network/article20008340.ece|title=Chennai is now part of UNESCO's 'creative cities network'|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=11 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112055136/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-now-part-of-creative-cities-network/article20008340.ece|archive-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Madras_museum_theatre_in_October_2007.jpg|thumb|left|[[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]], the second oldest museum in India]]

Chennai has a diverse theatre scene and is a prominent centre for [[Bharata Natyam]], a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu and the oldest dance form in India.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|title=World Musics in Context: A Comprehensive Survey of the World's Major Musical Cultures|publisher=Oxford University Press|first=Peter|last=Fletcher|isbn=978-0-19816-636-8|date=29 April 2004|access-date=3 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703055734/https://books.google.com/books?id=i2vDlcIyVjUC&pg=PA262|url-status=live}}</ref> Cultural centres in the city include [[Kalakshetra]] and Government Music College.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/chennai/kalakshetra.html|title=Kalakshetra|access-date=28 December 2022|publisher=Incredible India|archive-date=7 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007021514/https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/chennai/kalakshetra.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai is also home to some choirs, who during the Christmas season stage various carol performances across the city in Tamil and English.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/of-choirs-and-carols-110122500009_1.html|title=Of choirs and carols|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|year=2010|access-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210221239/https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/of-choirs-and-carols-110122500009_1.html|archive-date=10 February 2021}}</ref>

Chennai is home to many museums, galleries, and other institutions that engage in arts research and are major tourist attractions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|title=CM moots a global arts fest in Chennai|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 December 2012|access-date=29 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208140112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/jaya-moots-a-global-arts-fest/articleshow/17633409.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Established in the early 18th century, the [[Government Museum, Chennai|Government Museum]] and the [[National Art Gallery, Chennai|National Art Gallery]] are amongst the oldest in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/education/college-and-university/for-a-solid-grounding-in-arts/article2042038.ece|title=For a solid grounding in arts|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 April 2009|access-date=29 December 2022}}</ref> The museum inside the premises of Fort St. George maintains a collection of objects of the British era.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|title=Fort St. George museum|publisher=[[Archaeological Survey of India]]|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201063923/https://asi.nic.in/museum-fort-st-geroge-chennai/|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum is managed by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] and has in its possession, the first [[Flag of India]] hoisted at [[Fort St. George, India|Fort St George]] after the declaration of India's Independence on [[Independence Day (India)|15 August 1947]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Indian tri-colour hoisted at Chennai in 1947 to be on display|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 July 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407182137/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/Indian-tricolour-hoisted-at-Chennai-in-1947-to-be-on-display/article20567638.ece|archive-date=7 April 2021}}</ref>

Chennai is the base for [[Tamil cinema]], nicknamed Kollywood, alluding to the neighbourhood of [[Kodambakkam]] where several film studios are located.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hiro|first=Dilip|title=After Empire: The Birth of a Multipolar World|year=2010|isbn=978-1-56858-427-0|page=248|publisher=Public Affairs|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zlivv_pQWnAC&pg=PA248 }}</ref> The history of cinema in South India started in 1897 when a European exhibitor first screened a selection of silent short films at the [[Victoria Public Hall]] in the city.<ref>{{cite book|title=Folklore, public sphere, and civil society|page=116|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&q=Victoria+Public+Hall&pg=PA117|isbn=978-8-19014-814-6|last1=Muthukumaraswamy|first1=M. D|last2=Kaushal|first2=Molly|year=2004|publisher=NFSC|access-date=9 December 2023|archive-date=29 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629140959/https://books.google.com/books?id=Xsrgg1Mel8UC&q=Victoria+Public+Hall&pg=PA117#v=snippet&q=Victoria%20Public%20Hall&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Swamikannu Vincent]] purchased a [[Movie projector|film projector]] and erected tents for screening films which became popular in the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rajmohan|first=Joshi|title=Encyclopaedia of Journalism and Mass Communication: Media and mass communication|page=68|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_aoH81IN8SsC&q=Swamikannu+Vincent&pg=PA68|isbn=978-8-18205-366-3|year=2006|publisher=Isha Books|access-date=9 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172925/https://books.google.com/books?id=_aoH81IN8SsC&q=Swamikannu+Vincent&pg=PA68|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Keechaka Vadham]], the first film in South India, was produced in the city and released in 1917.<ref>{{cite book| title=Tamil Cinema: The Cultural Politics of India's Other Film wenr Industry| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema| last=Velayutham| first=Selvaraj| chapter='India' in Tamil silent era cinema| year=2008| page=156| publisher=Routledge| isbn=978-0-415-39680-6| access-date=9 December 2023| archive-date=28 March 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172926/https://books.google.com/books?id=65Aqrna4o5oC&q=Tamil+cinema| url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gemini Studios|Gemini]] and [[Vijaya Studios|Vijaya Vauhini studios]], established in the 1940s, were amongst the largest and earliest in the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/madras375/the-true-tinsel-town/article6281515.ece|title=The true tinsel town|date=5 August 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=25 June 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209040916/https://www.thehindu.com/madras375/the-true-tinsel-town/article6281515.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai hosts many major film studios, including [[AVM Productions]], the oldest surviving studio in India.<ref>{{cite news|title=Heritage walk around old studios|location=Chennai|date=22 August 2011|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heritage-walk-around-old-studios/article2381749.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 December 2022|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208134610/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/heritage-walk-around-old-studios/article2381749.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Veg Full Meals in Tamil Nadu.JPG|thumb|upright=0.78|A typical vegetarian meal]]

===Cuisine===
{{See also|Tamil cuisine}}
Chennai cuisine is predominantly [[South Indian]] with rice as its base. Most local restaurants still retain their rural flavour, with many restaurants serving food over a banana leaf.<ref>{{cite web|title=Serving on a banana leaf|url=https://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|access-date=1 January 2023|publisher=[[ISKCON]]|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531220859/http://iskconhighertaste.com/bananaleaf_sattvic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Eating on a banana leaf is an old custom and imparts a unique flavour to the food and is considered healthy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|title=The Benefits of Eating Food on Banana Leaves|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=9 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041415/http://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/the-benefits-of-eating-food-on-banana-leaves-242512.html|archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref> [[Idly]] and [[Dosa (food)|dosa]] are popular [[breakfast]] dishes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/snack-street-combines-taste-of-street-food-with-hygiene-of-restaurant/article4930415.ece|title=Snack Street combines taste of street food with hygiene of restaurant|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 July 2013|access-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221211858/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/snack-street-combines-taste-of-street-food-with-hygiene-of-restaurant/article4930415.ece|archive-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Achaya|first=K.T.|title=The story of our food|date=1 November 2003|publisher=Universities Press|isbn=978-81-7371-293-7|page=80}}</ref> Chennai has an active street food culture and various cuisine options for dining including [[Indian cuisine|North Indian]], [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese]] and [[Continental breakfast|continental]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/clean-street-food-hubs-to-be-established-in-chennai-and-suburbs/article67153115.ece|title=Clean street food hubs to be established in Chennai and five districts|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=3 August 2023|access-date=3 August 2023|archive-date=3 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803092246/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/clean-street-food-hubs-to-be-established-in-chennai-and-suburbs/article67153115.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-stories/10-street-foods-of-chennai-that-are-a-must-try/photostory/105053604.cms|title=Chennai Street food|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 November 2023|access-date=3 December 2023|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172928/https://recipes.timesofindia.com/web-stories/10-street-foods-of-chennai-that-are-a-must-try/photostory/105053604.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The influx of industries in the early 21st century also bought distinct cuisines from other countries such as [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] and [[Korean cuisine|Korean]] to the city.<ref name="Expat">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190208-how-carmakers-brought-new-cuisine-to-chennai|title=How carmakers brought new cuisine to Chennai|date=12 February 2019|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=3 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209043348/https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20190208-how-carmakers-brought-new-cuisine-to-chennai|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai was the only South Asian city to be ranked among [[National Geographic]]'s "Top 10 food cities" in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/food-cities|title=Top 10 food cities|work=[[National Geographic (magazine)|National Geographic]]|date=22 January 2015|access-date=12 October 2023|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309194124/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/food-cities|url-status=live}}</ref> Chennai was named as the most [[vegan]] friendly city in India in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |date=20 November 2018 |title=Chennai wins ‘Most Vegan-Friendly City’ award |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-wins-most-vegan-friendly-city-award/articleshow/66710576.cms |access-date=26 March 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>