Mangling Chennai’s Street Names and Distorting History

Chennai, a city steeped in history, is quietly losing pieces of its past. The haphazard renaming of iconic streets—from Mount Road to Anna Salai, Broadway to Rajaji Salai—raises a critical question: Are we honoring history or erasing it?

The Legacy of Chennai’s Streets

Chennai’s streets are living archives of its colonial, social, and political evolution. Names like Mount Road (now Anna Salai) and Blackers Road (now R. K. Salai) reflected British influence, while Mint Street and Poonamallee High Road showcased the city’s mercantile roots. These weren’t just labels—they were markers of time and identity.

Post-independence, renaming became political. While some changes honored freedom fighters, others—like replacing Wallajah Road (named after a Nawab who shaped Chennai’s infrastructure) with V. O. C. Salai—felt selective. Are we trading one history for another?

The Politics of Renaming Streets

Street renaming in Chennai follows political cycles. The DMK, AIADMK, and BJP have all used it to assert ideological dominance—often without public consultation. When Luz Church Road became Nageswara Rao Road, locals ignored the change, exposing the futility of top-down decisions.

Colonial Names: Erasure vs. Context

Proponents argue renaming sheds colonial baggage. But selectively targeting British-era names risks losing context:
– Mount Road wasn’t just British—it was a cultural hub. Renaming it Anna Salai honored a leader but erased a historic identity.
– Coral Merchant Street becoming Semmoli Poonga Pathai (after a flower market) obscures its maritime trade legacy.

A Balanced Approach to Renaming

Instead of arbitrary changes, Chennai could:
1. Engage the Public: Involve historians, residents, and civic groups.
2. Use Dual Signages: Preserve old names alongside new ones (like Mumbai/Kolkata).
3. Diversify Honorees: Celebrate artists, scientists, and local heroes—not just politicians.

Conclusion: Whose History Are We Keeping?

Chennai’s streets are its memory lanes. Each careless rename chips away at that legacy. If we change names, let it enrich—not erase—history. The city’s soul depends on it.