Chennai that was Madras has numerous localities within it, each with its own history. Sadly, except for the very old ones such as Mylapore or Thiruvottriyur, there are very few records of the others. Most of the place names are explained by fanciful interpretations with no factual basis for them. In this context, it is refreshing to deal with a locality whose date of origin is clearly recorded and whose name has a proper reasoning behind it. I allude to Gopalapuram.
Best known for its former star resident and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Gopalapuram traces its origins to the co-operative movement, in which Madras was a forerunner among the Presidencies of colonial India.
