On September 29, 1688, Madras became the first city Corporation to come into existence in India. That day, Nathaniel Higginson took the oath as the first Mayor of Madras, along with those nominated for the posts of aldermen and burgesses, who were to help in managing the Corporation.
After the ceremony, the Colonial records show, at 3 p.m., all those who took the oath marched in their ceremonial robes and with the maces before the Mayor to the Town Hall.
