The EIC's Forgotten Fortress: St. George and the Birth of Madraspatnam

This episode of Fexingo History dives into the neglected origins of one of the EIC's most crucial settlements: Madras. We explore how a tiny fishing village called Madraspatnam became the site of Fort St. George, the first permanent English settlement in India. Lucas and Luna uncover the story of Francis Day, Andrew Cogan, and the deal with the Nayak of Vandavasi that gave the Company a sliver of coast. We discuss the role of dubashes—Indian interpreters and brokers—who made the colony viable, the weaving tradition of Madras checks (the original gingham), and the uneasy coexistence with the Dutch at Pulicat. The episode also examines life in 'Black Town' (the segregated Indian quarter) and how Madras grew from a risky outpost into a presidency capital. Along the way, we touch on the chintz trade that made the settlement profitable, and the early experiments in cross-cultural power sharing that set a pattern for later British expansion. A thoughtful look at how a corporate fort became a city. #EastIndiaCompany #FortStGeorge #Madras #FrancisDay #AndrewCogan #NayakOfVandavasi #Dubash #MadrasChecks #Chintz #BlackTown #Carnatic #Pulicat #VOC #17thCentury #ColonialIndia #History #FexingoHistory #TamilNadu Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo