Gleaning the Socio-Political History and the Significance of Fort St. George through Material Remains

Abstract

Fort St. George, an iconic colonial fortress located in Chennai, India, holds immense historical and cultural significance. This conference paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the socio-political history of Fort St. George, exploring its strategic and political aspects through the lens of material remains. The study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, which includes architectural analysis, historical research and archaeological insights and community perspectives to unravel the fort's past and its impact on the cultural heritage of Chennai, South India. The research focuses on the architectural features and defensive elements of Fort St. George, revealing how its strategic location on the Bay of Bengal played a vital role in shaping maritime trade and military defence during different historical periods. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and archival research, this paper explores the fort's role as centre of colonial governance and administration. It explores how the British East India Company utilised Fort St. George to exert control over neighbouring territories, reinforce their colonial authority, and assert dominance in South India. The findings of this conference paper shed light on the rich socio-political history embedded in Fort St. George's material remains, bringing to the fore its role in shaping power dynamics, governance, and cultural heritage in South India. By revealing the interplay between architecture, historical events, and community perspectives, this research contributes significantly to the broader field of colonial studies, architectural history, and the understanding of material remains as cultural artefacts of immense value.