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Chennai's 'Choolai': Unveiling the Historical Roots of a Bustling Locality!
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News18•01-10-2026, 12:03
Chennai's 'Choolai': Unveiling the Historical Roots of a Bustling Locality!
- •Chennai's bustling Choolai area gets its name from the brick and pot firing kilns ('Choolai') that once dominated the region.
- •As Madras expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries, the demand for brick buildings surged, making Choolai an ideal location for brick production.
- •Beyond bricks, Choolai was also renowned for clay-based crafts, including clay dolls, pots, paper dolls, and shell sculptures.
- •Due to pollution, brick kilns were moved outside the city. Later, industries like BNC Mill emerged in Choolai, transforming its economic landscape.
Key Questions Answered
In Tamil, the word 'Choolai' refers to a place where bricks or pots are fired, which stems from the brick kilns that operated in the area to support the city's construction growth.
According to the 1961 Chennai Census Report, the area was known for the production of clay dolls, pots, paper dolls, and shell sculptures, supported by potters and brick workers living there.
As Madras rapidly urbanized during the 20th century, residential areas increased in Choolai, and measures were taken to move the kilns outside the city due to smoke and pollution.
