Ranganathan Street

Coordinates: 13°02′14″N 80°13′46″E / 13.0371°N 80.22931°E / 13.0371; 80.22931

Ranganathan Street is a major commercial street in the neighborhood of T. Nagar, located in Chennai, India. The street houses several commercial establishments, primarily those involved in the clothing and jewelry industry. It has often been referred to as the most crowded street in Chennai.

History

Ranganathan Street ought to have been named Rangaswamy Iyengar Street after the first resident of that street. It was the usual practice then to name streets after the first resident irrespective of their class, caste or contribution.

Tupil Rangaswamy Iyengar, a retired Civil Servant of the erstwhile Madras Presidency, built his house in early 1920s. When civil authorities approached him for his formal approval the gentleman requested it be named after Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam.

General

Usman Road is on one end of the street. At the other end is the Mambalam train station. On the street can be found many commercial establishments ranging from street hawkers selling safety pins to big stores selling gold jewelry. Many vegetable vendors also sell their wares on Ranganathan Street.