Modernity of Madras
Today, Madras is called Chennai. Modernity and Tradition walk together here and the people of this city while are open to modernity, still nurture their traditional culture. Music, dance and plays form an integral part of Chennai. While I was staying at a Hotel Madras, I got to witness modernity in action from watching the building of high-rises to experiencing the ever expanding hi-technology. I really enjoyed the ‘Hop on – Hop off’ service of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation . This innovative offer worked well for me having very little time to waste while doing business in this huge bustling city. I noticed though, while on the TNSTC, also enjoying this Hop on – Hop off service to explore or to take advantage of this unique way of getting around Chenni.
I notice that much of the political ferment of the late 19th century resulting from a festering popular awareness of modernity pushed it’s promise through to the 21st century. The willingness that went among the people to resist the establishment that sustained the Caste society; the nexus between the native and the imperial power, and made a radical resistance contributing toward a newer and better ferment to create petitions and legislative enactments of the era resulting in a now ever growing mid-class society having no time for traditional cast concepts. When modernity and colonialism struck, despite the lack of a definition of modernity, the contributors unravelled how the advent of a European modernity in transportation shaped the culture and social structures.
Transformations in a community’s traditions carry social and cultural implications. It’s been observed that and great culture change, regardless of the motivation or cause, can disrupt the original intent of the tradition and may even destroy a critical component to leave certain aspects of the tradition such as the Caste system, to divorce from their ancient ways. Through modernity, the average Chennai citizen has no time to even consider what Caste System one might come from as they are to busy and very much enjoying the ‘Hop on – Hop off’ way of life.
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