History
Saidapet is named after Sayyid Shah (Sayyid Musalman Sahib), a high-ranking 18th-century official of the court of the Nawab of Arcot. The then Nawab of Arcot gifted these parts to Sayyid Shah in 1730. However, Saidapet at that time also included Kotturpuram and Nandanam.
The Maraimalai Adigal Bridge (previously the Marmalong Bridge) connects the northern banks of the Adyar river with the south. This bridge was originally built in 1726 by Coja Petrus Uscan. The dilapidated old bridge was replaced by a new one in the 1960s built as part of the reconstruction and modernization efforts.
Saidapet was obtained by the British East India Company in the 1700s along with the jaghir of Chingleput. From 1859 to 1947, Saidapet served as the district headquarters of Chingleput District. In 1947, the headquarters was shifted to Chengalpattu. Saidapet was included in Madras city during 1945-46 and since then forms a part of the corporation. Saidapet had a large weaver population and handlooms were in operation as late as 1990. It was quite notorious for filariasis in the olden day.
Churches
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Saidapet has about seven churches, Our Lady of Good Health church has a congregation of 1000 families and is situated on LDG street, theNLAG Church[1] is situated across the bridge. It is the biggest Assembly of God church in Tamil Nadu. C.S.I Church of Jesus the Savior located in prime location in Saidapet was congregated in 1902 and one among the oldest congregation in Chennai. C.S.I St.Thomas Church located in Saidapet is 85 years old with 400 families as its members. It was re-constructed in 2012.[2]
Little Mount Church
A few meters south of the MaraiMalai Adigalar Bridge is the hill formation called Little Mount. On top of this mountain is a church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. The original church was built by the Portuguese in 1551 AD. The new church was built after demolishing a part of old church in 1970s. It is believed that St. Thomas the Apostle lived in a cave under the Church, which is well preserved even today. The Church holds an annual festival in honor of Our Lady on the fifth Saturday of Easter. Recently, this Church was elevated to the status of a Shrine.
Community Halls
St. Thomas Community Hall
This hall is located opposite Our Lady of Good Health church and is run by the church officials. The hall in the first floor has a capacity of about 250 people and the dining hall on the ground floor can seat about 70 people. Car parking is inadequate inside the compound. Cars are usually parked outside the compound in the land belonging to church.
Politics
Saidapet assembly constituency is part of Chennai South (Lok Sabha constituency). It occupies an important place in Tamil Nadu politics being the starting place for election rallies. Karunanidhi was once elected from this constituency.
