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In 1646, Golkonda forces under General Mir Jumla captured Madras and brought the city and surrounding areas under their control. After the fall of Golkonda in 1687, the region came under the Mughal Empire. During the tenure of Governor Elihu Yale from 1687 to 1692, an important civic development took place: a mayor and corporation were established for Chennai. The fort withstood several assaults during the 18th century and was briefly captured by the French between 1746 and 1749 before being restored to British control under the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. But the basic story remains: a piece of land granted for English trade in 1639 led to the construction of Fort St George, and the settlement that developed around the fort eventually grew into modern Chennai.
Fort St George grew in importance as the English expanded their presence in the region. The English later received permissions that allowed their activities in Chennai to continue. By the late 17th century, the settlement was expanding through trade and the acquisition of surrounding areas. In the following decades, several surrounding areas were added to the English company’s holdings. Fort St George also became the centre of political and administrative power in the region. Over time, its role changed from a trading post to a major administrative centre. The fort later became closely associated with the government of Madras and eventually with the administration of Tamil Nadu . It houses government offices and has a museum containing objects and relics from the colonial period. The fort is maintained as a protected monument. The city that grew around it has changed dramatically over nearly four centuries.
Today, the Fort St George complex remains an important historic site in Chennai.