​CHINGLEPUT, orChengalpat, a town and district of BritishIndia, in the Madras presidency. The town, situated 36 m. byrail from Madras, had a population in 1901 of 10,551. WithChandragiri in North Arcot, Chingleput was once the capital ofthe Vijayanagar kings, after their overthrow by the Mussulmansat Talikota in 1565. In 1639 a chief, subject to these kings,granted to the East India Company the land on which Fort StGeorge now stands. The fort built by the Vijayanagar kings inthe 16th century was of strategic importance, owing to itsswampy surroundings and the lake that flanked its side. It wastaken by the French in 1751, and was retaken in 1752 by Clive,after which it proved invaluable to the British, especially whenLally in his advance on Madras left it unreduced in his rear.During the wars of the British with Hyder Ali it withstood hispower, and afforded a refuge to the natives; and in 1780, afterthe defeat of Colonel W. Baillie, the army of Sir Hector Munrohere found refuge. The town is noted for its manufacture ofpottery, and carries on a trade in rice.

TheDistrict of Chingleput surrounds the city of Madras,stretching along the coast for about 115 m. The administrativeheadquarters are at Saidapet. Area, 3079 sq. m. Pop. (1901)1,312,122, showing an increase of 9% in the decade. Salt isextensively manufactured all along the coast. Cotton and silkweaving is also largely carried on, and there are numerous indigovats, tanneries and an English cigar factory.