Education is rightly regarded as the basis of civilized life. Education is any process by which an individual gains knowledge or insight, or develops attitudes or skills. The cardinal aim of education is to widen one's sphere or spectrum of knowledge in varied fields. Secondly, the purpose of education is to enlighten a person on themes or matters. education enables a person to become refined or civilized. It helps a man to become an expert or skilled if he specializes in a particular field. It expels ignorance and contributes to proficiency in intellectual attainment.Hence, a study of the history of the progress of education is an important and fascinating aspect of the history of a country or a region.Several attempts have been made to trace the history of the progress of education in India and some research works have been published on the history of educational progress in Tamilnadu. So far no attempt has been made to highlight the progress of education in the city of Madras though the city had played a decisive role in the educational growth in the Madras Presidency. Hence the present endeavour.