When Food Riots Rocked Madras, A 100 Years Ago

The September 1918 unrest saw industrial workers joining hands with unemployed youth to wreak havoc on merchants and their establishments in the city.

- Ramya Kannan

A 100 years ago, there was much tumult in the city. 

In fact, in September 1918, food riots broke out across the city, with widespread looting of shops and bazaars, beginning with the Kotwal Market (later day Kothawalchavadi) and spreading from one locality to another, including the burning down of a section of Moore Market. The riots were nally contained when the military was called in.

All September, The Hindu chronicled in great detail the ‘food riots’, covering the length and breadth of the bazaars, verifying reports of violence and arson, while staunching rumours and advising the government on the road ahead.