**The first municipal corporation in India was set up at Madras in 1687.**

*Background:*
- The concept of municipal corporations originated in Europe during the medieval period.
- British colonial rule in India led to the introduction of municipal governance systems to manage urban areas.

**Establishment of the Madras Municipal Corporation:**
- The Madras Municipal Corporation was established in 1687, making it the first municipal corporation in India.
- It was introduced by the British East India Company in response to the growing urban population and the need for efficient administration.
- The corporation was initially known as the Corporation of Fort St. George and was responsible for the management and governance of the city of Madras (now Chennai).

**Functions and Structure:**
- The Madras Municipal Corporation had several key functions, including maintaining law and order, providing sanitation services, regulating trade and commerce, and managing public health.
- The corporation had a hierarchical structure with a mayor as the head and elected councilors representing different wards of the city.
- The councilors were responsible for making decisions regarding municipal policies and regulations.
- The corporation also had various departments and committees to oversee specific areas such as public works, health, education, and revenue collection.

**Significance and Impact:**
- The establishment of the Madras Municipal Corporation set a precedent for urban governance in India.
- It provided a model for other cities to follow, leading to the formation of municipal corporations in other parts of the country.
- The introduction of municipal corporations marked a shift towards local self-governance and decentralization of power.
- It laid the foundation for urban development and the provision of basic amenities in Indian cities.
- The Madras Municipal Corporation served as a blueprint for subsequent municipal reforms and acts, such as the Bengal Municipal Act of 1884 and the Bombay Municipal Act of 1888.

In conclusion, the first municipal corporation in India was set up at Madras in 1687. It played a crucial role in urban governance, setting a precedent for other cities and contributing to the development of local self-governance in the country.

(B),1687
Madras municipal corporation.