Madras Legislative Council, the first representative legislature for the Madras Presidency (political predecessor for Tamil Nadu) was inaugurated in December 1920 as per the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms.

The first President, Sir P. Rajagopalachari was not elected but nominated and took office on 17 December 1920.

With the introduction of provincial autonomy in 1937, the Council became the upper chamber of a bicameral legislature.

This agreement continued in the Republic of India as well till the council's abolition in 1986.

The Government of India Act of 1935 abolished dyarchy and ensured provincial autonomy.