Madurai
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| Madurai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Madurai |
| Settlement type | City |
| Coordinates | 9.9252, 78.1198, type:city |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Tamil Nadu |
| Subdivision type2 | District |
| Subdivision name2 | Madurai district |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 6th century BCE (traditionally) |
| Government type | Municipal Corporation |
| Governing body | Madurai Municipal Corporation |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Vacant |
| Leader title1 | District Collector |
| Leader name1 | M. S. Sangeetha, IAS |
| Area total km2 | 147.97 |
| Elevation m | 101 |
| Population total | 1,561,129 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Languages |
| Demographics1 title1 | Official |
| Demographics1 info1 | Tamil |
| Timezone1 | IST |
| Utc offset1 | +5:30 |
| Postal code type | PIN |
| Postal code | 625001 |
| Area code type | Telephone code |
| Area code | 0452 |
| Registration plate | TN-58, TN-59 |
| Website | https://maduraicorporation.in/ |
Madurai. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Indian subcontinent, it is a major cultural and economic hub in southern Tamil Nadu. Renowned globally for the historic Meenakshi Amman Temple, the city has been a significant center for Tamil language, Sangam literature, and Dravidian architecture for millennia. Often called the "Athens of the East," it served as the capital of the ancient Pandyan Kingdom and remains a pivotal site for Hindu pilgrimage and Tamil culture.
History
Ancient literary works like the Sangam literature describe the grandeur of the city, then known as *Madhurapuri*, under the rule of the Pandyan dynasty. The city flourished as a premier trading center, with connections to the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece, as noted by historians like Strabo and Megasthenes. After the Pandyans, it came under the control of the Chola dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire, and later the Madurai Nayak dynasty, whose rulers, including Tirumala Nayaka, commissioned iconic structures like the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The city fell to the British East India Company in 1801 after periods of rule by the Carnatic kingdom and the Kingdom of Mysore.
Geography and climate
The city is located on the banks of the Vaigai River, with the Sirumalai and Nagamalai hills forming part of its topography. It lies in a semi-arid region, characterized by a Tropical savanna climate with hot summers and moderate rainfall primarily from the Northeast monsoon. The surrounding region is part of the broader Deccan Plateau, and the city's layout historically radiated concentrically from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census of India, the urban agglomeration had a population exceeding 1.5 million, with Tamil being the predominant language. The city has a significant population of Sri Lankan Tamils and is a major center for the Nadar community. Religious composition is predominantly Hindu, with notable minorities following Islam and Christianity, the latter with historic churches like the St. Mary's Cathedral.
Culture and landmarks
The city's cultural identity is inextricably linked to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a monumental complex famed for its towering gopurams and the Potramarai Kulam tank. Major festivals include the 12-day Chithirai Thiruvizha, which culminates in the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar. Other landmarks include the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, and the Koodal Azhagar Temple. The city is a cradle of Tamil literature and traditional arts like Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.
Economy
Traditionally known for its bustling Madurai Malli (jasmine) trade and handloom textiles, particularly the Sungudi sarees, the city's economy has diversified. It is a major commercial center for the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, with industries ranging from rubber, granite, and automotive component manufacturing. The Madurai Railway Junction and the Madurai International Airport facilitate trade and connectivity, while the IT sector is growing in areas like Kappalur.
Administration and politics
The city is administered by the Madurai Municipal Corporation, headed by a Mayor, and is the headquarters of the Madurai district under a District Collector. It is a key political stronghold, represented in the Lok Sabha by the Madurai (Lok Sabha constituency) and in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly by multiple constituencies. Major political parties with strong presence include the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
Education and research
The city is a prominent educational hub, anchored by institutions like the Madurai Kamaraj University and the Thiagarajar College of Engineering. It houses premier medical facilities such as the Government Rajaji Hospital and the Aravind Eye Hospital, a globally recognized institution in ophthalmology. Research centers include the Central Electrochemical Research Institute and the Sugarcane Breeding Institute.
Category:Cities in Tamil Nadu Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India Category:Former capitals of India