Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
A2
A1
A2
B2
A2
10
Royal Court
A1
11
TM Lodge
A2
Eating
A2
A2
(see 7)
8
Information
A2
Supreme Web
(see 7)
8
Transport
(see 14)
A2
A3
History
Ancient documents record the existence of Madurai from the 3rd century BC. It was a
trading town, especially in spices, and according to legend was the home of the third
sangam
(gathering of Tamil scholars and poets). Over the centuries Madurai came under
the sway of the Cholas, Pandyas, local Muslim sultans, Hindu Vijayanagar kings, and the
Nayaks, who ruled until 1736. Under Tirumalai Nayak (1623-59) the bulk of the Sri
Meenakshi Temple was built, and Madurai became the hub of Tamil culture, playing an
important role in the development of the Tamil language.
In 1840 the British East India Company razed Madurai's fort and filled in its moat. The
four broad Veli streets were constructed on top of this fill and to this day define the limits
of the old city.
