Madurai

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historic cities introducti

Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, the city of Madurai is an ancient metropolis with a rich history. It is also known as Athens of the East. Renowned for its majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai continues to be a vibrant hub of spirituality and tradition, attracting pilgrims, scholars, and tourists alike. With its rich historical heritage and enduring cultural legacy, Madurai stands as a testament to the uniqueness of Indian civilisation.

historic cities city tales

Since ancient times the city of Madurai has been a centre of literary, artistic and culinary traditions.

Explore the tale of Madurai and its vibrant culinary narratives.

historic cities history

Madurai's political and historical timeline is stretched over several centuries. It is a narrative of the rise and fall of several powerful dynasties including the  Pandyas, Cholas, and Nayakas. Each one of them has left an indelible mark on the city's enduring legacy. The city’s political landscape is entwined with the timeless saga of the Sangam Age. 

Click below to read more on the long history of this city.

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History of Madurai

  1. Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty.
  2. The third Sangam took place in Madurai.
  3. The Kalabheras, a group of chieftains practising Buddhism, defeated the Pandyas and took control of Madurai.
  4. The first Jain sangha was established in Madurai.
  5. The Pandyas, with the help of the Pallavas, defeated the Kalabheras and took control of Madurai once more.
  6. Silapattikaram, one of the most famous Tamil epics based on Madurai was composed.
  7. The Ceylonese (Sri Lankan kingdom) sacked Madurai and defeated the Pandyan empire.
  8. The Cholas invaded the Pandyan empire several times, before defeating and driving them out of Madurai. The city came under the control of the Cholas.
  9. The Pandyas attempted to reclaim Madurai but were defeated by the Chola ruler- Rajendra I.
  10. Civil war broke out within the Pandyas. Taking advantage, the Chola ruler appointed Vira Pandya as a puppet ruler and left Madurai.
  11. Civil war continued within the Pandyas in Madurai. Vira Pandya was defeated and Vikrama Pandya became the ruler, thereby ending the influence of the Cholas in Madurais’ administration.
  12. The Cholas, under Koluttunga III, made another attempt to seize Madurai but were soundly defeated by the Pandyas. With this, Madurai finally came back under the control of the Pandyas.
  13. Sundara Pandya fled to Delhi to seek help from Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji (Ruler of the Delhi Sultanate) to come to power in Madurai. Sundara’s brother, Vira Pandya took over the throne in Madurai.
  14. Alauddin Khilji’s general- Malik Kafur made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Madurai.
  15. Khusrau Khan, another general from Delhi, came to conquer Madurai but failed.
  16. The Sultan of Delhi, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq sent another envoy to conquer Madurai.
  17. Madurai came under the control of the Delhi Sultanate.
  18. Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq’s (Ruler of the Delhi Sultanate) governor established himself as the Sultan of Madurai and adopted the title Jalaluddin Ashah Shah.
  19. Kumara Kampana, a prince of the Vijayanagara Empire, defeated Madurai’s Sultan and conquered Madurai.
  20. Vijayanagara’s ruler Krishnadeva Raya established Vishwanatha, one of his Nayaka, in Madurai.
  21. After Krishnadeva Raya’s demise, Nayaka's rule strengthened in Madurai.
  22. Under the reign of Muttu Virappa, the capital of the Nayakas was shifted from Madurai to Tiruchirapalli.
  23. During the Thirumalai Nayaka, the capital was shifted back to Madurai.
  24. Chanda Saheb, the Nawab of Arcot waged a war against the Nayakas.
  25. Chanda Saheb, the Nawab of Arcot captured Madurai, marking the Nayaka dynasty's ending in Madurai.
  26. Chanda Saheb appointed his brother, Buda Saheb as the governor of Madurai. The Marathas, led by Raghoji Bhonsle, invaded and conquered the city.
  27. The Marathas retired from Madurai and the city again came under the control of Anwaruddin Khan, Nawab of Arcot.
  28. Alam Khan, a former employee of Chanda Saheb, freed Madurai from the control of the Nawab of Arcot and began ruling the city in Chanda Saheb’s name.
  29. Madurai remained under the control of Alam Khan and his family.
  30. A British East India Company battalion led by Colonel Heron conquered Madurai and placed it under British control. British appointed Mahfuz Khan as the Governor of Madurai.
  31. Madurai was attacked by Nabhi Khan, a relative of Alam Khan. Muhammad Yusuf Khan, a soldier in the British East India Company, defeated him.
  32. Haider Ali, ruler of Mysore, attempted to capture Madurai, but was defeated by Muhammad Yusuf Khan.
  33. Muhammad Yusuf Khan became the governor of Madurai.
  34. Yusuf Khan rebelled against the British.
  35. The British successfully captured Madurai from Yusuf Khan. Yusuf Khan was assassinated and Abiral Khan Sahib was appointed as Madurai’s governor under Nawab of Arcot’s suzerainty.
  36. The Nawab of Arcot, Azim-ud-Daula signed the Treaty of Carnatic and Madurai officially came under direct control of the British.
  37. Annie Besant arrived in Madurai to deliver a speech on the Home Rule Movement to trigger anti-colonial sentiments among the masses.
  38. The people of Madurai signed the Home Rule League petition for self-government in India.
  39. Gandhi visited Madurai to rally the masses in support of the Anti-Rowlatt Satyagraha movement.
  40. Madurai became one of the centres of the Salt Satyagraha in the south, under the leadership of C. Rajagopalachari.
  41. The Quit India Movement turned into a violent agitation in Madurai and several arrests were made by the police.
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